Just watch

Athena’s an adult. You might not want to jump in here, especially when you have no idea what’s going on. You’ll probably just make a fool of yourself, especially dressed like this. A CCL member cosplaying as Peachface is not a good look; that’s why none of you are wearing this back at the booth.

You tense when the taller girl moves closer to Athena, partially blocking your view. Athena doesn’t like that, but this girl still isn’t touching her. The energy here is that of an abusive ex, but your imagination’s doing a lot of work. If this girl does try something, she’ll regret it. You already have this outfit on; all you have to do is go borrow the Riddick knife from Colby.

Unfortunately, getting close enough to overhear anything isn’t an option. The lobby is full of people passing through, but they don’t work as cover for you. You’re stuck peering around the corner.

Something happens, although you can’t see it clearly. Did the girl hand something to Athena? Did Athena hand something to her? You can’t be sure.

You surreptitiously take a picture of the tall girl and send it to Nancy. Her reply is immediate:

• That’s Sal from CGH

Uh oh. You text her back asking who that is. You know what CGH is, but you don’t

know the people personally.

• She’s their Athena

Whoa. The leader of CGH drove all the way here to talk to Athena? Or is this Sal a nerd?

Why’s this conversation so difficult? Your understanding of things was that Athena was always bending over backward to make sure that drama with CGH is kept to a minimum. Most drama between sororities is harmless, but pranks can go bad and things can escalate. Normally that’s fine, but Athena doesn’t want that when CCL is hanging from a thread.

You frown. Is it possible that CGH might be taking advantage of the situation? Are they bullying Athena because they know she can’t fight back?

You text Nancy to ask why Athena might be meeting with Sal.

• No idea
• Why here?

That’s Nancy’s response. So she doesn’t know any more than you do.

The meeting is ending. A smirking Sal is heading for the exit while an unhappy Athena starts to make her way back toward the con, showing her wristband to the guy at the door.

You hesitate, undecided.

You’re worried, and you’re not willing to stay in the dark or play dumb. You won’t pretend that you didn’t just see that. You aren’t trying to join CCL because you’re horny and you crave a taste of a less nerdy life… well, not just because of those things. You believe in what CCL stands for, and you are confident that if you’re given a chance, you have some ideas that can make the sorority stronger and smarter. So you are not about to leave a situation like this alone.

You can go to Athena and ask her what’s going on.

Or you can follow Sal.