Wicked (Somerset University #2) - Ruby Vincent Page 0,32

go.”

“Heather and Crista won’t commit on if they’ll end the loyalty initiation and Eliana flat-out said she won’t. That puts you and Blair in the lead right there. I was talking to the girls last night and a lot of them agreed we can find another way to test a new sister’s dedication. They don’t like it either.”

“Which makes all of this more complicated,” I said softly, gazing out at Kessler and Ortega.

“What do you mean?”

“If most of the sisters agree with us, then they can’t be involved in whatever Leighton, Reagan, and Patricia were. If this isn’t a Zeta Rho Sigma plot... what is it?”

“We can’t say it isn’t yet. Those three did a great impression of normal people for months,” she reminded. “More sisters could be putting on a show. And they might be willing to make changes because runs and obstacle races aren’t important to what they’re doing.”

“Making people disappear,” I whispered.

A grave look passed between us. There wasn’t much more to be said.

We went to the dining room, joining the other girls to wait for the voting to begin. Kessler and Ana didn’t keep us in suspense for long.

“Good afternoon, ladies,” said Kessler. “Before we begin, let me introduce Miss Ortega. Your new house mother.”

Miss Ortega smiled at our clapping. “Wonderful to finally meet all of you. I sent you an email explaining most of my story, so I won’t bore you with the details again. I just want to say I’m excited to be here supporting you however I can. Please don’t think of me as a spy or a chaperone. This is still your home and my aim is to ensure it remains a safe and comfortable one.”

“Well said,” praised Mrs. Kessler. “Candidates, if you would also say a few words. This is your final chance to tell your sisters why you’re the best choice for Zeta Rho.”

I blinked. I didn’t know we’d be making a speech.

“Who’d like to go first?”

Heather stood. “Thank you, Mrs. Kessler. There are a few things I’d like to say. The first is this: The Sally house is the best sorority on campus and it’s because of each of you. You’re the smartest, most talented, hard-working women and just your being here proves you’re not afraid of a challenge. There’s been a lot of talk about easing up, being more like the other Greeks, and taking the pressure off.”

Heather looked directly at me. “And while, of course, we want to enjoy college and get a little stereotypical every now and then, I’m going to be honest with you in that I believe it’s a mistake to change our path.

“The Sallys go on to start companies, smash world records, form nonprofits, and a bunch of other amazing accomplishments because of what they did right here in this house. The studying seems intense, the exercising tedious, the challenges against the Sams pointless. The initiation of new sisters feels harsh.”

My eyes flicked to Mrs. Kessler. Heather’s last statement garnered no reaction.

The Sally house was in its early years by the time she was a college student. Were they doing the test of loyalty then?

Whether or not she went through it herself, she must know about it now. Does she approve of these methods?

“But they aren’t pointless or tedious,” Heather continued. “They’re meant to push the Sallys to their greatest heights. You have limitless potential, girls. Don’t sell yourself short, because if I’m chosen as your president, I promise you I won’t.”

Heather sat down to a round of whoops and applause.

I had to give it to her. It was a good speech and she did tap-dance on the part of me that hates to be seen as a slacker.

Wonder if she appealed to that in the others too?

The other juniors delivered their speeches in the same vein of continuing the Sallys’ legacy of greatness and not backing down from challenges. Looking around at the other girls, it was hard to tell which way they were leaning. They talked a good game in the kitchen while they ate my chicken parm peppers, but they were cheering and clapping pretty hard for the junior girls for me to believe they were just being polite.

“Thank you, Eliana,” said Mrs. Kessler. She slid past me and gestured to Blair. “Miss Davenport.”

Clearing her throat, Blair rose to her feet, smoothing down her sailor dress and flashing that rare, but all-together stunning smile. “Ladies, you all know me. We eat, study, play, and party together. You’ve heard me talk