Hazed (Palm South University)

“Cassie McBee, will you wear my letters? Will you take this lavalier as a promise that I am yours? Because if you will, one day, I’ll put a ring on your finger so the whole world knows it, too.”

She shakes her head as more tears slip free. “Of course, I will, you idiot.”

That earns her a laugh from the frozen crowd, and once the necklace is around her neck, I toss the microphone behind me and back into the hands of my brother. The band launches into the next verse as everyone starts dancing again, and — yes, I went full-out cheese — Cassie’s sisters launch confetti out of little cannons and cover every single one of us in a paper shower.

Cassie’s arms are around my neck in the next instant, and she’s crying and holding on tight as I spin her around while being careful not to take us both tumbling down the stairs. When I land her on her feet once more, she looks up at me with those glistening emerald eyes and says, “I love you more than anyone or anything in the world.”

“I love you, too,” I promise, and then we share a kiss so long and deep and passionate that it shouldn’t be allowed in public, but I don’t care.

I’m hers.

And she’s mine.

And nothing in this world can ever keep us apart.

Later that evening, Cassie is tucked under my arm in the hot tub as we listen to Skyler and Kip telling a funny story about their summer in Kansas. My phone buzzes from the edge of the tub, and I glance at it, heart jumping into my throat when I see an email from the Alpha Sigma National Chapter.

I clear my throat, excusing myself inside to use the restroom, and only after I close the door and lock it behind me do I open the email.

Mr. Brooks, it is our pleasure to offer you a position as a Field Executive for the Alpha Sigma National Chapter.

The rest of the email is a blur, even though I read it several times, because it takes all my strength to keep myself standing upright as the meaning of what I’m reading sinks in.

“Holy shit,” I murmur to myself, and with the phone still in my hands, I lift my gaze to lock eyes on my reflection. “I got it.”

ON THE LAST NIGHT of Spring Break, I’m nostalgic as fuck.

As I get dressed for an evening out — slowly get dressed, thanks to how sore I am from skiing — I can’t help but reflect on the past four years. I guess this isn’t anything new. I guess most seniors in college go through this. When you first come to college, everything is fresh and new and exciting. Then, as the years go on, you’re a veteran. You’re experienced and know what to expect and can make the most of everything.

But when you’re in your last semester and just a couple of months from graduation, it’s hard not to experience every moment with a sense of longing and sadness.

This is my last semester living in the fraternity house. This is my last couple of months of classes — and no matter how many times I cut class or bitched about exams, a part of me knows I’ll miss it. I’ll miss having a house full of rowdy brothers who are always down to do something, go out, party, play video games, hit the gym, whatever. A part of me will miss learning something new every day, and that feeling of studying hard and seeing it pay off with a good grade.

And on the last night of my last Spring Break, all I can think is did I take advantage of this the way I should have? Did I soak up every minute? Did I appreciate these responsibility-free vacations with my brothers?

I’m still lost in my contemplation and fucking with my button up when my phone rings. It’s sitting on top of the old wooden dresser with the mirror I’m currently staring at my reflection in, and when I glance down, I’m surprised to see Erin’s face on the screen.

Requesting a video chat.

I smile, but my brows furrow in confusion as I slide my thumb over the screen to answer. “Well, hello there.”

Erin whistles. “Damn, Bear. You’re all dressed up!”

I hold the phone out more so she can get a better look of the full outfit. “You can’t see, but my sneakers match the hat.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” After a chuckle, she narrows her eyes at the screen. “Where the hell are you?”

“The cabin. We’re all about to go grab dinner and then hit the town for the night.”

At that, her smile fades, and she shakes her head and drags a hand over her face. “Spring Break. God, why I did completely space on that?” She rolls her lips together and paints on another smile. “Breckenridge, right?”