Bear
I’m a little nervous as I stride into the Kappa Kappa Beta house and back to their chapter room where all the girls are seated.
It’s the last chapter of the year and election night, which means they’ve already had a long meeting and are probably dying to get out of the room.
Skyler just texted me less than ten minutes ago to let me know Erin was elected Recruitment Chair.
When I find Erin at the front of the room, she looks insanely happy – maybe more so than I’ve ever seen, but her face falls when she sees me.
I still can’t fucking believe I hooked up with Erin Xander.
Even more hilarious, she thought I would go around telling people.
Is she crazy? There’s a reason that chick is known around Greek world as Ex.
The girl has gone through boyfriends like designer shoes the past three years.
No way am I in any way interested in being added to that list – especially since she has the reputation to not know how to let shit go.
Yeah, fuck all that.
I just smile at her briefly to show her she doesn’t need to worry before I turn with my brothers to face the rest of the room.
“Good evening, beautiful ladies of KKB. The brothers of Omega Chi Beta wish you all a fun and safe winter break and look forward to next semester. We brought you all chocolate to celebrate the end of finals,” I add with a smile.
The girls all cheer and clap and the guys laugh. Girls fucking love chocolate.
“I also wanted to take a minute to share something else with you ladies,” I say, swallowing back the nerves.
I have no idea why I even have them. “I’m not good with words, so I won’t make this too long, but some of you may have noticed that Skyler Thorne is a pretty amazing girl.
” All the sisters smile and turn to stare at Skyler, who’s seated near the back.
She just smiles at me and suddenly I’m not the least bit nervous anymore.
“She and I met last year during Spring Break and we’ve become closer every day since then.
I can’t think of anyone else in the world who I care about more than I do her.
There are some people who help you through tough times, but then there are some who help you hold on when you think you have nothing else left to grip.
Skyler, you are the best friend I have ever had and I could never thank you enough for always being there for me.
” Even from across the room, I see her eyes gloss over.
I shake my head. “Okay, fuck this sappy shit.” The room bursts into laughter and I make my way up the makeshift aisle between where the chairs are set and hold out a bouquet of flowers to Skyler.
“Sky, I want to officially ask you to be my Little Sister.”
The room explodes with a deafening cheer and Skyler laughs, eyes still laminated in a film of unshed tears.
She nods and jumps up to throw her tiny arms around my thick neck.
I squeeze her in return and she takes the flowers, slugging me on the arm and wiping at her face. “Damn you for making me all emotional.”
I throw her a wink and toss my arm around her shoulder before addressing the rest of the room again. “Now all of you go change and get your cute asses down to the O Chi house. Our alumni told us not to party for the rest of the semester and technically finals are over. So, fuck it! Let’s rage!”
The cheers ring out even louder and Skyler throws her fist into the air.
Quickly, she plants a kiss on my cheek and then jogs off to join her sisters as they filter out of the room.
My brothers clap me on the back and we exit the house, joking and singing our obnoxious fraternity drinking songs the entire way back to the house.
My Little, Josh, starts the party as soon as we make it back inside, blasting the stereo and breaking out our liquor bottle stash while some of the younger brothers call about getting last minute kegs.
Even on short notice, there’s no party better than an Omega Chi party.
I haven’t heard a single word from anyone other than my younger brother since I gave my mom that check.
And, for once, I’m actually happy about it.
I feel like a weight has been lifted and Skyler has made me realize that I have a new family here at Palm South.
I’m spending Christmas break with her and her family so we can prep her for the big tournament in Atlantic City and I can’t imagine a better way to end the semester.
It’s been a rough and crazy ride, but right now I feel at peace.
And I am beyond ready to rage.