The Ladies of the Week 10 Draw Appear

Claire’s fingers dance across the keys of her transparent rig as the lights dim and the screen behind her shifts. This time, the spark of her music is slower, sultrier — a teasing arpeggio in a minor key that swells just as the logo for Week 10: The Draw explodes onto the wall-sized screen behind her.

The camera swings dramatically toward center stage as Rhett strides into view, arms spread, jacket flaring like a magician about to reveal his final trick.

“Ladies, Gentlemen, Fresh Meat and Faculty Deviants — welcome to Week TEN of College Spread!”

The crowd cheers. Rhett raises one hand and silences them with a wink.

“And not just any week, my filthy-minded scholars… This is the final week before the winter break. That’s right — once this week’s show is over, the game goes on pause for finals and whatever midwinter festival you choose until the spring semester begins in January. Players will have the entire winter break to pursue their chosen Ladies — and remember: failure still gets aired in front of your peers when we resume.”

The screen behind him swirls — four cards rise, face down, orbiting like sharks.

“Four cards spin into view,” Rhett says. “Four Ladies of the College Spread deck await our contenders. Let’s see who you might be spending your nights-before-Christmas with…”

The first card slaps down. 9♥ – Olivia Hale. Rhett gives a whistle of appreciation.

A vision in velvet appears onscreen, reclining against a museum plinth like a goddess caught between classes.

“Our nine of Heart, Olivia Hale is an Art History major. She’s 20 years old, and blessed with curves that would make Bernini weep. Her tagline says it all: ‘Her curves belong in a museum.’ Personally, I’d say they belong in my lap, but that’s why I’m not allowed to draw cards anymore.”

The second card falls. 6♠ – Priya Menon. Rhett raises his mic again to announce her.

“Our Biochemistry major, Priya Menon, is 22, sharp as a scalpel and twice as dangerous when aroused. The girl’s tagline is ‘Hot takes, cold flasks.’ Let’s hope you bring enough heat to break her composure. Or at least melt something.”

The third card turns. 5♥ – Melissa Tran. Rhett looks at the card and sighs.

“Aww, look at this cutie. Melissa Tran, our five of hearts, is a Creative Writing major. She’s 21, and clearly one of the few people left who believes in poetry. Her tagline? ‘Writes sonnets, not sexts.’ But hey, maybe you can change her mind — or rhyme scheme.”

And finally — the fourth card drops. E♣ – Dr. Eleni Papadopoulos. Rhett grins.

“Now this is more like it. One of our esteemed faculty enters the fray - and for the second time so far during the game. Dr. Papadopoulos teaches Classic Literature. She’s a 37 year-old tenured Empress, and a woman who doesn’t just study legends — she becomes one. Quote unquote. Honestly, if Helen of Troy had that kind of expression, I think they’d have skipped the whole war and just offered tribute.”

He spins to face the audience.

“There you have it, folks. Four new faces. One month to prove you’re worthy. And now it’s time to see what our players are going to pick to warm them up this winter.”