Sam nodded. “Go ahead.”
“According to page forty-two, ‘Any position is a leadership role, and the officer should behave as such.’ I don’t think I need to point out that Aamee has not exhibited leadership in the sense that she’s had members of the opposite sex in her room plenty of times.”
“We’ve already been over this,” Aamee said.
Sam held up a finger to silence her. “You’ll get your time to speak in a moment.”
“You’re correct,” I said. “We’ve been over that. I’m bringing it up now for another reason. Previously, I pointed out this fact as a way to show Aamee’s bias against me and the hypocrisy of her choice to punish me harshly for something she’s done herself. I’m pointing it out now for the purpose of proving that Aamee does not lead by example.”
“Aamee? Would you like to address this?”
“Yes, I’d like to address it. Your accusation is worthless. You’re just as hypocritical as me. You call yourself a leader, but you had a boy in your room too. How can you claim you’re fit to hold office if you’re saying I’m not for the exact same offense you’re guilty of?”
I looked to Sam. “Since she asked me a direct question, may I answer?”
“You may.”
“I wasn’t an elected officer, though, and while ignorance isn’t an excuse in any circumstance, I wasn’t aware of the rule until you pointed it out to me. I can assure you that if I become president, I will abide by the rule, as arcane as it may be.”
“So you’re saying that previous to retaliating against me, you never read the handbook?”
“I’d skimmed it.” I was aware of how the admission sounded. “Just as most of our sisters who aren’t officers have done. Clearly, you knew the rule, yet you still chose to break it.” Then I went out on a limb—took a chance I hoped was worth the risk. “Have you broken it since you evicted me?”
Aamee remained silent, but a few of the girls murmured to each other, effectively answering the question for her.
“That’ll be enough of the back and forth,” Sam said. “Sophia, do you have any other accomplishments or qualifications you’d like to add that you believe would make you an effective president?”
“Yes, the handbook also speaks of character and service to both the university and the community. I don’t think I need to cite examples of Aamee’s lack of integrity, but I will anyway. Last year she admitted to cheating on Dr. Lind’s final.”
“First of all, Sam asked about your accomplishments, not my sociology exam. Second, everyone cheated on that final. It was impossible.”
“Not me,” I said. “And I still managed to get a higher grade than you. I worked my ass off for that B-minus. As far as community and university service go, I volunteer with the writing center and have tutored another student since last year. I’ve also signed up to help out at the animal shelter and give kids swimming lessons.”
This time it was Gina who asked a question. “Was that before or after you decided to run for president?”
“Before,” I answered, knowing that Gina had asked the question because she’d already known the answer and knew it would make me look good. Thank you, Gina.
“Why don’t you talk about your service record, Aamee?” Sam asked.
“I’d love to. Last year I coached a local cheerleading squad of eight- to eleven-year-old kids. This year I’m doing that as well as mentoring young girls as part of the Big Siblings program.”
I wondered if the parents of these poor children knew who their kids’ role model was, and I decided that they probably didn’t. Aamee could project quite a clean image when she needed to. She was like a mute swan—beautiful and delicate on the outside, but if you encroached on her territory, you’d likely end up with a few bruises after she spread her wings.
“That’s also impressive,” Sam said. “Shall we talk about sorority events and fundraising now?”
“Sure,” Aamee answered, a broad smile spreading across her deceitful face. “I’ve already been planning this year’s fall festival. It’ll be a costume party around Halloween, and all proceeds will go to the local women’s shelter. Theme still to be determined. How about you?” she asked me, knowing I wouldn’t have been in charge of anything of the sort.
“You know I’ve been helping with that, but it’s not my place to plan something of that magnitude myself.”
“It would be if you were president. How do we know you’ll be able to keep up with previous years’ events if we’ve never seen you plan one?”
“You got elected president without having to prove that.”
“I was running unopposed, remember?” she asked with so much sarcasm in her tone that no one in the room could have missed it. “Since you feel you’re so much more equipped to lead a sorority, I think it’s only fair that you should be required to plan a large-scale event also.”
The fact that Aamee had suggested it told me she was worried she might lose to me if the presidency came down to a vote today.
“Do I have a motion to extend the decision until Sophia can run her own event?” Sam asked.
A few hands raised in the air as the girls agreed that would be a good idea.
“I’ll need more than two weeks to plan something. Aamee’s been planning the party since the beginning of the school year, maybe even longer.”
Sam looked to the other officers, who seemed to nod in agreement with me. “That only seems fair. Near the end of the semester would give you the same amount of time as Aamee had to plan hers.”
“I think I’ll be fine with a November event,” I offered confidently. It was a daunting task, but I was sure I could find help, and I needed to prove I was more qualified than Aamee. Planning an event of the same caliber in less time would help with that.
“November it is, then,” Sam said. “Let us know when you have an exact date for your event and what it will be. I would assume that the judging would mostly be based on the event’s turnout, attendee opinions, and funds raised, but I’ll let you know of the exact criteria when the other officers and I have had a chance to talk over the specifics.”
Aamee and I muttered our okays, and Sam turned to the rest of the group. “I guess the voting is deferred until a later date after both events have been held and we’ve gotten an opportunity to review the feedback and fundraising efforts. Until then, good luck with your event planning, ladies. If you need your sisters’ help, please don’t hesitate to ask. And that includes calling on each other if needed. Remember, you’re still both a part of this sorority, and we’re all here for each other.”
Aamee and I both looked at each other, a silent exchange that both of us understood perfectly. We’d rather be eaten alive by a rabid animal than request the help of the other.
This shit was on.
Chapter Fourteen
S O P H I A
Though Emma and Gina wanted me to hang out for a bit, I didn’t spend time at the house after the meeting. I didn’t have much of a desire to be there longer than I had to, which did cause me to become at least slightly concerned that I shouldn’t be running for president. What type of leader doesn’t want to be in their own sorority house?