The Sigmas of Midon

By Nikki Anne Ellison

The eleven girls of the Sigma Beta Pi Sorority at Midon University are different from many other sorority girls; their cleanly lived lives and irrepressible happiness make it easy for them to keep their sororal mission of helping as many people as possible. Whit, Bree, Pakwa, Embry, Tia, Rosie, Rachel, Andrea, Jamila, Mei, and Maggie are as varied as they are similar. Some have magic, some talk to animals, and one of them is trying to break a spell. Some can cook, some can sing, and one can shoot arrows off a jumping horse. One can fight, one is good at languages, and most have boyfriends whom they adore. And when the neighboring sorority and fraternity are suspected of illegal activities, the Sigmas work together to expose them. But darker forces are at work at Midon, and most of the Sigmas are kidnapped by practitioners of Black Magic who are out for revenge. It's now up to the remaining Sigmas to free them, even as more and more of them are taken. But time is running out for rescue as the captive Sigmas are being beaten, placed under spells, or left to starve.

Ever wonder what would happen if all the famous fairy tale princesses were friends? Drawing from Grimm, Anderson, and others, this mixed-up fairy tale tells the story of eleven girls who love who they are and who always try to do the right thing, even in the face of intense opposition.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781637105917

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The Sigmas of Midon

Nikki Anne Ellison

Copyright © 2021 Nikki Anne Ellison

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books, Inc.

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2021

ISBN 978-1-63710-590-0 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63710-591-7 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

New Pledges

Sisterhood Rescue

Romantic Meetings

Young Romances

Initiation

Dresses

The Ball

Secrets

The Swing of School

The Rhythm of Sigma House

October Magic

Guys and Girls

Winter Semester

The Mermaid

Springtime

Evidence

Attack

Captives

Mental Torture

Escape Attempt

Escape

Rescue

The Cavalry Arrives

Breaking the Spells

Happily Ever After

Prologue

Midon University, situated in the rather picturesque Midon City, was ablaze with activity. It always was at the beginning of fall semester, but this year was particularly busy. So many students had been accepted as freshmen, or had transferred, that the school’s population was the biggest it had ever been.

As such, the president, Mr. Wilhelm, staggered the arrival of students so that both Midon City and University wouldn’t be overwhelmed with the many thousands of students arriving all at once.

The first to arrive were the students who would be seniors, the oldest and most experienced. The juniors were next, two days later, then the sophomores two days after that, and so on.

Last to arrive were those students, freshmen or otherwise, who were going to try to join a sorority or a fraternity. And on a beautiful, crisp fall day, these students started arriving in the early afternoon.

Chapter 1

New Pledges

The clock on the mantle chimed two o’ clock, and Bree looked up from her book. She hadn’t realized it was so late. Regretfully she closed her book before the end of the chapter and stood up from the armchair. She left the second-floor lounge and made her way down the curved staircase to the main floor. She could smell the food Tia, Embry, and Whit were preparing in the kitchen and smiled at the jokes they were telling. Bree crossed the atrium to the arched front door and looked through the tiny heart-shaped window. She could see the first new pledges on the street outside. She swung the door open.

* Σβπ *

Rachel and Andrea stepped off the bus and stood in front of the gates, over which huge gold letters spelled midon university.

We’re here! Rachel said. She smiled, her big green eyes dancing at a new adventure. Andrea’s expression was longing, as she’d always dreamed of coming here and couldn’t believe she was finally here.

Let’s go, she said.

Together, the two new friends walked through the gates. They’d spent most of the bus ride talking about what they thought their college experience would be like. Both had chosen their majors and were eager to get to work.

As they entered the vast campus, they looked around, wondering where to go. Everyone now streaming through the front gates was heading toward a long road lined with huge houses to the right of the university’s main entrance.

Those must be frat and sorority houses, Andrea said. She glanced at Rachel. Are you sure you don’t want to at least try to get into one?

I thought about it. That’s why I came today and not with the other freshmen, Rachel said. She stopped walking and bit her lip. I’ve never been in an organization like that before, though. And I don’t have any sisters, so I don’t know what sisterhood means.

Oh you’ll love it, Andrea said. She dropped one suitcase so she could shake Rachel’s arm emphatically. I have six older sisters. And while they drive me crazy most of the time, I already miss them. My mom was in a sorority when she was in college, and I’ve heard lots of good things about her experience. I want to at least try.

All right, Rachel said, sounding a little more excited. She and Andrea followed the crowd.

The houses on the right side of the street were fraternity houses; young men in various levels of physical fitness lounged outside, occasionally wolf-whistling to passing girls. Rachel and Andrea turned their heads away and looked at the sorority houses on the left. They all had Greek letters above their front doors, and each one seemed gaudier than the last. The house at the end of the row was painted dark red.

That doesn’t look very inviting, Andrea said, pointing.

Oh, I don’t know, Rachel said, glancing at Andrea’s naturally dark red hair. Red has its benefits.

Andrea smirked at her. Then their eyes were drawn to the house next to the red house. It was large, like the rest, but painted a pale blue, conservative among the gaudy. Over the arched front door were three Greek letters, above which read the words sigma beta pi.

The house and yard were clean and well-cared for. The house did look a little odd with its mismatched window shapes, a balcony jutting out from the third floor, two chimneys on the sides, and a turret in the front. But it had a peaceful feeling about it, something the rest of the houses lacked. In the doorway stood a brown-haired girl in a blue and white dress. Andrea and Rachel approached the blue house.

Hi, my name is Bree Marquis, Bree said, holding out her hand to shake theirs. I’m the vice president of Sigma Beta Pi. Are you girls thinking of joining a sorority?

We are, Rachel answered, and Andrea smiled.

You are welcome to join us, Bree said. Our goal is to cultivate a love of service and a love of people. We treat everyone with respect. We teach our girls to be kind, charitable, to never be afraid of what people think of you, and, above all else, to do the right thing.

Rachel and Andrea were almost too excited to talk; this sorority sounded perfect for them.

* Σβπ *

Jamila walked under the front gates of Midon University and stopped. She felt so alone in the great crowd; none of her friends had wanted to come here, and it was hard for her to make new ones. She followed the crowd to the right of the front gate, and read the words greek row in the middle of a golden arch over the street mouth.

A sorority. She hadn’t thought about it before just a few days ago, but as she was a tiny fish in a huge ocean, she thought she might do well to be a part of a sorority; she might make friends easier that way. She made her way carefully down the street, noticing that each house on the sorority side was a different color: the yellow one had groups of screaming girls on the lawn; the bright pink one had snooty-looking girls standing on the porch; the green one had music streaming out of all the doors and windows; and the pale blue one had a girl in a blue dress hugging each new arrival. Jamila smiled at her sincerity but kept walking. Next to the blue house was a dark red house.

Jamila stopped and looked back and forth between the blue and red houses. No one seemed to be going into the red house, and she felt bad for them. She knew she would hate it if she planned a party and no one came. Jamila walked up to the red house and knocked on the door.

* Σβπ *

Inside Sigma House later that evening, Bree stood in front of the fireplace in one of the two large living rooms on the main floor. Two groups of girls sat on the plushy floor rugs in front of her, with a small aisle between them. On her left were the rest of the Sigma Sisterhood, numbering five including herself. On her right were the five new pledges. They sat close together, some looking nervous, others downright excited. Everyone chatted, full and happy on Embry, Tia, and Whit’s good food and dessert.

Now it was time for the opening ceremony of pledge week.

Bree clapped her hands, and the chatter fizzled out.

Welcome again to Sigma Beta Pi, she said to the pledges. Tonight is our opening ceremonies for pledge week. And at the end of this week, we will have our initiation. I now turn the floor over to our president, Whitney Snow.

A girl with short black hair and big brown eyes stood up next to Bree. She had a pretty round face and a permanent half smile. There was something about her that made all the pledges feel at ease.

Welcome! Whit said. As Bree said, my name is Whitney, but call me Whit. If our Sisters will stand, please—she paused while the other three stood—we will say our motto.

As one, the five older girls recited, We are the Sigma Beta Pi—Spunky Brave Princesses. We don’t let anyone get us down, we stand up for ourselves and our friends, and we are honest, loving, and loyal.

The new girls applauded, one girl giving a whoop with her fist in the air. The other four older girls sat down, and Whit clapped her hands a little.

Why ‘princesses’? asked the girl who’d whooped. She spoke with a Scottish accent, and her flaming red hair was so thick that it stood a good three inches on top of her head before cascading down to her hips in intense curls. There’s nae royalty here.

No, Maggie, Whit said. But it’s the only thing the first Sisters of our sorority could think of that started with a P to represent ‘Pi.’ And it’s fun to pretend.

Maggie the Scottish girl laughed.

You were all told the mission statement of the Sigmas by Bree when you came in, Whit continued, gesturing to Bree. And now you’ve heard the motto. Both you will have to memorize. The meaning of our name Sigma Beta Pi must be kept a secret. If for any reason one of you feels she is not fit for Sigma life, please don’t be ashamed.

She paused to give anyone who wished the opportunity to leave. No one moved. Whit’s smile broadened.

Only two of the girls who had come during the afternoon had not been fit for the Sigma sorority. They had been sisters, Elise and Anna Dale. They kept mostly to themselves during the mingling, but Whit felt uneasy around them, like they were only pretending to smile to hide how dangerous they really were. And they were rude. Anna wouldn’t stop talking, especially when interrupting, and both of them kept demanding more chocolate and sandwiches. And when Whit explained some of the rules of Sigma House, Elise laughed in her face and said, Rules don’t apply to me. I’m free.

At that point, Whit had asked them both to leave. They did, Elise leaving a trail of ice on the floor behind her. Whit and Embry had had to mop it up before someone slipped and got hurt.

So that one has magic, Embry had whispered to Whit. I’d hate to see what she could do with that ice power if she got angry.

Which is why I asked them to leave, Whit had whispered back. Both she and Embry were used to seeing magic, as some of their own Sigmas could wield it, including themselves. But unlike the Gamma Sorority, the Sigmas would never use their magic to hurt anyone.

We stand for something far better than any other sorority, Whit said now, shaking the memory of the Dale sisters out of her mind. "But that means we expect more from you. There will be no drinking, no inappropriate behavior or activities. Boyfriends will be kept on the main floor and basement only. And only wholesome and uplifting things will be let inside.

In the Sigma sorority, you are required to participate in at least two service opportunities, Whit continued. If you can lend your skills, your talents, hobbies, education, previous knowledge, or interests to anyone—be it small group or the entire town of Midon—you are required to do so. If your knowledge and experience alone is insufficient for two service opportunities, start learning something new! If you need help finding something, your Sisters will help you. It may sound like a lot. But trust me, once you get in the swing of service, you can’t look back.

All the older girls nodded their heads emphatically. A few pledges shifted excitedly, their minds already choosing their service projects.

Now, Whit said, clasping her hands under her chin. Let’s go around the room and introduce ourselves. Say whatever you’d like about yourself. Let’s start with the older Sisters so you pledges won’t feel like you’re in a room of strangers.

Whit knelt with the older girls.

I’ll go first, she said. I’m a vocal performance major, minoring in world dance. I’ll warn you girls right now that I just might grab you and make you my dance partner. I love to bake pies. Uh, oh, and my seven older brothers raised me.

Whew! Andrea said. You have it far worse than me with my six older sisters!

I’m Embry Miller, the next girl said. She had shoulder-length strawberry blonde hair and big blue eyes. Her pink mouth seemed to be in a constant though adorable pucker. I’m a Family Life major with an emphasis in human development. I have three stepsisters whom I have to be nice to, even though they’re pretty mean. I love making new friends, and I have a rather extensive shoe collection. I’m a size six if anyone wants to borrow some.

A few pledges grinned.

I’ll go next, Bree said, waving her hand. My name’s Breiah Marquis, but call me Bree. I was born in France, but my father and I moved here after his business suddenly failed. I’m majoring in English with a double minor in tourism studies and French. And I have a horse named Spock.

Maggie and another pledge nearly stood up in excitement. They spoke at the same time:

We have to talk cuddies—I mean, horses! said Maggie.

You’re a Trekkie too? said the other girl.

Bree laughed. She nudged the girl next to her, who was looking toward a window and didn’t appear to be listening. She started.

Oh, sorry, she said. She had hip-length black hair, deep brown eyes, and the stern but beautiful face of an American Indian. My name’s Pakwa Matoaka. And before anyone asks, yes, I am a Pamunkey. I’m majoring in conservation biology with a Native American studies minor. I like camping, boating, and gardening. I don’t like shoes.

The next girl laughed. She was a Black girl with a sparklingly beautiful smile and the biggest dimples. My name’s Tia James, she said. I’m from New Orleans. I’ve graduated from culinary school, and I’m here to get my degree in management and entrepreneurship. My plan is to own my own restaurant. I’ll be doing all the cookin’ ’round here, so if you have a request, don’t be afraid to speak up. And if we all could pay a monthly stipend, I’ll use that to buy food.

Now we’d love to hear about you new girls, Whit said. She pointed to Maggie.

I’m Maggie Duncan, she said, waving an arm. This is ma first time outta Scotland. Me dad an’ mum want me tae take over the family business of managin’ destination resorts, but I’d rather be riding my horse, Scotty. She winked at Bree. If there’s an archery club here, let me ken ’cause I’ll be joinin’ it. I’m majoring in…oh, I ferget the name… Oh! Wildlife and Wildland Conservation.

Whit pointed to Rachel.

Hi, I’m Rachel Leonard, she said. I’m majoring in art. My mediums are pottery and paint, mostly. I haven’t gotten out very much in my life, and this is the biggest place I’ve ever been to. But I love adventure! I like baking pies and cookies, playing guitar, and dancing. I also have really long hair. She pulled out her hair ties and pins, and her golden hair fell in a pile around her; if she stood up, it would have reached her ankles. Several of the pledges gasped and moved out of the way. I cut it off and donate it regularly. It grows really fast.

I’m Mei Feng, said the girl next to Maggie. She was Asian with long black hair, thick eyebrows, long fingers and legs, and a nose that wrinkled easily in fun. My parents got out of China as soon as they could, but they’re still traditionally Chinese. They want to arrange my marriage, among other annoying things. I also have a horse named Bones—she nudged Maggie, and Bree pointed at her in a knowing way—and I’m in the ROTC. I’m majoring in family history.

I didn’t even know that was a major, Andrea said. I’m Andrea Pearl. I’m the youngest of seven girls. I’m double majoring in anthropology and marine biology. I like to collect little things from wherever I go. I have a lot of weird collections.

I’m Rosie Spindle, said the last pledge. She had purple eyes and blonde hair so thick it almost made her head look too big for her body. I like gardening, so I think, Pakwa, you and I need to talk. I’m majoring in music dance theater. I can’t decide if my favorite color is blue or pink. I fall asleep really quickly, so I’ll apologize to my roommate in advance, I won’t be spending late nights talking. And I’m also allergic to nickel and titanium.

Oh, that bites, Whit said. I’m allergic to apples, so I totally understand.

The clock in the corner struck eleven. Six of the girls were already yawning, including Whit.

Let’s get to bed, everyone, she said. "We’ve got classes starting in the morning. Head up to your rooms on the second or third floors—your stuff’s already been taken up there. Know that after initiation, there may be a little shuffling around of rooms, so don’t get too comfortable. But I think—she paused to glance around at the older girls, who all nodded—that we’ll keep all of you."

Chapter 2

Sisterhood Rescue

The next morning, the six early birds in the house got ready for the day before making their way to the kitchen at the back of the first floor. Embry made a breakfast of oatmeal, peaches, and tea while Tia hovered on the edges.

Embry, I can make breakfast, how many times have I told you? she said.

"Tia, how many times have I told you that breakfast is more or less my specialty? Embry asked. She didn’t look at Tia as she said it, making the younger girls think (rightly) that this conversation happened regularly. Besides, you need to do dinner prep."

Tia sighed and headed to the fridge.

By the time the other four girls came downstairs, the early birds had finished their breakfast and were getting their things together for the first day of classes.

I wonder if we’ll have any classes together, Rachel said to Andrea. Maybe some generals?

"That’ll be the only classes we have in common, Andrea said, laughing. We’re majoring in completely different things."

The back door opened with a bang, causing everyone inside to jump. A girl wearing running shoes and a sports bra slunk inside, her almost-white hair tied up in a long ponytail. Her skin was incredibly tanned, which somehow made her blue eyes stand out more. She wiped her wrist across her forehead as she headed to the fridge for a water bottle.

Oh, hi, Kira, Pakwa said. How was your run? We missed you last night.

It was good, thanks, ten miles in two hours, Kira said. She took a long drink. Sorry I couldn’t make it last night. I was figuring out scholarship stuff. I didn’t get back until late.

Is it finalized? Pakwa asked.

Kira gave a sad smile. It is. And I’m afraid I’m going to have to say goodbye.

Whit turned around from the sink where she’d been doing dishes. Goodbye?!

Yeah, said Kira. She grabbed a peach and started eating it. I got the full-ride scholarship, and they’re gonna fund my studies abroad. I have to go with them.

Oh, I’m so happy for you! Whit said, returning Kira’s sad smile. We’ll miss you, though.

What is your major? Andrea asked.

Anthropology, Kira said. She held her hand out to Andrea. Sorry, so rude. My name is Kira Atlas. I’m a part of this Sorority, but I have to leave now.

That’s too bad, I would have liked to talk, Andrea said. I’m an anthropology major too.

Kira’s eyes lit up, and she smiled crookedly. Who says we can’t? she asked. We’ll keep in touch. You’re just starting the program?

Andrea nodded. I’d love to hear about where you are, what emphasis you’re taking.

Sure, Kira said. I’m studying nearly or fully dead civilizations. Their cultures are worth saving. It requires knowing a lot of dead languages, but I have a knack for them.

Do you? Mei asked, who was bilingual.

Kira nodded. She took a deep breath. Mon père était dans l’armée. Viajamos por todo el mundo. из-затого, чтоязнаюдевятьязыков. انهاعبءأحيانا. Aber es ist immer noch Spaß.

The pledges blinked in surprise, but the older girls laughed, Kira loudest of all.

What on earth? Maggie said.

I said, ‘My father was in the Army, and we traveled all over the world. I learned nine languages because of that. It’s sometimes a burden. But it’s still fun,’ Kira said. That was French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and German, respectively.

Sheesh, Andrea said. I think I’m going to have to up my game if I want to major in anthropology.

Not necessarily, Kira said. She led Andrea into a corner of the dining room so they could talk some more.

Maggie went to close the door, but a young man suddenly appeared there. At the sight of her, his face lit up.

Jenny! he exclaimed. He made to hug Maggie, and in her surprise, she yelled. The young man froze, then looked carefully at her.

Hi, Eddie, Embry said, almost without looking up. What brings you here today?

I thought Jenny might be back, he said. He was tall and handsome with a sweet face, but everyone could see he was a little vain.

We told you, Eddie, Jenny left, Embry said. She got a scholarship, and she won’t be coming back here. Besides, she’s with Robbie now.

But he’s so boring, Eddie said. His excitement deflated, and he left the back door without another word.

Wha was tha’ all aboot? Maggie asked, closing the door.

Embry laughed a little. Jenny was another girl in our sorority, she said. Jenny Woods. She pledged last year. She has red hair, too, so that’s why he thought you were her. Just like Kira, she got a full-ride scholarship somewhere else, so she transferred there.

And who was he? Maggie asked.

Jenny’s ex-boyfriend, Whit said. I guess he’s not over her yet.

What happened? Why did they break up? Rachel asked.

Oh, nothing bad, Whit said. Jenny just found Robbie, and she liked him better. Honestly, he’s a better match for her than Eddie, but Eddie is sweet.

Ugh, there’s so many names to remember, Mei said, rubbing her temples. Why are there so many people?

You’ll get the hang of it, Mei, I promise, Whit said.

The girls finished breakfast and said their goodbyes to Kira. Then as one, they headed toward the front door.

Dinner’s at six thirty, girls, Tia said.

Afterward, we’re meeting in the back living room for our next part of pledge week, Whit said. Together the girls stepped out the front door to their first day of classes at Midon University.

* Σβπ *

Jamila stepped out the front door of the red house alone. She had just spent the night with the Gamma Tau Mu Sorority and had never felt so uncomfortable in her life. The girls there acted nice, they said sweet words, they were flattering, and they were stunningly beautiful. But their smiles never reached their eyes, their laughter never reached their souls, and their kindness never went deeper than their tongues. There was something sinister in how beautiful they all were; it was like they were too perfect, too sculpted, unreal.

Jamila walked down Greek Row toward the campus buildings. As she passed the pale blue house, she glanced at it almost longingly. What was it like in there? She shuddered as words from last night’s opening ceremonies ran through her head, words spoken by the Gamma president, Queenie Glass.

Queenie was an unsettling category unto herself. The first sight Jamila had of her was as she stood at the top of the stairs, looking down on everyone like they were inferior, her black hair piled high on her head like a crown. It was clear to Jamila that Queenie did not enjoy the company of anyone in that room.

Queenie had explained in a surprisingly regal tone that Gamma Tau Mu stood for great to be mean, and that the Gammas believed in getting even, always getting their way, and relishing their bad side. The other pledges quivered with excitement, but Jamila quivered with dread. It was clear to her in one night that she did not belong there. She did not belong in a place where pettiness was a pastime, where revenge was daily bread, where you were judged by how ruthless you were, and where the decor was either black, red, or purple.

Jamila shuddered again. She had chosen to pledge to the Gammas, and she felt she had to see it through, her uncomfortable feelings aside. She had heard that pledge week was the hardest week in a sorority sister’s life, so she hoped her uncomfortable feelings would pass, and she would get by among the Gammas.

Besides, she did not have anywhere else to go.

* Σβπ *

Tia served excellent Southern cuisine that night: chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, and biscuits all drowning in gravy, with a green Jell-O to lighten things up. Talk and laughter flowed as easily as drinking water, everyone sharing how their classes went that day. Soon everyone was full of food and good company. Then Tia brought out a big platter full of sugar-dusted pastries.

Yes, Tia’s famous beignets! Embry said. Most of the girls groaned, holding their stomachs. Whit stood up and clinked her cup lightly with her fork.

Ladies, let’s adjourn to the back living room, she said. We have much to talk about.

The back living room, which was on the opposite side of the first floor from the kitchen, was a long thin room that ran most of the length of the house, and had a door at the front end that went into the mudroom by the front door. It was full of couches, armchairs, and cushions, with more plushy rugs on the floor. An upright baby grand piano stood next to the door into the mudroom.

The ten girls settled into comfortable places, not caring tonight who was a pledge and who was already a Sister. Whit sat in an armchair between the room’s two windows.

I’m so happy to see how well you new girls are fitting in, she said. I’m going to guess you’ve heard a lot of negative things about sororities, so I’d like to put those to rest. Pledge weeks are notorious for hazing rituals and other humiliations before initiation. She shook her head with a disgusted expression, an expression mirrored by many of the other girls. The Gamma Sorority in the house next door will do that, but we will not. How can we create an environment of love, trust, service, and loyalty if it starts with meanness and cruelty? We cannot.

She looked at Bree, who nodded.

Whit is right, Bree said. "So instead of hazing you this week, we’re going to get to know you. It’s a tradition among sororities to have a ‘big sister, little sister’ relationship, something we’re going to do too. We prefer those to happen naturally, rather than be assigned, so get to know each other.

We also want you new girls to find your two service projects this week, Bree continued. If you need help finding something, please don’t hesitate to ask.

What kinds of things are you guys doing? Rosie asked. That might help us decide.

Good idea, Whit said.

First, I volunteer on Indian reservations, helping them with their crops, Pakwa said. Second, I teach local farmers the hows, whens, and whys of farming and help them during harvest. And then for my service project three years ago, I started a campus-wide vegetable garden. I’m continuing that this year.

Ooh, I’d love to get in on that, Rosie said, shaking Pakwa’s arm.

I think my favorite service that I do is reading at the elementary school and library, Bree said. But I also volunteer as a French tutor at the high school, and I teach horseback riding lessons.

Maggie and Mei elbowed each other in excitement at this news. Bree tapped her nose and pointed to the two of them, grinning.

I teach dance lessons, Whit said.

Rosie sat up straighter, interest all over her face.

I also sing at hospitals and rest homes, and I bake pies to bring to the elderly, Whit finished.

Rachel perked up, smiling.

I teach a cooking class, that also includes budgeting and proper food prep, Tia said. And I cater wedding receptions for cost-of-materials only.

One of mine is I volunteer to go with social workers into people’s homes and help with parent-child relations, Embry said. The other is I help people with rodent problems.

The pledges looked confused, but Embry didn’t elaborate.

Embry’s secret is for another night, Whit said. A knowing look passed between them that filled the pledges with wonder; what secrets lived in this house?

Tia passed her platter of beignets around the room, and the girls demolished them.

I hope that’s given you a better idea of what you’d like to do, Whit said. I think some of you do. But if you still have questions—about anything—let us older girls help you.

A few pledges opened their mouths. But just then, a knock came at the front door.

* Σβπ *

Jamila’s dread deepened. Queenie Glass had just finished a speech about how pledge week would go for the new pledges, and Jamila knew she couldn’t do it. Just the sentence that started with "if you survive pledge week" had been enough.

Queenie and her vice president, Tracy Tremain, stood on the stairs, giving orders. There were five new pledges, including Jamila. Two of them had been told to stand to Queenie’s right, while two others were told to stand to Queenie’s left. That left Jamila standing in the middle. Queenie smiled down at her with unkindness.

The two pledges on her right, Maisie Gordon and Vanessa Weed, had been instructed to sit naked on the washing machine. Vanessa’s older sister, Sula Weed, would put the machine on spin cycle and, with permanent markers, circle everything on Maisie and Vanessa that jiggled.

And the two pledges on Queenie’s left, Malissa Fey and Trudy Match, were taken into the kitchen to have a drinking game with Tracy Tremain’s younger sisters, Annie and Stella.

That left Jamila standing in the middle of the room, incredibly uncomfortable and absolutely terrified. Instinctively she pulled down on her aqua green crop top, trying to make it longer, hoping she wouldn’t be told to undress too.

Queenie’s gaze fell on her. You’re softer than our usual girls, she said. So I have something special for you to do.

Queenie and Tracy worked together against Jamila. They took her into the kitchen, where the girls doing the drinking game weren’t careful where the vodka splashed. They yelled at Jamila, ordering her to lie on her back and soak up the vodka with her shirt. Eventually, Malissa Fey and Trudy Match passed out, and Jamila finally finished wiping up all the vodka.

But Queenie and Tracy weren’t done with her.

Next they had her follow them around the house, going into every room—the bathrooms, the bedrooms, the living rooms, the laundry room where Maisie and Vanessa still sat naked on the washing machine covered in marker circles and being viciously mocked by Sula.

While they walked, Queenie and Tracy picked up trash and put it on Jamila, stuffing it into every nook and cranny they could find: in her arms and hands, in her headband, in her thick black braid, in her bra, down her pants, in her underwear, up her shirt, in her shoes. Every time Jamila tried to remove some, they yelled louder at her.

After an hour, Jamila was sobbing for relief.

If you’re going to be a Gamma, you’re going to have to be tougher than that! Queenie screamed.

If you were any good, you’d stay here and take what’s given to you! Tracy yelled. Now take that trash in your mouth if you have to, but you’re taking that trash! It’s just like you!

Exhausted and humiliated, Jamila ran out the front door into the night, Queenie screaming after her. Jamila fell on her knees on the front lawn. No one followed her, but their words did. The Gammas had seemed so nice the night before. What happened? Jamila knew that she could not stay there. But where could she go?

Her tearstained eyes turned to the pale blue house with the turret. The girl she had seen yesterday had looked nice, so much nicer than the Gammas had ever looked. Jamila needed someone, and the blue house seemed the only chance she had.

She staggered to her feet and approached the house. There were lights on in the right side of the house, and she could hear laughing and talking. She stood outside for what seemed a long time, listening to the sounds. Finally she gathered up enough courage to knock.

The girl Jamila had seen yesterday opened the door. Bree was still smiling from the conversation, but her face changed to worry. Poor Jamila stood on the porch, her clothes and hair still full of trash, vodka dripping off her back.

I’m sorry, Jamila said, crying. I’m Jamila, I just came from the Gammas. I need a place to stay.

Before she could get any more words out, she burst into tears. Bree grabbed Jamila and pulled her into the house, tucking her into her arms.

Whew! They used this one as the cleanup rag for the drinking game, she said, closing the door. But she still held the sobbing Jamila tight in her arms, getting soaked with vodka too. She needs a hot bath and new clothes.

Let me take her, Whit said. I’ll get the bath started.

Whit ran up the curved staircase in the middle of the open atrium between the front door and the doorway into the kitchen. Bree rocked Jamila lightly. Are your things at Gamma? she asked. Jamila sniffed and nodded.

I’ll go get her stuff, Pakwa said. She and the other girls had followed Whit and Bree to the atrium at the sounds of Jamila crying.

I’ll come, Embry said. Those Gammas need to be taught a lesson.

I agree, Tia said. What’s her name?

Jamila, Bree said.

Tia, Embry, and Pakwa nodded, then left the house for Gamma.

Whit came back downstairs, and she and Bree guided Jamila to one of the three bathrooms on the second floor. Bree peeled off to her room to change her clothes, and Whit took Jamila inside the bathroom, where a hot bubble bath waited in the deep freestanding bathtub. Whit turned her back so Jamila could undress in privacy, trash falling liberally around her feet. Jamila climbed in the tub and sighed as the bubbles surrounded her up to her chin.

I’m so sorry about this, she said.

Don’t be, Whit said with a smile. She gathered up Jamila’s clothes and put them in the sink for rinsing. Those Gammas are a mean bunch. If I’d known you were going in there, I would have warned you away.

I went there yesterday because no one was going inside, Jamila said. I guess I know why now.

Whit grabbed a broom and started sweeping up all the garbage. She laughed a little. Well, welcome to Sigma Beta Pi, she said. My name is Whit Snow.

I’m Jamila Karim, Jamila said.

That’s a beautiful name, Whit said. You are welcome to stay here with us, if you’d still like to pledge to a sorority. Though if you’d rather not, I understand. She gathered the garbage in several dustpan fulls and dumped them in the trash can. Pakwa, Tia, and Embry went to get your things. Would you like to stay the night here at least?

I would, Jamila said. She peeked over the top of the tub at Whit. Is that all right?

Whit laughed. It’s more than all right, she said. If you still like us in the morning, I can teach you all about our sorority so you’re all caught up.

Whit started rinsing Jamila’s clothes. Jamila sat in the bubbles, thinking. After the terrors of the hazing, this house, this sorority, these girls, were so opposite to the Gammas, so close to who she was.

I’d like that, she said.

* Σβπ *

Only use your magic if you have to, Pakwa said to Embry. We don’t want them knowing what we can do. Do they?

I doubt it, Embry said. My stepsisters never paid that much attention to me.

They probably have a few tricks up their sleeves they don’t want us knowing either, Tia said. Though they’ve shown us plenty already.

The three girls reached the front walk of Gamma House. Queenie Glass still stood in the doorway, staring out as though the world were beneath her. She raised one dark eyebrow as the Sigmas approached.

Where’s Jamila’s stuff, Queenie? Tia asked.

Jamila? Queenie said. She inspected her fingernails. Oh, that was her name. That little pig was squealing too loudly for me to understand her.

You knew her name perfectly well, Tia said. Where’s her stuff?

She ran to you, didn’t she? Queenie said. I might have guessed it. You always were weak little—

Oh give it a rest, Queenie, Pakwa said. She and the other two had reached the porch and were standing right in front of Queenie, who stood with her hands on her hips, blocking the doorway, refusing to let them in.

She started pledging Gamma, and she’s going to finish, she said.

Since when do you care about a new pledge? Pakwa asked. You didn’t like her, or you wouldn’t have traumatized her like that on the first night. We’ll get her stuff, and she’ll be out of your hair.

A breeze came from behind Pakwa and blew into Gamma House, blowing Queenie’s dress above her knees. Queenie tried to hide her shudder. Embry saw it and tittered quietly. Immediately, two large mice ran from behind her and into the house. Queenie screamed and retreated quickly into the house. She opened her mouth to say something, but Pakwa interrupted by pushing past her and up the stairs. Tia followed, but Embry stayed on the porch to keep an eye on Queenie.

Tia and Pakwa ran up the stairs to the second floor, where the pledges’ things had been piled in the middle of the floor. Tia found Jamila’s things first, and