This is it: the video call that will make or break my college career.
Second-guessing my outfit for the millionth time today.
I’m interviewing to join my dream sorority.
The sisters of Delta Nu are part of the campus elite…
Their 50,000 Instagram followers make that clear.
I scroll through their feed, pausing on a photograph of Sue Miller.
She’s gorgeous, popular, and everything I’ve ever wanted to be.
In a few moments, she’ll call me…
And decide whether or not I deserve a spot.
My stomach drops as my computer chimes…
Showing an incoming video call.
The face of a college-age guy fills the screen.
I stare at him, confused.
Wendy
I think you have the wrong number.
Guy
Are you Wendy Collins?
Darren
I’ll be conducting your Delta Nu interview.
Wendy
I was told I’d be talking to Sue.
He runs a hand through his sleek black hair…
And I clock his muscled arms and sharp jaw.
Darren
You want into Delta, or what?
Wendy
More than anything.
Darren
I guess you’re stuck with me, then.
Wendy
And who are you, exactly?
Darren
I’m a new member of Kappa Omicron Gamma.
Darren
Sue asked me to help with the interviews.
Wendy
Well, should we get started then?
He reaches to his side and pulls a list into view.
Darren
Why do you want to be in Delta Nu?
Wendy
My mom was a Delta Nu.
Wendy
And I want to carry on her legacy.
Darren
You want to join to impress your mom?
Wendy
It’s not just that.
I was willing to tell Sue anything she wanted to know to get into Delta Nu.
But spilling my guts to a super-hot college guy…
Darren
What’s the matter?
Darren
Cat got your tongue?
I roll my eyes at his teasing.
Wendy
I guess I just want a chance to do something different.
Wendy
In high school, I was always the shy girl.
Wendy
The one who always brought a book to class.
Wendy
I skipped prom to attend a debate tournament.
But it’s not a mean laugh.
And a laugh I could get used to hearing.
I take a deep breath and press on.
Wendy
College is a chance to reinvent myself.
Wendy
I’m moving four states away for a reason.
Wendy
I want to figure out who I am outside of this town…
Wendy
And joining Delta Nu is the perfect way to do that.
Darren nods and makes some notes in a notebook.
Darren
You know, before I got to college, I was a lot like you:
Darren
Kind of nerdy, not very popular.
Darren
I thought the frat life was everything.
Darren
Popularity, parties, girls…
Darren
It sounded too good to be true.
Darren
I haven’t decided yet.
Darren
Being part of a group is nice…
Darren
But I’m not sure if I’d call those guys my friends.
I listen to him, twirling a piece of hair around my finger.
I could listen to him talk all day.
Darren trails off and clears his throat.
Darren
What’s most important to you?
I take a moment, looking around my room while I think about my answer.
I see my debate trophies.
I settle on a photo board of my friends and me…
Wendy
Even though I want to be someone new in college…
Wendy
I wouldn’t trade my high school friends for anything.
Wendy
I think friendship is the greatest gift you can give someone.
Wendy
Everyone in Delta Nu always looks so happy.
Wendy
I want a big group of friends like that.
Wendy
I want to be part of a community.
And am shocked to see him frowning at me.
Wendy
Is something wrong?
Darren
You’re not Delta Nu material.
Darren crumples up the list of questions…
With that, Darren disconnects.
I’m left staring at a black screen.
Tears well in my eyes as I try to process what just happened.
And tear my Delta Nu pennant off the wall.
And stay there until I hear my computer chime again.
I recognize Darren’s screen name.
Fuming, I accept the call.
He’s outside now, pacing.
Wendy
You’ve already ruined my life.
Darren
Wendy, you don’t understand.
Darren
Delta Nu is awful.
I glare at him as I sink into my chair.
Wendy
What are you talking about?
Darren
Do you know why it was me interviewing you instead of Sue?
Darren
I was supposed to rate how pretty you are…
Darren
And ask you a bunch of gross questions…
Darren
Like how many people you’ve kissed.
Darren
I couldn’t put you through that.
Darren
I’m ashamed that I agreed to be a part of this in the first place.
Wendy
Why do they do that?
Wendy
Isn’t a sorority about making friends?
Darren
And my frat is even worse.
Darren
I don’t want to be a part of something that treats girls that way.
Darren
I know you’re angry, Wendy…
Darren
But Delta Nu is not the place for you.
Wendy
That’s not your decision to make.
Darren
If you really want me to…
Darren
I’ll call Sue and tell her to give you a do-over.
Darren
But there are other ways to make friends.
Wendy
It’s really that bad?
Darren nods, making a face.
Darren
I really am sorry, Wendy.
Wendy
Well, this isn’t how I expected tonight to go…
Wendy
But I’ll forgive you on one condition.
Wendy
When I get to campus, you need to be my first college friend.
Darren
I’ll do you one better.
Darren
When you get to campus…
Wendy
That sounds perfect.
Wendy
Who needs Delta Nu, anyway?
