Sorority Sisters (22 page)

TWENTY-EIGHT

“Hello!” Tiara said, answering her telephone.

“Hey, Soror.” It was Rhonda.

“Rhonda, hi! I’ve been trying to get in touch with you since I crossed.”

“I know. I got all your messages. Congratulations! Be expecting something in the mail in the next couple of days.”

“Oh, thank you! What is it?”

“Patience, my child. You’ll see when it gets there,” she joked.

“So, where have you been?” Tiara asked.

“I’ve been working on this huge project. I’ve been working late every night and most of the weekend. But you know I can’t miss church for work, and I made that clear to my boss before we started, so he didn’t give me a hassle. We finally finished two days ago, and the big presentation was yesterday. We made that company a whole lot of money. I took off today, and I’m gonna take Monday off too.”

“Well, good for you.”

“And poor Freeman, he’s been so mad at me. It got to a point that when I walked through the door those late nights, he didn’t run up to me and lick me as he usually does. He’d walk into the next room. But you know he loves his mommy. I called him, and when he came running, I gave him a doggy treat. Then he forgot he was mad and jumped all over me.”

“Girl, you love that dog, don’t you?”

“Yeah, he’s the son I’ll probably never have.”

“Oh, please. You still have time.”

“I hope I do. So, how are you feeling? You know, with crossing and all?”

“I feel good. No, I feel great. You didn’t tell me I was gonna be this excited.”

“I thought you knew,” Rhonda joked. “I’m so proud of you. I knew you could do it. You are really growing up to be something special.”

“Thank you.”

“I mean it. And when you come and visit, we’ll have a slumber party and stay up all night exchanging line stories. But I don’t know if you can handle my stories, because I had some crazy big sisters.”

“I can’t wait to hear them. But guess what.”

“What?”

“I have a date tonight.”

“Oh my goodness. I can’t believe it. With whom?”

“This guy named Ben. And girlfriend, he is too fine.”

“Tell me more.”

“Believe it or not, I met him when I was on line. He was in the auction that we had as a fund-raiser. He fell for me instantly.”

“My, aren’t we conceited.”

“Oh, I’m not conceited, just convinced.”

“I hear ya!” Rhonda said, laughing.

“We’re supposed to go to a movie that’s playing at the Student Center. It’s a sneak preview.”

“Do you like him?”

“Of course I do.”

“Well, I know how tough you are on men, so I had to ask.”

“Actually, I like him a whole lot.”

“Well, good. I’m glad to hear it. Now I’ll have some exciting stories to look forward to, but just make sure you take it slow with him.”

“You know I will. I haven’t changed that much! Well, I’m gonna finish getting ready, and I’ll talk to you in a few days.”

“Okay. Have fun tonight.”

“I will.”

Tiara met Ben in the lobby of her dormitory.

“Hey, you,” he said.

“Hey.”

“Oooh, you look nice,” he commented. And she did—she wore a bodysuit, loose-fitting jeans, and black shoe boots with an extremely high heel.

“Thank you.”

“So, do you want to skip the movie altogether and go back to my room and get close?” he asked.

“No.” She brushed off his advance. “I really want to see the movie.”

“We can see that movie anytime.”

Tiara knew she needed to set the pace for their relationship and wanted to set boundaries early on. “And we can go back to your room anytime, right?” she looked him directly in his eyes.

“You’re right. There’s no need to rush.”

“Yeah, ’cause if you’re in a hurry, you got the wrong lady,” she announced.

“No hurry. Trust me, no hurry at all,” he responded.

“Cool. Now let’s go see this movie.”

“After you,” he said, and opened the door and followed her out.

TWENTY-NINE

“Hey, Soror.”

“Hi, Mommy,” Stephanie said in her mushy little-girl voice, pleased that her mother had called her. She spoke to her parents that way when either she hadn’t heard from them in a while, or she wanted something.

“How’s my beautiful little girl?”

“I’m good,” she gushed.

“Well, you’re really not a little girl anymore. You’re a lady and you’ve grown up, and you’re following in the footsteps of some amazing women,” her mother said. “You must come home soon. Remember that your aunts, some of your cousins, and I will be throwing you a celebration party.”

“Ooooh, good. I’ll be home in a few weeks, and I’m gonna bring some of my sands with me. I can’t come home next weekend because I’ll be attending my first chapter meeting. I’ll call you back with a definite date.”

“It’s exciting, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it really is, Momma.”

“You know what? You’re really going to be able to affect a lot of lives through your service in our sorority. A lot of people don’t give sororities and fraternities enough credit for the work they do in the community, but we really do make a difference.”

“Well, we’ve already raised money for a homeless shelter for pregnant teens, and I never knew that place ever existed before now. It’s really close to the school.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, and we’re gonna have a clothes drive on campus at the end of the semester.”

“I am so proud of you.”

“You’re proud of me?”

“Of course I am. I just don’t know why you waited so long.”

“I don’t either, but I love my sands. They’re a good group of girls.”

“So how’s your love life?” her mother asked.

“Better.”

“And who are you seeing now?”

“Nobody.”

“But I thought it was better.”

“Well, it is . . . because I’m not wasting my time anymore with jerks who happen to have money. I’ve decided to be more selective about the men with whom I spend my precious time. I don’t want to get pregnant before I’m ready, or catch a disease. So, right now I’m spending time appreciating and getting to know me, and when the right man comes along, it won’t be rushed. I won’t have to be fake, and I won’t be frustrated or confused. And, as you always tell me, I’ll know when he’s the right one.”

“Sounds like my daughter is really growing up.”

“Well, it was bound to happen eventually,” she joked. “So where’s Daddy?”

“He’s taking a shower. He just got in from playing golf. We’re getting ready to go out for a late lunch. We’re dating again.”

“What?”

“We’re going to a jazz set tomorrow evening, and not just because anybody who’s anybody is going to be there, but because we enjoy each other’s company again, and we want to enjoy jazz together.”

“Didn’t you always?”

“Yeah, we did, but sometimes you forget how precious each other’s company truly is until something special reminds you again.”

“So what reminded you?”

“One of your daddy’s old friends and his wife renewed their wedding vows and invited us to attend. It was so special and it reminded us of what we have.”

“Oh, Mommy, that’s so sweet.”

“You’ll have the same thing one day too.”

“I’m sure I will,” Stephanie replied. “Kiss Daddy for me, and have a wonderful evening tomorrow night.”

“I love you, Steph.”

“I love you too, Mommy,” she said.

Stephanie was happy and relieved. Her parents were still her model for a good relationship. They weathered the tough times and appreciated the good. Although she worried that they were growing apart, she realized they were simply evolving. This made her feel better about taking her time in the relationship game so she could have what they did.

THIRTY

“Let’s move in together!” Ray announced. He and Malena were lying in his bed. They had spent the night at his apartment, and stayed up all night watching movies they’d rented. She was still half asleep, but Ray had been up for a while, thinking of the best way to ask her to move in with him.

“What are you talking about? It’s Saturday morning, our day to sleep in, and you’re playing games with me,” Malena said with her eyes still closed. She was not ready to wake up, especially to Ray joking.

“What, you think I’m not serious?”

“Are you?” She sat up.

“I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t serious.”

“Ray, I’m flattered, but why do you want to move in together now?”

“Economics. See, I’ve been thinking about it, and from what Tammy and Philip said when we went out with them last weekend, they’re gonna get married. Tammy will move out by the beginning of the semester and you’ll be in need of a roommate. Getting a one-bedroom will be costly for you. It would save us both money if we got a place together, off campus. I’ll begin my new job at the end of the semester, and I’ve started apartment hunting. I already found a nice place near campus, and I would love to have you live there with me, you know, and kind of give the place a lady’s touch.”

Malena was shocked. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. He was being so insensitive about such a serious step. “Ray, it’s cool that you want to save money and all, but that is not a good enough reason for me to want to move in with you.” She cared about Ray, but didn’t want to be thought of as mere convenience.

“Baby, that’s not the only reason. I care about you, you know that. I love you and, well, I’m starting a new life and I want you there with me.”

“I will be there.”

“So, you don’t want to move in with me?

“I didn’t say that. I just think we should move in together for the right reasons, and I’m not sure economics will cut it. Plus, I always thought I’d be married before I moved in with a man.”

“Well, I’m sure we’ll get married . . . one day. But I don’t think we’re really ready for that yet. Do you?”

“No . . . I, for one, am not ready. The thought of marriage, especially while I’m still in school, scares me.”

“So what would be the wrong reasons to move in together, since neither of us is ready for marriage?”

“Economics, period. Economics doesn’t determine the quality of the relationship.”

“I didn’t mean to hit you with it like that. I just wanted to make moving in with me seem appealing to you.”

“You are appealing to me. Being with you is what’s important to me. Making such a major step is gonna take time.”

“Well, the semester is almost over, and I’m gonna need an answer soon so I can figure out what I need to do.”

“So, are you demanding an answer?” Malena asked, offended by his approach.

“No, I’m not. I thought you’d be happy that I want something more permanent for us, but I guess I was wrong,” he said, defending himself.

“I just don’t want to feel pressured. You’ve apparently been thinking about this for some time. I would like the same amount of time to do likewise.”

“There is no pressure. Look, just forget it. It was just a thought. Let’s scratch it. Let’s just pretend I never said anything.” Ray got out of bed and put on his pants.

“Oh, so you’re leaving now,” Malena said dryly.

“I got things I need to do.”

“So, the conversation is over just like that?” Malena argued. She was shocked that he would drop a bombshell and run off before a fair discussion.

“Yeah, it is. I tried to surprise you, hoping to make you happy, and you took it the wrong way. But I have other things to do. You can stay in bed if you want, but I’ll be in the kitchen studying.”

“Ray! Wait!” Malena shouted. “I am happy that you asked. I’m just shocked, and that doesn’t mean shocked in a bad way. I’m surprised. I just need time.”

“How long?”

“Give me two weeks. Is that cool?” she asked. Malena was a bit turned off. She always thought out major steps in her life, and she didn’t want anyone to cause her to move hastily.

“All right. You got two weeks, but I won’t take no for an answer,” he said, and walked out of the room.

Malena lay there, stunned. She would have never guessed Ray would want such a commitment. After all, they had only been seeing each other for a little more than four months. She wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, but she was sure she didn’t want to lose him.

THIRTY-ONE

“Spending all day with everybody today kind of reminds me of the good ol’ days when we were on line,” Chancey said.

“What do you mean, the good ol’ days?” Stephanie replied. “Those days weren’t good, and it was just last month that we crossed.” The girls had spent the entire Sunday together. They met early that morning at Chancey and Cajen’s dormitory and went to church. Afterward, they attended their first sorority chapter meeting. Now they were all at Stephanie’s apartment preparing dinner. They chipped in and stopped by the store on their way to Stephanie’s and picked up salad and dressing, spaghetti, sauce, ground beef, and garlic bread.

“So, who’s cooking, because y’all know I’m not the one,” Tiara joked.

“I will,” Malena said.

“I’ll help,” Cajen added.

“So, Miss Tiara, what’s going on with you and Ben?” Stephanie asked.

“We’re still taking it slow. But you know what’s so messed up? Now I understand why Chancey and Malena are always going around looking all googly-eyed. Love is some powerful shit.”

“So, you’re in love, Tiara?” Stephanie asked.

“Not yet, but I’m enjoying getting there.”

“She’s gone!” Malena joked, and everybody laughed. “Now, if you want to hear some news, check this out.” Everybody stopped and waited to hear what she had to say. “Ray asked me to move in with him.” She wasn’t going to mention it at first, but she knew her sands were always willing to give advice regardless of whether she wanted it or not, and she really needed it.

“What?” Stephanie yelled.

“When?” Cajen asked.

“So what did you say?” Tiara asked.

“I didn’t give him an answer,” said Malena.

“You mean you didn’t say yes?” Chancey asked.

“No, I didn’t. It’s a big step. How do I know he won’t want to keep us that way permanently? I do want to get married one day.”

“You’re right. So did you tell him that?” Tiara asked.

“Well, no, but only because I don’t want to get married for at least another two years. I want to wait until after I graduate and get my career established,” Malena said. “I didn’t want him to think I was hinting around about getting married anytime soon. Plus, the thought of getting engaged is scarier than moving in together—to me anyway.”

“Well, it sounds to me like you just answered your own question,” Stephanie said.

“What do you mean?”

“If you don’t like it, you can always move out. I’ll even open my apartment to you if you need it, provided, of course, you’ll look for a new place to stay immediately afterward.”

“Don’t pressure yourself, Malena,” Tiara added. “You two are a good team, and Ray is going to love you no matter what you decide. Just make sure you have peace with your decision.”

“You’re right, there shouldn’t be any pressure,” Malena said.

“I like Ray, so don’t go back and forth with him, it could cause some serious strain to you, and him. I say make a decision and stick by it,” Cajen suggested.

“So, what do you think, Chancey?” Malena asked. “Sitting over there all quiet. What’s on your mind.”

She laughed sneakily because it was hard to hold her own news in. “Do what’s best for you. And don’t allow us to influence your decision. After all, what do we really know?”

“You’re right about that,” Tiara said.

“I’m sure I won’t lose him if I say no, so I’m gonna say yes. As a matter of fact, I’m gonna call him now. Steph, can I use the phone in your room?”

“Of course. But then who’s gonna cook?”

“I’ll help,” Chancey said, and got up out of her chair and walked to the stove next to Cajen.

“So, have you heard from Jason since that night we saw him with that girl?” Stephanie asked Cajen.

“Who? Please, I have definitely moved on. Jason is old, old, old news.”

“That’s good to hear,” Stephanie said.

Chancey dropped the spaghetti into the water that Malena had put on. “Yeah, I’m so proud of her, we saw him the other day when she was going to class, and she told him a thing or two.”

Cajen was preparing the beef and the spaghetti sauce. “Yeah, I had to let him know that he was an ultimate loser and I didn’t have time for his game—the jerk.”

“That’s what I’m talking about. He’s definitely old news,” Tiara added.

“I don’t mind making spaghetti.” Cajen changed the subject and stirred the sauce into the browned beef. “It’s easy and it’s so inexpensive.” Then she said, as if talking to herself, “Eric likes spaghetti.”

“Oh, yeah, Eric,” Stephanie gushed. “So what’s going on with you two?”

“We’re just friends.”

“Yeah, right. ‘Eric likes spaghetti,’ ” she said in a dreamy voice, gently mocking Cajen.

“No, seriously. I mean, we do care a lot about each other, but we’re playing it slow, extremely slow.”

“Well, I have an announcement.” Stephanie interrupted the flow of the conversation. She stood up and posed. “I’m fine, sexy, single, and proud of it! Excuse the interruption, but I just wanted to make that point clear.” Everybody laughed.

Malena walked back into the kitchen. “He wasn’t in, so I left a message on his machine. Maybe he’s out getting some things for our new apartment.”

“Ooooooh!” They teased.

“Just think, y’all are going to be living together,” Tiara said. “That’s major.”

“Y’all are so silly. Don’t even start. So what did I miss while I was on the phone?”

“Nothing really,” Chancey said. “We were just talking about men, as usual.”

“Why do we always talk about men every time we get together? There’s got to be something more important in life,” Malena said, and picked up a large bowl for the salad, then went through Stephanie’s cabinets to find bowls and plates.

“You’re definitely right,” Chancey said. “But before we change the subject, I have to say one thing that involves men. Well, my man in particular.”

“Of course, it wouldn’t be right if you didn’t,” Tiara joked, and everybody looked at Chancey, waiting to hear something mushy about how sweet Donald is or what nice thing he did for her.

“Well, last weekend, Cajen, remember when I told you Don was waiting at the Student Center for me because he wanted to talk?”

“Yeah, what did he say?” Cajen asked.

“Well, he blindfolded me and took me to the football stadium.”

“Why?” everybody asked, trying to figure out where Chancey was going with this story.

“I know. It didn’t make sense to me either, at first, but then . . .” She took her hand and held it out so that everybody could see her beautiful engagement ring. “He asked me to marry him!” she screamed.

Cajen, who was standing next to her, put her hands over her mouth and yelled, “Oh, my God!”

“Oh, my goodness!” Malena said, and she ran over to Chancey, grabbed her hand, and admired her ring along with everyone else. Then they hugged and congratulated her.

“Wait a minute,” Tiara said. “Why are you just now saying something?”

“Well . . .” Chancey said, shrugging her shoulders. “I’m telling you now.”

“So, did you two set a date?” Stephanie asked.

“Sometime next year. Probably midsummer, but we didn’t set a definite date.”

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Stephanie was concerned for her. Chancey seemed too young for marriage.

“Girl, you know I’m an old soul,” Chancey joked.

“You’re right about that,” Tiara added.

“And Don’s life is getting ready to take off. I want to be along for the ride. I always hoped he’d ask me to marry him before his life changed, so I’ve had time to think about my decision,” Chancey said. “We’ll be engaged for a year, so that gives me time to change my mind if the NFL turns him into a stranger. But I love him, and I think we’re meant to be.”

“That’s a mature answer,” Stephanie said, and smiled at her sister. “That means we have a year to plan the wedding.” Stephanie was sure she would be the coordinator. “That’s plenty of time. Have you chosen your colors yet?”

“Yes, Momma Stephanie,” Chancey said. “I’ve always dreamed of my colors being pale pink and summer white, and of course I’ll want all of you to be in the wedding. Plus, I’m gonna need help addressing and sending out all the invitations. You know Don knows everybody in the world. But it’ll be a long while before we’ll even get to that stage of the planning.”

“It’ll be here before you know it,” Malena said.

“You’re right. After we’re married, I’ll transfer and do my final year in whatever city he’ll be.”

“So that means that in a year or so you’ll be moving away?” Cajen asked in a disappointed tone. She looked at Chancey with sadness. She wasn’t ready to lose her new friend.

“Yes, you’re right, but that doesn’t mean we won’t keep in touch,” Chancey responded.

“But you can’t leave, not yet,” Cajen said. She was getting misty-eyed.

“I promise we’ll keep in touch.”

“You’d better. We made a pact, remember?” Malena asked.

“But that’s a full year from now. We’ll have plenty of good quality time together,” Chancey responded.

“Let’s not get started, because I’m not in the mood to cry, and if we don’t change the subject, I’m going to. Please, let’s postpone this drama for after the wedding,” Tiara said.

“Right, Tiara, let’s change the subject. We have so much to look forward to with the upcoming semester,” Stephanie said.

“Well, we can always talk about the stepshow and homecoming in the fall,” Malena said.

“And don’t forget the chapter meetings and all the fund-raisers we’ll be doing,” Chancey added.

“And we’re gonna have a million and one ‘men talks’ in the next year,” Tiara added.

“But you know what?” Cajen asked. “I can’t think of a better group of intelligent, sophisticated, strong, beautiful, and I can go on and on, women I’d want to share those experiences with!”

“Tell it, girl!” Malena joked.

“You left out classy,” Stephanie added.

“But seriously, Cajen’s right. I’m so glad we all met and that we all pledged together. I’m really gonna miss y’all when I move,” Chancey said.

“You ladies can sit here and start this mushy stuff if you want to, but I’m getting ready to chow down on this spaghetti,” Tiara said. She picked up a fork and plate from those that Malena set out, and piled her plate with spaghetti. Everyone followed her lead.

The young ladies spent the rest of the evening indulging in their spaghetti dinner and engaging in the same kinds of discussions good friends have when they come together to enjoy one another’s company.