BAD REP(67)

Looking around the room, most of the girls were nodding, refusing to look at me.  I noticed there were a few that looked unhappy with our president's announcement.  “This is bullshit,” Vivian growled under her breath.  Because of course this wouldn't just affect me, this would impact Vivian as well.

“Well, I really wonder if maybe we need some new blood handling rush for the spring.  Come up with some new ideas,” Milla suggested sweetly, not shying away from looking at me.  She was enjoying this.  Stupid bitch.  Vivian gripped the arms of her chair and sat forward.

“We had the highest turn out for the fall than any other year.  Every single girl we offered bids to, accepted.  Our skit kicked ass.  I don't see what the problem is,” she said sharply, staring Olivia and Milla down.

I hated that there was a division happening there.  These girls had pledged Chi Delta together.  Vivian, Olivia and Milla were always together.  And now they were split apart.  Because of me.

Olivia flicked her hair back and waved her hand in dismissal.  “Don't get so defensive, Vivvie.  It was just a suggestion.  I know a bunch of us had concerns over doing the same things again.  Thought we'd shake it up a bit.  It's nothing personal,” she said innocently, smiling our way.  I ground my teeth together.

“Not personal my ass!  You know exactly what this is about.  If you want to address your beef with Maysie, then do it on your own time.  Do NOT bring the rest of us into it.  And don't you dare sit there on your throne and think you can tear me, Maysie or any of us down!”  Vivian had gotten to her feet and looked prepared to do battle.  I was shocked to see perky Vivian seething with anger.

I had a feeling that these thoughts spewing from Vivian's mouth like vomit had been festering for a while.  I should say something.  I couldn't let Vivian fight my battles for me like this.  But right then I just wanted to disappear.

Olivia narrowed her eyes at Vivian then turned her steely gaze on me.  Her face relaxed and she started laughing.  Milla joined in, followed by most of the sisterhood.  Vivian's face was a scary shade of red.  “Oh, Vivian.  Chill out already.  I think you're reading too much into things.  But since you brought it up, I think we should address the huge elephant in the room.”  Olivia stopped laughing and turned to look at me.

I withered a bit under her stare.  “Everyone knows what happened last night.  Everyone on campus knows what happened last night.  But none of that matters.”  Olivia's words were clipped.  “Maysie, what you did was wrong.  More than wrong.  It was a complete violation of everything our sisterhood stands for,” she admonished me harshly and I felt like a little child.  How could this girl make me feel so horrible?  Oh, wait...because I was so horrible.

“I know, Olivia.  And I'm so, so sorry,” I told her, hoping to make this right in some small way.

Olivia's eyes held mine and I saw no warmth there.  No understanding, no compassion. I only saw the same anger and betrayal that I had witnessed last night.  “I'm not sure what to do about all of this.  But Jordan and I talked a lot last night.  We hashed out a lot of our problems.  And I think we're in a really good place now.  So in a way, I should thank you, Maysie.  You helped Jordan realize how much he wanted me.  Wanted us.  And we're now stronger than ever.”  Her eyes glittered coldly and I felt like I might pass out.

Olivia finally looked away from me and turned her attention to the rest of the sisterhood.  “So, you see...the best woman won.   And we can put all of this behind us.” What a backhanded way of putting me down.  Everyone looked at me and I knew there would be no putting this in the past.  Hell no.  If anything, Olivia's words only fanned the flames.

Just f*cking fabulous.  The rest of the meeting passed in a blur.  I didn't hear anything else, Olivia's words ringing in my ears.  I should thank you, Maysie.  You helped Jordan realize how much he wanted me.  I felt like such an idiot.

I practically ran from the chapter room at the end of the meeting.  I needed to get out there.  I wanted to go back to my apartment and work on that whole hibernation thing again.  “Maysie, wait up!”  Gracie and Vivian ran to catch up with me.

“Sorry, I just needed...ah, never mind.” I pulled my hair down from the tight bun and rubbed at my scalp.