Wicked (Somerset University #2) - Ruby Vincent Page 0,18
new sisters this semester. The pledging process is too much to handle during this transition. Next semester, if the new president feels up to it, we can see about adding Sallys to the family.”
I bobbed my head. It made sense.
“Now, let’s get into the duties of the president,” she went on. “First and foremost, you’ll be there for your sisters. Solve problems. Arrange bonding activities. Handle disciplinary actions. You will also handle financial decisions such as funding any trips you take, and you’ll meet with me once a semester. Any questions?”
No one raised their hand.
“As for the vice president, you will chair executive meetings and support the president however she needs. Take your time considering which position best suits you. These are not easy roles to undertake and I don’t wish for anyone to be overwhelmed by the sorority and their course load.”
Blair’s hand shot into the air. “Do we put our names in for consideration today?”
“Yes,” replied Mrs. Kessler. “All those who wish to run for president or vice president will throw their names in the hat today, giving you a week to show your sisters why you’re the best choice. Then when I return, they’ll vote.”
“I want to run for president,” said Blair.
Mrs. Kessler put up her hands. “One moment. We’ll get to that. First, I want to answer any other questions.”
A few other girls raised their hands. Mrs. Kessler went through one by one explaining in depth what the duties were and how much of a commitment it would require. The next thing I knew, my hand was up too.
“Does the president have to live in the Sally house?”
“No,” she said. “We don’t require any of our girls to live in the house. And we’ve had presidents who lived off campus and managed to do an excellent job running Zeta Rho.”
“Still it would make more sense if they did live in the house.” Blair smiled at me. “And if they had less responsibilities outside of the Sallys.”
“It is for you all to decide who the best choice is,” Kessler said simply. “I have no input in that regard. But I will say this, the sudden loss of Leighton and Reagan and the state it left you in, moved me to hire a house mother for the Sallys.
“We haven’t had one for years, so to those who don’t know, the role of a house mother is officially to manage the house. She will keep the kitchen stocked, handle maintenance requests, coordinate room assignments, and ensure you always have the little things on hand. Unofficially, Miss Ortega will be there for you emotionally. She is a licensed therapist, and if you ever need to talk, her door will always be open. Heaven forbid we suffer another tragedy, but if we do, I want you girls to have the support you need.”
I nodded. Someone like that would be nice to take more off the plate of the president. If that’s going to be me.
“This is how we’re going to do this.” Kessler reached behind her and picked up two pieces of paper. “If you’d like to run for president, write your name on this sheet. If you’d like to be vice president, put your name here. I stress upon you the informality of this process. Any campaigning done over the following week is up to you. Ladies, vet your future leaders how you see fit.”
Kessler handed the sheets to the girl in front of her. Sofia looked at me as it went around, silently asking me what I planned to do.
I don’t have time for this. I want to know what’s going on and help Sawyer and Teagan if there’s still a chance to do so, but I never agreed to do it like this.
Leighton’s words suddenly shot through my mind. “I won’t talk to you or anyone. How I get my information is a presidential secret. If you want to know, you’ll have to take over Zeta Rho Sigma.”
My nails scraped the table as I curled my fist. I wanted to know. Not only the truth behind the disappearances, but also how Leighton discovered what she did about me.
Mai slid the paper and pen over to me. I picked it up and wrote my name without hesitation.
Valentina Blythe Moon. President of Zeta Rho Sigma.
JAXSON
“We’re catching a movie tonight,” said Hudson. “Want to join us?”
“We can’t tonight but for sure another time. It’s been a while since I hung out with Sofia.” I scoffed. “It’s been a while since I