Free Get What You Give by Stephanie Perry Moore Page A

had their GPAs go down. If you knew why you were in school, you should act like it. Do something. Be about changing your community and making your sorority better. You couldn’t make it better if you had no degree. The tension my line had made all of us weaker students. We needed to fix that.
    Gem four was Millie’s favorite, which was Christian principles. We learned that God had it going on. Though I knew in my heart that I should treat people how I wanted to be treated, I was a little stubborn. But that hard heart needed to go. Though I was happy dating Covin, I wasn’t totally okay, because I knew Teddi had issues with it.
    Yep, after pondering the last two weeks, I was emotional. I’d learned how to be better, and I’d vowed to care more, yet I wasn’t living up to what I’d pledged. This last Gem on public service was for me. I wasn’t getting much from my line sisters, because, frankly, I hadn’t given them much. And if I loved them and the bond we were supposed to be forming, why did I want anything from them anyway? Being in a sorority was not a self-serving organization.
    As soon as we took our seats, Samantha said, “As far as the Gem ceremonies are concerned, you ladies have come to the end of the road. Tonight is the final Gem on public service. In this world, we are supposed to give more than we take, care about others more than ourselves, and speak for those who don’t have a voice. We challenge you sitting before us who want to join our fold. Is it all about you? Or is it about your line sister? Is it about your campus? Is it about your community? Is it about your world?”
    I sat there, and a tear trickled down my face. If it weren’t for my mom, my sister, and Teddi’s insistence, Beta Gamma Pi would have been an afterthought. Yet I was thrilled about their cause. They cared for people, and so did I.
    I had forgotten how important it was to work things out with my dear friend; I could not be broken and try to fix somebody else. And as tough as I tried to act, I cared about Teddi. I didn’t want Evan to be sad or alone anymore either.
    As soon as the ceremony was over, I went to Teddi and Evan and said, “Forgive me. I love you both, and I’m sorry for being so distant.”
    Teddi replied, “I’m the one who’s sorry. You’re right—Covin risked his life for mine. He’s a good guy who likes you. Forgive me for standing in your way.”
    Evan pulled up her sleeve, and we saw a big, deep bruise on her arm. She said, “You all were right. G-Dogg got out of jail, and at first things were good. Then I said something he didn’t like, and I got this. I’m done, you guys. I just didn’t know how to ask for help.”
    Millie and Quisa were standing around and heard us. We all took a few moments to be there for each other. It felt good to connect as a line.
    Cassidy interrupted and ushered us out of the room. “Y’all, come on. Y’all gotta leave and go study.”
    Samantha came over to her and said, “What are you telling them?”
    â€œDon’t worry about it,” Cassidy said to her.
    â€œYes, I do need to worry. I said I wanna see them right now. I’m the Chapter President, so I decide what goes on around here. If I wanna take them with another line to study, that’s my business.”
    â€œGirls, y’all need to get your stuff and go study like I said,” Cassidy said to us. “Now!” We picked up our stuff and headed for the door.
    â€œI can’t believe you’re gonna tell them to do what you say. Y’all, I’m the Chapter President,” Samantha said.
    â€œAnd when other people haze these girls, you think you got control, but you don’t. You don’t put them around people you know are crazy.”
    â€œWhat, you calling me crazy now?” Samantha said as she came lunging toward Cassidy.
    Cassidy went toward her. It was a