Not good.I demonstrate the way he went in instead of out.If I ever get a boyfriend, I’m hoping for a lot better.
I still cannot believe that someone as pretty as you has never had a boyfriend,she mumbles through a mouthful of scrambled eggs.
I didn’t even know I was pretty until Annie told me so.Maybe because I’ve spent my life next to my mother, a great beauty with fair skin, raven hair, and patrician features.My father has only done one impulsive thing in his entire life.The first time he saw my mother, sitting in a cafe, sipping tea and reading a book, he marched over and asked her out.Six months later, to the disapproval of almost everyone in her family, she dropped out of Monarch College, married him, and moved to Paris.After Paris, Washington, where I was born.Then Helsinki.And locations all over eastern Europe, where it was just the three of us.
Next to my mom, whose beauty inspired my straitlaced father to spontaneity, I’m chopped liver.And I’m skeptical of Annie’s claims.Guys don’t pay attention to me.Even stupid Dan never remembers my name, and we’ve been introduced several times.
You’ve had much more experience with boys than me,I say.
Unbelievable.I thought I would be the least experienced dater at Monarch.Maybe that’s why they paired us up.She snorts, and egg flies across the table and lands on the floor.We both laugh.
She sips her coffee.Look, I’m sorry I blew up at you before.I should get my temper under control.Can I blame the lack of caffeine?
Oh no, it’s okay.I’d rather you were honest with me.It’s a struggle to manage peer friendships since it’s all new to me.Besides, I’m the same.When I get upset, I tell people off.
Her eyebrows go up.I can’t even imagine you getting mad.
I have a pretty long fuse,I admit.
She finishes her bagel, then pats her mouth with a napkin.You know that today is bid day, right?
Just like that, my lovely morning shatters like an icicle dropping from a cathedral roof.
Oh right.How could I forget?We’ve only spent the past week visiting and re-visiting sororities.What time does that happen?
All the sororities send out their acceptances at 5:00 PM.
Ah yes, the benefits of technology—no room for error.In my mother's time, perhaps an envelope with good news could be misplaced but no more.
Do they let you know if you haven't made it?I ask, my voice cracking.
I hope not.That would be brutal.Annie frowns.Don't worry.Everyone gets in somewhere.
For achieving my goal of a wide circle of friends, I want to get into the Alpha Zeta Mu sorority.It’s really my mother who inspired me to strive for Greek supremacy.She went to Monarch College as well, and would speak admiringly of the women of that sorority, who were the most accomplished and popular on campus.After years of hearing the wistful undertones of her college stories, I’m certain that my admission into Alpha Zeta Mu will make her happy.
I don’t want to join justanysorority though.I circle my spoon through the oatmeal dregs, appetite gone.
Evelyn, you know that Alpha Z is the most difficult sorority to join.And I’m not sure if it’s a good fit…Annie’s voice trails off.
She’s right, of course.The sorority sisters there were uniformly glossy, confident, and fashionable in a way that’s completely beyond my skills or knowledge.As in my mother’s time, they’re accomplished and active in student organizations and charity work.They’re also still famously popular and date the most desirable guys on campus—like the Delta Theta Pi fraternity brothers or members of the Mustangs hockey team.
Definitely not the best fit for someone with a meagre social résumé.But I like to set my goals high.I’m smart and hard-working.I’d be happy to partake in all that charity work or sorority business.Maybe they’ll see my potential.
Annie finishes her bagel and brushes the crumbs from her hands.I’m hoping for Sigma Phi.
I nod.I too liked that sorority, the women had been quietly friendly and admired the outfits that I’ve thrifted and remade.The sorority house had a handmade vibe that appealed to my crafty side, and they had adopted an adorable cat-and-dog bonded pair from a local animal charity.
It seemed so homey there,Annie concluded.
True.But we’ve come to college to take risks and challenge ourselves, right?That’s my philosophy, honed over the years that I lived a sheltered life in foreign countries.Once I moved to Minnesota for college, I would seize those opportunities with both hands.No more safe, quiet life for me.Of course, my cautious personality isn’t exactly suited to this philosophy, but I can change.
My mom video-calls as I’m getting ready for class.
Am I calling at a bad time?she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.My mom on video always sounds like she’s trying not to wake up an ogre lying beside her.Just in case someone is listening.
No, it’s fine.I only have a couple of minutes, though.I’m getting ready for class.I smile at her as I’m brushing my hair.
It’s so nice to see your face.It’s nice to see her face too.I’ve always wished my features were as delicately pretty as hers, instead of having my dad’s strong bone structure.
