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Authors: Stephanie Perry Moore

Work What You Got

BOOK: Work What You Got
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Also by Stephanie Perry Moore
Prime Choice
Pressing Hard
Problem Solved
Prayed Up
Promise Kept
Work What You Got
A Beta Gamma Pi Novel Book 1
Stephanie Perry Moore
KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
www.kensingtonbooks.com
All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.
For
Dr. Yvonne Kennedy,
Marcia L. Fudge, Esq.,
and Gwendolyn E. Boyd
(past presidents of my beloved sorority)
 
Know that the legacy of your leadership
inspires me daily to work it like you did!
I pray that together we'll keep on
making this world a better place.
And that every reader will understand the importance
of giving all they've got to help someone else.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Sorority life is something I know a thing or two about. I've been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., since the fall of 1989. I can say my pledge experience was a lot. Honestly, I got my feelings hurt and I hurt some folks' feelings. Thankfully, we stuck it out and all was good. However, even as an adult, I know being in a sorority takes a lot of work. But I've found that when the heart is right, the bond is deep. To be a member of a sorority you have to be ready to care about others as much as you care about yourself. If followed, this simple biblical principle can make the bond of sisterhood a rewarding experience.
 
Penning a novel on leadership in a sorority makes me dig even deeper into my own soul. I firmly believe that any organization is only as strong as its leaders. It's not about getting your way or being popular, it is about helping your group know that only together can they make the world a better place. There is a leader inside us all, and I pray you seek God to help make you a great one. Here is a big thank you to all who show me different leadership qualities that help me soar in my writing world.
 
To my family, parents, Dr. Franklin and Shirley Perry, Sr.; brother, Dennis, and sister-in-law, Leslie; my mother-in-law, Ms. Ann; and to my extended family, Reverend Walter and Marjorie Kimbrough, Bobby and Sarah Lundy, Antonio and Gloria London, Cedric and Nicole Smith, Harry and Nino Colon, and Brett and Loni Perriman, what
strength
you show me. It's not easy to tell inspiring stories, but you always lift me up. I'm tougher because of your support.
 
To my publisher, Kensington/Dafina Books, and especially my editor, Mercedes Fernandez, what
dedication
you bestow on me. The time you've put into this series has meant a lot to me. I'm confident our efforts will bless many.
 
To my writing team, Jenell Clark, Christine Nixon, Dr. Deborah C. Thomas, Cassandra Brown, Dorcas Washington, Vanessa Davis Griggs, Victoria Christopher Murray, Sonya Jenkins, Edythe Woodruff, Beverly Jenkins, Joy Nixon, Chandra Dixon, Bridget Fielder, and Myra Brown Lee, what passion you teach me. Thanks for reading and giving me advice to help me piece all of my thoughts together. I'm blessed with zeal to get this message out because of the energy and excitement you have shown me about this project.
 
To my new family at Tyler Perry Studios, especially my producing team, Tammy Garnes and Ozzie Areu, what dreams you have helped me to obtain. Knowing that there is another medium out there for my books to touch even more souls fires me up. I'm flying amongst the stars because of the vision you helped me to realize with Georgia Sky.
 
To my babies, Dustyn Leon, Sydni Derek, and Sheldyn Ashli, what loyal followers you are. I thank you for always believing in me and for working so hard. I'm praying you keep giving God your all.
 
To my hubby, Derrick Moore, what love you show me. Thank you for allowing me the time to serve my sorority. I'm full of heart for others because you give me so much of yours.
 
To my readers, what a strong desire I have to inspire you. May the words in this book bless your soul. I'm wiser because I truly know we all need to strive to live each day to the fullest and I hope this read helps you do that.
 
And to my Almighty Father, what compassion you give to a sinner like me. May every person who turns these pages understand that as long as we please You, it doesn't matter whom we displease. I'm humbled by Your grace and I pray my work leads people to Your Son.
BETA GAMMA PI TRADITIONS, CUSTOMS, & RITES
Founding Data
Beta Gamma Pi was founded in 1919 on the campus of Western Smith College by five extraordinary women of character and virtue.
 
Sorority Colors
Sunrise lavender and sunset turquoise are the official colors of Beta Gamma Pi. The colors symbolize the beginning and the end of the swiftly passing day and remind each member to make the most of every moment.
 
Sorority Pin
Designed in 1919, the pin is made of the Greek letters Beta, Gamma, and Pi. This sterling silver pin is to be worn over the heart on the outermost garment. There are five stones in the Gamma: a ruby representing courageous leadership, a pink tourmaline representing genuine sisterhood, an emerald representing a profound education, a purple amethyst representing deep spirituality, and a blue sapphire representing unending service.
Anytime the pin is worn, members should conduct themselves with dignity and honor.
 
The B Pin
The B Pin was designed in 1920 by the founders. This basic silver pin in the shape of the letter B symbolizes the beginning step in the membership process. The straight side signifies character. The two curves mean yielding to God and yielding to others. It is given at the Pi Induction Ceremony.
 
Sorority Flower
The lily is the sorority flower and it denotes the endurance and strength the member will need to be a part of Beta Gamma Pi for a lifetime.
 
Sorority Stone
The diamond is the sorority stone which embodies the precious and pure heart needed to be a productive member of Beta Gamma Pi.
 
Sorority Call
Bee-goh-p
 
Sorority Symbol
The eagle is the symbol of Beta Gamma Pi. It reflects the soaring greatness each member is destined to reach.
 
Sorority Motto
A sisterhood committed to making the world greater.
 
The Pi Symbol
The Bee insect is the symbol of the Pi pledges. This symbolizes the soaring tenacity one must possess to become a full member of Beta Gamma Pi.
1
BRIGHT
“
S
o you think it's okay if somebody whacks you upside the head, calls you all kinds of names, beats your behind, and who knows whatever else, Hayden Grant? I've even heard of cases where sororities make pledges perform some kind of sexual act,” my mom Shirley voiced in anger, as my caramel face turned pale.
“Mom! I can't believe you would go there with me.”
“What, Hayden? Don't be shocked. I know how bad you want to be a Beta and I know you might lose your mind to get what you want. Plus, you're about to be a sophomore in college, at a predominately African-American school. I know there are several nice-looking young men around grabbing your attention. Something made your grades slip last semester. I think you're still pure, but we need to talk about sex.”
“I can't talk about this with my mom. I just can't,” I said, shyly turning my head and twirling my mid-length do.
“Better she talk about it with you,” my sister, younger by four years, popped into my room and said.
“Hailey, have you been standing there the whole time? Quit being nosy,” my mom scolded and shooed her away.
“We were talking about being a Beta, Mom. We weren't talking about me and sex,” I quickly reminded her.
“Well, I'm not done. I think any young lady that makes smart choices will do that across the board. If you make wise decisions, particularly when the alternative is giving it up to some boy who the next day probably won't know you exist. You could wind up pregnant or with some disease. Isn't it better to stay away from all that? Someone who's strong enough to resist temptation and stands for what God says is right, will not want to be a part of some group that thinks the only way you can get in is to participate in some form of illegal activity that the organization doesn't even tolerate,” she said, getting louder and louder with each sentence.
“Okay Mom, I get it! You don't have to go on and on and on about it,” I said to her, extremely frustrated.
I didn't want to go there with her, but it seemed to me like she needed to get her groove on. My dad Harry was away at war. He's an officer in the Navy and his girl had too much idle time on her hands. So much so that she was all up in my business.
My mom knew I wanted to be a member of Beta Gamma Pi ever since she pledged the organization's alumnae chapter when I was in the fifth grade. After she became a member, I remember many nights during my childhood when she was away with the service-oriented organization, working in the community by taking food to the poor, being there for the elderly, and helping the uneducated gain knowledge. Even though part of me resented not having all of her time, it just fueled me, excited me, and made me want to strive to become a member one day. My mom had wanted to pledge as an undergraduate when she was in college, but due to females tripping, she didn't. I had a deep longing to obtain that goal for her.
My mom came over and got right in my face. “Let me just tell you this really quickly. I desperately want you to be a Beta. But if you participate in any of that foolishness and anything happens, I don't want you calling me. I don't want you thinking that I can help save the line. None of that. Do you understand? I'm telling you now, I don't support hazing and in the end it only divides. Be a leader on that campus, Hayden Grant.”
She went on to explain, for the fiftieth time, the legitimate steps to becoming a Beta. First, there was rush, where an informational session is held and the members of the organization explain all about what they stand for and what they do. They also distribute application packets to the prospective candidates, which need to be turned in by a certain date. After the packets are returned and reviewed by the members of the organization, then comes the interview. But not everyone will get one. After the interview, if you receive enough votes from the sisters of Beta Gamma Pi, then you become a part of the pledge line. After handing in the money for the pledge fee, a Pi induction ceremony is held. There are five gem ceremonies and an Eagle weekend hosted by the alumnae chapter, which pledges must attend. Next there is an intense week of studying the history of the sorority and a major exam is given before the candidates are ready to cross over and become sisters of Beta Gamma Pi.
“You participate in any other activity and it's hazing. Got it?”
I nodded. Of course I heard her, but I couldn't say what I would and wouldn't do once pressure from the Betas was applied. I didn't want to be ostracized and considered paper because I wouldn't participate in a few little uncomfortable things. I mean how bad could hazing really be, right?
There are certain rules that go along with the way many people think is the best way to pledge. First, pledging on the collegiate level carries more weight than pledging in an alumnae chapter. I thought this was crazy. However, the rationale is that collegiate chapters really make members do things
way
over and above what the standard rules call for. Also, many believe that if you don't go through the collegiate process then you are not a real pledge, only a
paper
one. And let's face it, if you have the chance, who wants to be called paper? Definitely not me.
Then there is the legacy rule. In some sororities if your mother is a member and you have the qualifications, then there is no vote necessary. You automatically become a member. But, with Beta Gamma Pi, that isn't the case. Since my mom didn't pledge on the collegiate level, their preferred methods, I knew I was going to have to pay for what she didn't go through. I was ready for it, because I knew if I made line I could legitimize my mom's place in the sorority.
“I'm gonna make you proud, Mom. You don't have to worry,” I said, stroking her verbally and psychologically.
“Honey, all you need to do is concentrate on your grades and be the best Hayden you know how to be. If the Betas don't want you, it's their loss. You can always pledge the way I did,” she said in a sweet tone, so I'd keep my hope. But I wasn't having it.
My mom wasn't all excited about the way she pledged. She knew the stigma attached to alumnae pledge methods. Though I knew deep in my heart that being put through an intense pledge process didn't make one a better member, if I had the opportunity to get all my props, I had to do it. Why would she think I wouldn't want all the respect?
My mother continued, “Now see, I can tell by your face you think pledging on the alumnae level is not kosher.”
“Well, it was your dream to pledge undergrad,” I quickly reminded her.
“Yeah, but just because that didn't work out doesn't mean that I would go back and trade my experience for anything. I was so connected with the ladies on my line. And quite honestly it was absolutely the best timing. God knew what He was doing. And Hayden, for you to have the outcome that He wants for your life, you have to ignore what others say and just focus on what is right. You know how to be a strong person, but a strong leader knows that God's way is golden. So seek Him and figure out what He wants for you. Plus, I truly now believe pledging on an alumnae level is the best way to join the organization,” she said with her worried eyes locked on mine.
I smiled, feeling she believed those last words. I hugged her to let her know though I wanted a different experience, I was going to be okay. Then I was off to college. Western Smith University, here I come. It was time to get my sophomore year started.
We hugged, and then I was off. It was time to get my sophomore year started.
 
When I pulled up to the two-story apartment complex, I was ecstatic to see the cars of my three suitemates. Bridget was an over-the-top primadonna but she was cute with it though. Like me, she was from Little Rock, Arkansas. She had pretty banana colored skin and had a practically new, white Jaguar that went with her prim and proper personality perfectly. Clad in Sperry boat shoes, a lily pink Ralph Lauren polo shirt and a denim mini, Bridget was the fashion queen of our crew. We all admired her style. It seemed like she was up on the latest fashions even before they hit the stores. But for all her coolness, last year she had lunch with her mom three times a week. Who does that in college?
Then there was Myra. Our skin colors were in the same caramel brown family. She had a red Jeep shining in the lot. It wasn't brand new, but she took care of it. She was from Alabama, but her grandmother lived in Arkansas. Myra didn't sport the newest clothes, but I'd never seen hand-me-downs look so sassy. She was strong willed and loved having everything her way. Though that could be very annoying, I loved her.
And then there was the gorgeous dark mocha sister, Chandra. I guess out of all of them, she was my girl. She was so focused on her career goals—I longed to have her drive for a fulfilling life. Her black Ford Escort was on its last leg, but it was in the parking lot, which meant she was in the house. She turned heads all the time with her body-hugging ensembles. But I had to give it to her. The girl wore everything well.
Without even worrying about my bags, I grabbed my pocketbook and headed to the front door. Our apartment was the bomb. Each of us had our own spacious bedroom with freshly painted blond colored walls and full bathrooms to ourselves. We shared a joint kitchen and living room. None of us minded sharing these public spaces, but I think we all agreed that having our own private commodities was a nice alternative to living in last year's community dorms.
No more fresh meat on campus. We were sophomores. Yeah baby! We were really ready to change the world. We had our own place. We had big dreams. Now, we were ready to make them come true.
“Hey y'all!” I screamed when all three of them came to the door and gave me a hug.
Immediately, I could tell from their faces that something wasn't right. Something was definitely going on.
What now
, I thought. Myra and Bridget quickly headed into the living room.
“Dang, y'all got into it already?” I screamed out, madder than my dad would be if I'd told him I wrecked my brand new Cadillac CTS.
“It's the two of them,” Chandra said, pointing away from herself. “Don't even look at me. I think they're crazy for even talking about them dumb sororities in the first place.”
“Wait a minute, wait a minute, what's going on, girls?” I handed Chandra my purse and went over to Myra and Bridget. As I placed my arms around the two of them, I knew we couldn't have any beef this early. “Y'all, we've got our own place. We're not supposed to be arguing. We packed all that stuff away in the freshman year drama suitcase. I'm ready for a fresh start with my closest girls. I'm ready for us to have a super year. It's going to be a great time pledging Beta this year. There's no need to argue and fuss about when we're going to pledge now. They may not have a line this fall. But whenever they do, we'll be on it.”
“You better tell her!” Myra said, looking at Bridget, removing my arm. “Because I now know Rho Tau Nu is the only way for me.”
Okay, at that point I was really confused. Why was Myra talking about pledging the brown and peach? We hadn't had that in the plan. All last year we were at every single Beta Gamma Pi function. We didn't attend any other events. What was this?
“And that's where we are very different because I want to try and be a member of Mu Eta Mu, okay?” Bridget said to me. “I'm sick of that wench thinking her way is right.”
“Who you calling a ...” Myra uttered as she tried to reach over and strangle Bridget.
As I kept them apart, I scratched my head. Now my other girl was talking about wearing silver and gold? What in the world was going on? They knew the sunrise and sunset colors of lavender and turquoise were the colors we were going to sport.
So I turned around and looked at Chandra. “Help me out here! What are they talking about? What changed?”
“Um, again, I'm repeating—I don't know why y'all are thinking about any of them crazy sororities,” Chandra said.
“Because they're founded on Christian principles,” Bridget uttered, as she rolled her eyes at Chandra.
“And it's a great social organization to network and meet new people to do other big things, and it's a community service thing,” I said. “But y'all ... Beta Gamma Pi? I thought we were all going to be Betas? Everybody. All four of us.”
“My mom's a Nu,” Myra said.
“We know that, but you said you knew she'd been inactive all your life so they couldn't be about much,” I said, reminding her of our conversation before we all went our separate ways last summer.
Myra just shrugged her shoulders. “Well, over the summer she joined a local chapter and I met a bunch of the ladies. They are professional women who really are making a difference in their careers. Plus, they are the largest sorority for a reason. Rho Tau Nu is doing major projects. RTN, Hayden. Sorry, girl. You can switch too.”
Bridget grabbed my hand and said, “My mom's not Greek, but I've done a lot of research over the summer and Mu Eta Mu is for me.”
“All of y'all are stupid,” Chandra said.
BOOK: Work What You Got
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