Page 19

Asha Avery

“She’s always late.” I barked as I sat down in the folding chair. The auditorium was slowly filling up with students, staff, and teachers as Maggie took her place next to me. Souxie had Quan in her bag as she sat down in an all black and stoic face. The bags under her eyes were rare but real.

We were fucking tired and drained. Sleepy Collins had officially kicked into high gear as exams started up and I was scrambling. I didn’t know half the shit I needed to know. The shit I did know, I wasn’t sure even mattered at this point. I was no longer being put out. Dr. Marvin T. Holmes did a soft launch of his return and slowly stepped back into a position of control. He was making his way around The Grounds but Wilhelmina…the bitch was still here. Not for long though, and I suspect this is what the special announcement was going to be about.

“Give her some time,” Souxie said. “We have her seat saved just in case.”

I sat up with a smile when I saw some of the coaches walk in, mainly Namir who was smiling and dapping hands with students. Teasing Maggie, I nudged her in her side .

“There goes your man.”

“There goes a man ,” she countered with a yawn. “Shit…After this…I’m taking my ass straight to bed. I have an exam at 7 in the morning.”

“I have one tonight,” Souxie yawned. “Two down, six more to go.”

“When do we know the results of these so-called exams?” I pressed.

“When your class schedule gets more complicated,” Souxie replied. “Next year should be onsite learning. Not so much classroom. We need to try and grab a work study. Maggie and I applied to work at the library overnight. You and Isis could maybe work as team managers for the swim team or something.”

“Nah I’m gonna join that bitch,” I stated. The two looked at me as I laughed. “I mean, I might, daaaayuum . Can’t a girl try something new?”

“Everyone please take your seats so we can get started,” the woman said as she gathered her notes on the podium. “Move quickly now. Next round of exams starts in another hour. We don’t want anyone to be late.”

“There’s Isis.” Maggie pointed before standing up as she waved her arm wildly in the air. You could see her wide eyes looking around before smiling as she made her way up the steps.

“Y'all,” Souxie leaned in. She nodded towards the stage. “Why are they smiling and laughing like everything is okay? ”

Wilhelmina made her way on to the stage in a black dress coat and matching gloves. Her silver hair was pinned back and her one tacky white eye had a certain devious sparkle to it. She was laughing at something being said while her brother, Dr. Marvin T. Holmes grinned. They looked like siblings from decades, centuries ago, sharing a bond as old as time while people moved around them to set the stage up.

“Maybe they’re just putting on for students,” Maggie whispered, confused. “I don’t think they actually mean it. Not after everything.”

“Naaaah,” I started with a shake of my head. “They’re up to something. All of that rah rah in the office that night was a front.”

“Y'all, this is where they’re gonna announce her departure.” Isis beamed as she squished in between our legs to take a seat. “I heard them down there talking about they’re going to miss Wilhelmina. She’s making her announcement today and I bet you, Dr. Holmes is gonna straight embarrass her ass.”

She plopped down beside Souxie as I continued to stare at the two old siblings. It should have been that way. She was doing something evil, getting away with missing students and nothing was said or done.

“Everyone please…take your seats so we can begin… ”

The lights dimmed as the rest of the auditorium filled up. It wasn’t a requirement to be here. It was encouraged to come and most took any opportunity to take a break from studying, hoping to hear some good news. So when the short petite woman with cornrows came walking up in her gray suit, she smiled as she grabbed the mic.

“Good afternoon Drew Collins,” she greeted.

“Afternoooooon…”

Tone dry, drained and just ready to get on with it. I grabbed Maggie’s arm for support, hoping we could see Wilhelmina fall flat on her ass and get called out. Maybe the cops were going to burst into the school and take her down. Something had to happen. There was no way Dr. Holmes would let her get away with what she’s been doing.

“First, I would like to address the rumors circulating around The Grounds about a previous professor that has worked here. Professor Tyee from the intellectual department and a brother to our favorite coach and director of Athletics, Namir, has indeed passed away.”

Everyone began to stir in their seats as the outpour of support focused on the bottom left hand corner where Namir sat with a small nod of acknowledgement.

“We want to send our love, and light to Namir and his family at this trying time and say there will be a public funeral and gathering this weekend that is open to all students, faculty and staff as well. Information will be posted on the board and you’ll receive a notification when it's live.”

I turned to Maggie, ready to ask her if she wanted us to go but the look on her face told me to shut the hell up. She looked pissed and suspicious at the same time so I listened. Something was definitely up and it seems she might have caught on to the games this school was about to play.

“I would also like to extend an invitation to all students who want to see the Winter Parade in Crystal City. All exams should be completed and the trains scheduled for Friday will take you directly to Crystal City. Courtesy of the university system here at the Underground. All schools will be in attendance. The Saint and the Queen will be making their first appearance to the public just before the holidays.”

Isis leaned down as she waved her hand for our attention.

“We are going!” She whispered. “We have to!”

“And now I would like to reintroduce a familiar face who we are more than happy to have back as our president, founder and dean of this university. The first ever university created here at the Underground. Civil Rights leader above and below, Dr. Marvin T. Holmes. ”

Everyone began clapping and cheering as most people began to stand up. Maggie remained seated so we did as well. Dr. Holmes pressed his hand down against his sharp suit with a charismatic smile. You could tell he was probably the man back in the day. Light skin, pretty eyes, wavy hair…A typical pretty boy and still had moments of flirting when he winked at some of the staff waiting around the stage.

“Good afternoon Drew Collins.” He greeted as everyone picked up their voices. “You’ve probably seen me around the school, inspecting the changes and looking at what my sister has implemented in my absence. I am here to declare that I am back in my position full time. This school is my baby…my first love and I want to make sure it remains a symbol of elite, higher education and power when it comes to the other schools in the Underground. Drew Collins was named after my brothers, Andrew Holmes and Collin Holmes who did not get a chance to see it come to life but every day their legacy lives on in you all. Thank you staff, teachers, and aids in upholding a standard I’ve set and putting up with my sister.”

You could hear the snickering and muttering remarks as he glanced back at Wilhelmina .

“I can’t say that I agree with how she’s handled things….all students that were at risk of departure should have received an email stating that is no longer the case.”

I leaned in towards Maggie.

“He’s not going to hold her responsible, is he?” I whispered.

“Nope.” She said plainly without turning away. “He’s letting her get off easy which is some straight up bullshit.”

“For real…” I added before leaning back in my seat. Frowning, I looked around at the faces of the students from young to middle aged and they didn’t have the slightest clue of what was happening. What’s been happening.

“Thank you for that passive aggressive speech Marvin.” Wilhelmina said with a clap as she playfully pinched his arm. She came up to the podium, and the greed in her eyes couldn’t be missed.

“I would just like to say that my brother and I have different ideologies on how the young minds of today should be shaped. I believe in a more hands on approach and learning your potential…showcasing your abilities and using them in the real world. We are magic… We are the purest form of magic. The birthplace of it. We shouldn’t be hiding it in books and exams. We should be expanding, creating, dominating…” looking back at Marvin, “I’ve been moved…being here at this school has taught m e so much about myself…about others… I know this is supposed to be my speech to officially step down and thank everyone for accommodating me and my needs.”

I slowly sat up as the white screen rolled down with the projector being set up directly behind her.

“Instead…I’ve been inspired to start my own university.”

Marvin gave her a small nod in approval. So he knew but it was nothing like seeing the backdrop of buildings be made that stretched for acres on end in the silent video. It looked waaaaay more up to date than Drew Collins from the easy pathways to new dorms. The student center being in the center of everything. The red and black school crest suddenly appeared at the end saying Francis Holmes University. School of Dark Arts and Defense. Jaws were dropped as the double doors opened to show students walking in now with their red long coats, red gloves, black pants and scarf to match. They looked militant, formal, and elite. Damn near perfect.

“Look,” Souxie whispered as the projector showed clips of students walking around the newly built campus. “There she is… ”

Celeste Taylor was shown laughing as she stood in front of a building with other students, posing for pictures. Only, it wasn’t…her. I don’t think… She still had the same round face and full figure body. Her complexion bronzed from the sun. It was her hair that stood out. The same snow white strands of natural hair that looked exactly like Maggie only…they couldn’t quite get it all the way. Just a thick patch of it. The rest of it, a natural dark brown but it was still the mark of the First Family. Her and Celeste could have easily been sisters of the opposite complexion. Has she been turned into a vampire?

“These students have been blessed by the presence of Gaia being with us. They have awakened as the newest members of the First Family, and they will make history as the first to ever attend Francis Holmes University.” Wilhelmina beamed with pride. “Students who’ve shown exceptional potential, strength, poise, and class will be a perfect fit for Francis Holmes. There is a reason why I requested to open up admission for those who were not allowed…for those deemed dangerous or violent. I wanted to provide a safe haven for students that have been rejected by the formal education system since birth because of what and who they are.”

Everyone began to move and stir in their seats, unsure of what was happening and being said. So were there more vampires? Who were the students standing at the front in their red uniforms? Who ––– The double doors opened again as a tall dark skinned man with thick white locs pulled back stepped inside.

“What the hell is happening?” I whispered before leaning in close to Maggie. “Do you know who he is?”

She shook her head.

“Marvin and I have come to an agreement on allowing Francis to be the sister school to Drew Collins so there will be some classes that will be shared between the two institutions and a direct transfer will be made simple. I will be the headmistress of the school but my chosen dean, and director of academics, and President of Francis Holmes will be none other than Professor D’angelo Kamara. Can you please rise,” she motioned. The teacher with the long antlers sticking out of his head stood up as everyone began to clap and cheer in excitement. He gave a quick bow of appreciation before sitting back down.

“If you are interested in applying as a teacher or student, please do not hesitate. I am looking for those with real magic. Real abilities, talent, and real potential to grow. This school will focus more on what we actually are…learning what we can do and what we can become. There are not enough books in the world that can tell us what we can and can’t be, even at Drew Collins.” She turned back to the audience and bowed her head. “Thank you so much for your ears. I hope to see some of you at the admissions office. ”

Souxie wasted no time, being the first to walk out just minutes before being dismissed. We followed behind her and made our way out as more students in their red winter attire stood outside greeting others. That’s when we noticed Celeste. The striped white hair pinned back, the thick red long coat and matching gloves. She was laughing while Wilhelmina stood proudly by her side to show her off. Others were screaming at the sight of seeing their friends for the first time in months which…didn’t make sense until I overheard the conversation.

“I wasn’t allowed to speak on it until the trials were over but yeah,” one laughed. “She asked if I wanted to be a part of it after looking over my performance. I signed a few papers and just did it. I’m going to be one of the first Francis Holmes girls!”

“This is sooo exciting!” Another squealed as they jumped in place. Souxie pushed her way through the crowd with us following until we were face to face with Celeste who was laughing with some of the guys. She stopped and smiled at Souxie. Her round yellow cheeks were still puffed out, and her full figure body covered with the long red wool coat as she greeted Souxie.

“Hi?” A little confused at the intense stare from Souxie. “Do we…know each other?”

Souxie stared at her for a moment. Wilhelmina cleared her throat as she stepped in .

“Celeste, these are close friends of my great niece,” she said but the woman had no interest in Maggie. She wasn’t even checking for her. Souxie peeped, adjusted her coat, and flipped her hair back with a smile.

“My name is Souxie Lafayette,” sticking her hand out. “Drew Collins student. Clairvoyant witch. Historical studies.”

“Celeste Taylor,” she smiled. “Francis Holmes student. Vampiric studies with a concentration in predatory behavior. Specializing in procurement.”

“How did you get here?” I asked with a blunt tone. Celeste let out a short laugh as if I even had the nerve to talk to her. So the white hair came with a side of uppity. Maggie would never.

“Well actually,” looking at Wilhelmina. “The last memory I have is a man following me and outright attacking me right here.” She touched her neck where we saw the small holes that could have been mistaken for a misplaced freckle. “I woke up a few days later unsure of what happened but received a letter from the school, and that sorta confirmed what I knew. What happened to me was unfortunate but it also made me what I am today and I want to make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else. That’s how alot of us,” turning to point to the other students in red, “came about. Wilhelmina here gave me an opportunity, gave us all an opportunity to live out the rest of our lives understanding ourselves, knowing ourselves…and doing better. Which is why I’m studying predatory behavior.”

“Unfortunately, she, like the others, faced a terrible threat to their bodies and livelihood to live a normal life so I am providing them with the means to start over.” Wilhelmina said with a smile before laughing. “Call it the Second Family, if you will…”

Maggie walked right past us without so much as an acknowledgement to Wilhelmina and went straight to Namir. Celeste, like most of the other students in red, followed with their eyes with curiosity and something else. They were naturally drawn to her as if on instinct. The tall dark skinned man with the white locs made it obvious his attention was on Maggie. He stood beside Celeste but his eyes, face, and body were following our girl with pure lust.

“Well how exciting,” Souxie said. “You must be excited.”

“Yes!” Isis added, clearing her throat. “You have to come visit Drew Collins from time to time.”

“Of course. I have a few art classes here as electives.”

Hmmmph…Don’t treat my school like it’s child’s play. We will eat you alive here bitch.

Celeste grinned, as if she could hear my thoughts.

“Exams are starting in 30 minutes!” Someone yelled. “If you are scheduled for an exam, please make your way down to your designated building! Interest forms and sign ups for Francis Holmes will be placed in the dining hall and student board! Let’s clear this out! Please! Clear out!”

“Good luck on your exams!” Celeste called out as she and the other students in red began to walk together. It was all anyone was talking about. How perfect the students looked and what did you have to do in order to become what they are? What did this mean for Maggie if there were carbon copies of her just next door?

She didn’t seem to be too worried though when she spoke to Namir. In fact, this is probably the most serious I’ve seen her. Maggie didn’t seem concerned or bothered by it. Her focus was strictly on Namir and his well being. Not for nothing, this is where I remembered her age and how she was older than us. We were still in our bustling youthful twenties. We were still allowed to act childish and be reckless. Times like this where she showed her age, is when she was off with him and the other teachers talking, and laughing. She looked like she belonged with them and meshed so well. Instead of being in a classroom, she should have been in a teacher’s lounge.

“So Celeste was never missing?” Isis questioned, confused. Souxie shook her head as she pulled out her phone .

“No, they just fucked her over. Some students actually signed up for it but others did not…I don’t think she did. This is what was going to happen to you, Asha. I’m told they already have over 500 students enrolling next spring.”

“ What ?” I gawked. “Are they all like her?”

“No,” she blew off, annoyed. I wondered if she thought she belonged in such a school. “I doubt it…but they’re definitely something to get into a school that specializes in dark magic, aura, and entities.”

“You still think she’s our 5th girl?” I asked with a laugh.

“She was when she was Celeste the writer. Celeste the oracle. She’s no more than a shell of her former self now. An empty body and they played on her memory. You remember she said she was attacked by a man with red eyes?”

“Bellamy,” Isis and I said at the same time.

“See,” Souxie went on as she began to scroll through her phone. “They’ve updated the enrollment with a list of names of students attending. They’re trying to get more people interested in going. That’s how they draw money in.”

We began walking, leaving Maggie behind to be with her boyfriend as we huddled around the phone to stare at the screen .

“Look,” Souxie scrolled. “Ghoul…werewolf, werewolf… Oh…it’s an entire pack enrolling. This must be where they’re…”

I stopped the scrolling with my hand taking the phone as we all stared at the same list of names. My heart started to flutter before drumming hard against my chest.

“Oh Asha,” Isis gasped with excitement. “Do you see it!?”

There were several names listed with the word siren next to it with one male in particular having the word Taluwi next to it.

“I knew you weren’t the only one!”

“I just hope he can tell me something about myself. I don’t give a damn if he’s fine, young, old, or ugly. I just want to know my people!”

The excitement was short lived when a message popped up from Maggie saying she wouldn’t be coming back to the house until Friday morning. There was no other explanation and when we looked back, Namir was still talking with a few students but Maggie was nowhere in sight.

“Do you think she felt a way?” I asked.

“ About the Maggie 2.0s ?” Isis questioned. Souxie shook her head .

“I think her probate is approaching and that’s what she’s focusing on. We should get some balloons and gifts made for her. I think she’s about to finally come out as a Beta girl.”

…

“Let’s goooo! I do not want to miss any of this!” Lovely shouted from downstairs. “It’s already dark out!”

Souxie was the only one who wouldn’t be able to attend since she was in the middle of her exams. Isis and I on the other hand came tumbling down the steps with our green gift bags in hand. Sleepy Collins was coming to life with the rare sighting of Greeks on The Ground. I always assumed at an HBCU, they would be everywhere with their colors and little one two steps but here…they kept everything hidden. There were so many damn parties I’ve missed this year alone. Ughh.

“Lovely, I don’t think you can wear that,” I laughed as she looked down at her green sweater with the black boots and coat. Her pants were white as snow and her braids had green yarn entangled in each fold. “I don’t think you can wear the colors unless you’re a part of their sorority.”

“Who would say something to me?” She innocently asked. “Is someone going to approach me about it? ”

“I…Well I don’t know,” I laughed. She easily became my favorite person in the house, by far. I clocked the immediate threat she tried to play off as cute and innocent. She was daring someone to say something to her. “I just didn’t…You know what? Fuck it. Wear what you want.”

She smiled.

“Let’s go see our girl… I hope I have the right number. Bellamy said she’s number four but he wasn’t entirely sure.”

You could almost feel the energy in the air shift. Hear the low hymn of people singing drawing closer we came to the center of the Grounds. Crowds were already beginning to form in front of the Holmes building as parents, children, and family from all over came to celebrate. There were torches sticking out of the ground with the flames burning wildly in the cold air. I spotted Namir dressed in his Alpha letterman’s jacket with all the patches of every sport he’s ever touched. He held a long stick that was wrapped in green and black ribbons. A black skull cap with the green greek letters of Alpha Nu Pi stitched on the front. He chewed on his gum, looking back as if he was bored waiting for the arrival.

“If I didn’t hate that carpet munching bitch so much, I would have done it.” Isis linked her arm into mine as we attempted to keep warm. “Where the hell is Quan? ”

“He’s probably in Souxie’s bag while she’s taking her test. You know he likes sleeping in that damn bag of hers.”

“Making her lug around that weight.” I cracked as we both laughed.

“Oh! Look!” Lovely shrieked as her thick balloons almost covered most of the air space above everyone. “Do you see them?!”

Everyone began to shush and silence one another as we listened to the faint sound of chanting. Just in the distance, walking from the iron gate entrance of Cedar Park, was a man carrying a torch, and a line of men dressed in all black, faces covered, marching behind him. All linked together by holding on to each other’s arms from behind with their bodies pressed up against one another to move as one.

“Line em UPPPP!” Namir shouted, banging the stick on the ground. You could see sparks spraying out with each tap of the concrete. “Line em up!”

The marching grew louder as everyone started holding their phones out and taking pictures. The large spray painted green boots, the green masks with black painted eyes. They began to lean from side to side from shortest to…

“Bitch no fucking way, that’s Quan!” I shrieked. Nobody, and I mean nobody was coming close to this man’s height. That HAS to be him in the very back. When did he even have time to do this?! Who convinced him to do it?!

“Let’s go siiiix!” Someone shouted. “Let’s go baby boy!”

“They’re singing,” Isis said in awe with her phone out. “I hate that Souxie is missing this.”

“ Alphahood eternal…so bold and trueee…A legacy of greatness…we pursuuue …”

They picked their heads up, leaning back as they continued to march towards us.

“ Alpha hands united, and spirits held hiiiigh…Alpha Nu Piii…We seeeeek the light .”

“WHAT’CHU SAY?!” Some of the brothers yelled out around them as they began to chant again. “LOUDER!”

“ Alphahood eternaaal, so bold and truuuue …”

Everyone began to move out the way as the row of 13 men came marching forward. Quan was most definitely in the back holding the line. I recognized that curly hair and body anywhere. Namir and the other men began fussing over them, picking at their clothes, and adjusting their black button up shirts. The chills I felt just watching a row of black masked men get put together by other black men…like some passing of the torch type shit. It was beautiful to see and it felt dope to be a part of it. Qu an raised his chin as Namir fixed his shirt before dusting his shoulders off.

“Let’s go QUAAAAN!” I shouted. Isis cupped her mouth to project.

“Kitty Mittens! You got this!”

I could see his upper lip twitch at the mention of the word kitty before Namir leaned in close to whisper something against his ear. When did Quan even find time to do this? Who the fuck is this guy?!

Everything became quiet as the men stood humming the chant, swallowing the words in the deepest vibrato until they came to a chilling silence. I looked back seeing the crowd of students and teachers gathering in groups by the dozen to watch the spectacle. A few minutes passed and nothing was happening. Just the masked men standing in a line according to height and the Alpha men standing around, talking and laughing amongst themselves. They were celebrating and congratulating like they were the ones wearing the green masks chained together by the arms.

“What are they waiting on? It’s cold as shit out here,” I whispered, looking at Isis as the expert of all things Drew Collins. She sorta took the place of Hillary in that way but even she shrugged.

“How would I know? ”

“It’s about time you showed up,” Lovely fussed. I turned to see Bellamy walking up with green gift bags and a green number four balloon hanging high. He looked so casual in the baseball cap, sweats, and long coat over the hoodie but those red predatory eyes continuously scanned the crowd.

“I was held up,” was all he said but Lovely smiled.

“Held up with Ms. Professor?”

I gasped as I turned all the way around to see what she was implying.

“You’re dating a teacher here ? Does Maggie know?”

“No and no. I wouldn’t do that to my sister. I’m not dating anybody–––”

Lovely scoffed him off with a flip of her hand.

“Yes he is. Bellamy is in looooove.” She teased before laughing. “He wants to keep her private and hidden because he’s scared we’re gonna come after her but I’ll figure it out. It won’t take long. That’s why he’s been keeping his distance to protect her and Maggie.”

Bellamy looked irritated and annoyed until I felt someone pinch at my side. I turned around to see my professor, Dr. Birdie Jones with a few green bags in her hand. Her wild curly hair had a life of its own and her cute black coat hugged her waist like a model with the matching gloves. She was always like a beam of light with her outgoing personality.

“I just wanted to speak just in case I don’t see you in one of my classes next year.” She asked while wrapping her arm around my neck for a quick hug.

“Professor, girl, what are you doing out here with all these bags?” I laughed.

“A few of my girls are crossing. I got the exclusive look at the line and saw some students of mine so–––”

“Professor Jones!?” Someone called out, taking her attention away. She and I quickly hugged one last time before she was whisked as the most popular teacher here on The Grounds.

“There she goes! THERE SHE GO!” Someone screamed as everyone broke their necks to watch Clementine walking in a cream long wool coat with a green suit underneath, green knitted gloves, knitted white beret and the same spirit stick wrapped in white and green ribbon. Her short curly bob hung against her face, cupping her chin as she walked with two rows of women following behind her. One row dressed in an all green pants suit down to the green boots and tights on their feet. Each girl had a satin green sash across the suit jacket and green thick knitted gloves on their hands. Everyone had bone straight black hair that covered their faces as they hung their heads low, but this meant Maggie wasn’t able to stand out with her natural white strands. Isis leaned in before I could say it out loud.

“I don’t see Maggie,” she whispered .

“Naaah, me neither.”

The low hum of the women began to turn into a soft melodic chant as they slowly stepped towards us in their green heels to form a single line. Some of the girls I could easily pick out just because Clementine made it no secret when she would directly out the women during school hours. The other half, I had no idea.

“ We riiiseee, take fliiiiight…To be a Betaaa Nu Piiiii… ”

“Tighten up bruhs!” Namir shouted, banging the stick on the ground over their singing. “You don’t cross until they do!”

“You don’t speak until they do!” Another shouted.

“You don’t MOVE until they do!”

“ A Beta girrrrl…crowned in graaace, with hearts so puuuure …”

“Tighten my line up!” Namir barked as the men scrunched together.

“ She soars so hiiiigh… ” They sang louder, coming closer in their suits. Their heads were bowed and arms locked in by the elbows linked together. The fourth girl in green looked like Maggie’s height but the hair…The dark strands just bounced in front of her face as they began to slowly step in place. Clementine continued to walk as the rest of the sorority girls fussed over their line, making sure every hair was in place, untouched.

“ To be a Betaaaaa Nu Piiiiii !”

They began to hum as they stood across from the men lined up until everyone became silent. Clementine raised her chin as the rest of her sorority sisters followed. She stared down at us like we were beneath her little cult.

“We are honored that you all have gathered here to watch my sisters and brothers cross. It’s been a journey, and we’ve come a long way but we have finally…arrived.”

She walked over to the girls, fixing their hair to make sure it still covered their faces before someone shouted out.

“Introduce yourselves ladies!”

The row of green boots began to stomp in place as they leaned forward, bowing to us.

“ Beta Nu Pi! Beta Nu Pi! Beta Nuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu…. ”

Everyone started cheering and clapping, howling and screaming as they held the note. The deep rumblings of their voices spread like a spiritual cloak, covering everyone who felt their energy and presence tonight.

“ Piiiiiiii !” They collectively sighed like dainty women before standing up right.

“Introduce yourselves ladies to your future brothers, and to the family and support system that came out tonight to see you.”

The spirit stick stomped twice on the ground as they collectively shouted.

“ We are the ladies of Beta Nu Pi! Till we die! All day! All night! We rise! We fly! Above and below! The best! No rest! What you see, there’s no test! So try?! You will! You’ll fail! We still! Stand tall! Above all! There’s no other! To choose! It’s always and forever! Ladies of Beta Nu !”

“Let’s gooooo Courtneeeeeeey! Let’s go sevennnnnnnnnnn!”

“Let’s gooooooo!”

“ Brothers of Alpha Nu Pi humbly greet the beautiful sisters of Beta Nu Pi !” The masked men shouted.

“Ladies,” Clementine said with a pouty tone. “Introduce yourselves one by one please…”

Each girl stepped out of line to say their name as they flipped their hair back to reveal their faces. Some did sort of magic like the woman who could capture any source of light with her hand. She shook her long hair, revealing the short bob cut as everyone went crazy over the one called Moca. She was apparently a fan favorite with half of the crowd here for her, and it was later revealed she too would be attending Francis Holmes. Once she went, everyone started to put their own little flare and twist to their introductions but Maggie…My girl Maggie shut that shit down.

“Four! Step forward and introduce yourself!”

Maggie kept her head down as she timidly walked up but I couldn’t help but scream her name. Bellamy was recording with his phone while Lovely broke shoulders to get to the front to face her cousin. If it wasn’t for Isis holding her back, she would have reached out to hug her right then and there.

“On this day!? I was born into the sky!” Maggie yelled. She suddenly flipped her hair back as it turned a bright red to reveal her done up face, dark lip color and smokey eyes with the long lashes. She looked like a damn doll! I screamed, unable to contain my excitement as she whipped her hair to the side, letting the color go from red to black.

“I paint the trees with silver light!”

She flipped her head to the other side as it slowly trickled from black to blonde hanging in perfect natural curls.

“And keep the world oh so calm at night! ”

She slipped her hand against her hair as the color changed from blonde to burgundy. Maggie had the nerve to look sexy as she rolled her body slowly pretending to sit pretty before coming back up. Namir stomped his stick to the ground, watching her every move before calling out her number. So I joined in, not caring whose ear I was in.

“Let’s gooooo Maggie!! Let’s gooooooo sis!”

“Your dreams I collect beneath my hue!”

“I am the fourth in line… ”

She began whipping her hair from side to side, shaking it as her white curls fell against her shoulders, shedding the rest of unnatural colors before she fluffled out her white hair.

“To become Beta Nu.”

The crowd erupted with most people not realizing it was the granddaughter, the First Family to pass as a Beta Nu until her hair was revealed. Even the Alpha men clapped it up and I felt sorry for the girl who had to follow her up. The rest of the night was filled with the two organizations addressing each other. Quan’s masks eventually came off revealing those sharp vertical eyes. Music started playing as everyone eventually broke the lines and ceremony to hug and congratulate those who’ve crossed .

“Quan, why didn’t you say anything?!” I snapped. “We would have gotten you something!”

“One of my teachers got me to join–––”

“As a cat?!” I laughed. “How did you pull that off?!”

“No, not as a damn cat. Not always. I made a deal in order to control my shift–––”

“Maggie?! You did soooo goood! Look at you!” Isis squealed, breaking the circle to hug Maggie. Bellamy wasted no time pulling his sister towards him in a possessive manner as he hugged and kissed her on the side of the face.

“Why didn’t you say it was your birthday?!” Lovely pressed. “We have no choice but to celebrate now!”

“ Your birthday ?!” Isis and I shouted at the same time.

“No nooo it's fine,” she laughed. “I wanted it to be lowkey, that’s why I never said anything–––”

“Oh hell nooo,” I exclaimed. “We’re going out. Fuck that. You just turned 30 with your old ass!”

“Okay? I soooo resent that,” Maggie laughed while some of the alpha brothers were handing her flowers. “Ohh thank you! Thank you guys!”

The men were slowly circling around her, giving her praise and trying to make their presence known. Namir was but a foot or so behind her, staring each man in the eye as they came up to her. One guy attempted to hug her with his hand coming to her back side but Namir stepped in without saying a word. He didn’t have to either because the man understood. She was so busy being pulled into another conversation, she didn’t even notice her boyfriend threatening a man that stood a little too close for his liking. Someone that was well loved, and protected had to be something special.

Whether she knew it or not, Maggie is that GIRL. This was her year for real. She made me want to be like her when I got older. Not to say she’s old as fuck or anything. Just…I can start to see the separation between her and us. Instead of being jealous about feeling left out, I just wanted to do what I could to catch up in my own lane and own way. Soon, it will be my time to shine, just like it is for her now.

Namir came up behind her to take all the balloons and bags from her hand so she didn’t have to carry it before smoothly stepping aside to let her do her thing. He carried anything dealing with the number four in his hand to the point where they were giving the gifts to him. She said it in passing but she was spending her birthday with him, something intimate just for the two. A loud popping sound suddenly went off as green and black confetti sprinkled throughout the cold air.

“Well fuck it. I still want to celebrate,” Quan said. As if on cue, Lovely came up beside him with a mischievous glint in her eye.

“Let’s go buy a cake, some bottles and fuck shit up at the house and then let the school pay for it.” I laughed at Lovely before adding ,

“You can then explain to us after a couple of shots how a cat managed to pledge a fraternity.”