She meets her big sister.

Julie briskly wheeled the overnight suitcase out of the office as she gave Claire a tour of the Sorority house. Tom and Laura, though, were having a tensely whispered conversation as they followed behind her.

“Why did you sign that?!” Laura hissed.

“I had no idea what I was signing! Why didn’t you know she was a pledge?!” Tom shot back.

“Well you just committed a federal felony, wire fraud!”

Julie looked back at the pair and they both smiled at her as she continued the tour. They went up a flight of stairs

Laura continued, “If you get caught, we’re probably both in BIG trouble! As in jail trouble! So just go with it until we can figure out how to get you out of here!”

Tom nodded as Julie came to a stop and knocked on a door. “This is your room, Pledge Hutchins,” and handed Tom a set of keys on a Kappa Kappa Gamma key ring.

The door opened and the two girls inside sprang over to the door. One ran to her phone and shut off some pop music that had been playing.

“Linda Greco, Amanda Shepherd, this is your new roommate and sister pledge, Claire Hutchins!” Julie said, smiling, as she wheeled the suitcase into the room as Tom gingerly entered, leaving Laura standing at the threshold. Linda and Amanda hugged and greeted Claire, welcoming her into the room.

It was a triple, a standard dorm room: two desks, a bunk bed, a loft bed over a desk, some dressers, a few cabinets. The girls had already started decorating with posters. They had obviously chosen their dressers and two had makeup and hair products on top. There was a door to a bathroom situated between another pledge room, meaning the six “ladies” would be sharing a semi-private bath

“And please, I go by Mandy,” Amanda told Tom. “We knew you were coming, and, as a legacy, we saved the loft for you!” The bed had already been made with pink sheets and a Kappa Kappa Gamma blanket

Julie steered the suitcase over to the empty dresser. “Get your things put away, Pledge Hutchins! There will be room inspections with demerits for untidiness!”

“Demerits?” Tom asked, again in a quiet voice.

“Yes,” Julie explained. “Too many demerits and you and your roommates are punished. Keep them low and you are rewarded.

“You can expect inspections on your room tidiness, appearance, and school work, as well as Sorority assignments and social gatherings.”

“Madam President?” Linda asked, “Would it be OK to get a picture of us for our Instagram?

Before he knew it, Tom was being **** to act happy as his new pledge sisters took several pictures to post to their social media sites. They asked to post some and link to Claire’s account. Tom told the truth, as least as far as Claire went.

“I don’t have any social media accounts!”

“Three demerits!” Julie said. “Girls, I expect you to help ensure Claire has a Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter account by tomorrow. We have to stay relevant and connected to the world.“

Tom looked to Laura for help, but she shrugged and fidgeting by the door. There was nothing she could do just then. Tom had to bide his time until they could figure something out.

“Claire?” Julie said again, “put your things away.”

Tom sighed and opened the suitcase, not knowing what to really expect to find within it. He was eagerly helped by his new roommates to put what few things there were away. A minidress, a pair of killer heels, a pouch of makeup and skin care products, some underwear, a sexy nightie that Laura had planned on wearing, a pair of jeans, and a couple of tops. His “sisters” helped put things away neatly and put his makeup on the top of his dresser

“We’ll have to arrange a shopping trip for you on Saturday, Claire.” Julie said. “Now girls, let’s get to the assembly room. It is time for the pledge meeting!”

Julie led the three girls and Tom out of he room. She knocked on two other doors to gather six more pledges. Tom felt exposed as he and the other pledges were led downstairs. The other girls were also dressed in skirts, although his was by far the shortest. He was definitely dressed to impress, and mentally cursed Laura for picking this stupid getup.

He brought up the rear of the pack and turned to Laura, who was following at a distance. HELP ME! Tom mouthed. She shrugged, not knowing what to do.

Other full sisters were beginning to appear in the halls as the pledges were led to the assembly room.

The pledges and Tom were ordered to stand in a row in the center, while the sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma began to file in around the perimeter of the large room.

Julie stepped out from the crowd and assumed a position of authority within the circle of Kappas. “It looks like everyone is just about here,” she said as she looked around the room. “Let’s get started.”

She raised her voice. “Ladies! We are here to assign big sisters to our newest pledges. By now, you know all of them, expect for Claire Hutchins. Pledge Hutchins, please step forward!”

Looking around nervously, Tom stepped slowly forward, uncertain of what was going on or what he was going to do.

“Pledge Hutchins,” Julie continued, in her loud and commanding voice as she put her arm around Tom’s shoulder and a hand on his other,”is a legacy pledge and a full scholarship recipient! She is transferring here to start this next semester! Your future sisters here would like to get to know you. Pledge Hutchins, please tell us about growing up in Minneapolis!”

Tom wavered. His life story? His eyes darted around the room, looking for an escape. He glanced at Laura who motioned him to get started. She was furiously trying to think how to excuse “Claire” to get Tom outside and away from the sorority but couldn’t think of any legitimate excuse.

“Pledge Hutchins!” Julie said, breaking through his nerves. “Now is not the time to be shy. If I have to ask you again, you will earn your room twenty demerits!” Tom’s roommates made soft sounds of displeasure, and Tom figured that twenty demerits must be a big deal

Tom swallowed hard. He decided to essentially take his life and change it to be that of Claire’s. So rather than playing sports, he was a cheerleader. And rather than playing video games, he went shopping. Rather than working at McDonald’s, he working in a clothing boutique. He laid on all the stereotypical “girly” things he could think of. It seemed to work.

Julie smiled at him. “Pledge Hutchins,” she continued, loudly, “you are transferring here to continue your studies in fashion and marketing. Why did you choose this as a major?”

Tom made up something on the spot about how fashion always fascinated him, how he loved clothes, loved looking fashionable, and wanted to learn the ins and outs of the fashion industry.

Julius nodded and smiled at Tom. “Thank you, Pledge Hutchins! And finally, why do you wish to become a sister here at Kappa Kappa Gamma?”

Tom knew, he just KNEW, that this was a softball question. And to keep his cover, he had to hit it out of the park. “Because Kappas are the most amazing, fun, gorgeous, and wonderful women on campus! And I am hoping to be a sister to you all!”

Murmurs and polite clapping from the surrounding circle told Tom that he’d answered that question appropriately.

“Pledge Hutchins, please return to your spot in line!” Julie commanded. Ton returned to his spot and was congratulated in soft whispers by the two pledges on either side. Mandy and Linda allow gave him some quiet praise for his answers.

Julie continued in her public speaking voice. “I now call upon those sisters who have volunteered to take these pledges under their wings, to guide them, to teach them about what being a Kappa Kappa Gamma means. I call upon this year’s volunteers to be big sisters to these pledges!”

Tom hopefully watched Laura for her to step forward. She just looked sadly at Tom and subtly shook her head no. She was not a big sister this year.

Twelve sorority sisters stepped forward. They were all rather attractive, and all were dressed somewhat business like. Tom figured that this was supposed to be a big deal for them to choose their little sister.

The sisters all walked around the pledges, judging them, inspecting them. Tom and the girls were asked many questions by the big sisters, probing many of their likes, dislikes, and interests, seeing who matched up with who to become their little sister. It was almost like speed dating for a little sister. He thanked his lucky stars that he decided to alter his own life story so it was easy to keep up this charade. He really wanted this over with and to get out of this nightmare soon.

After probably about an hour of meeting the potential big sisters, Julie asked, “Have you had enough time, ladies?”

“We are ready to debate, Madam President,” one of the nine answered.

“Very well. Pledges, you are to return to your rooms as the Sisters weigh your virtues. You shall remain in your rooms until summoned.”

And with that, the pledges, including Tom, were escorted back to their rooms. Two sisters stood guard outside the door, and the door was locked, trapping Tom in the room with his new roommates.

Linda flopped down in her bed. “So I guess they’re arguing over who’s going to be who’s big sister now.”

“Yeah. And Claire, those were some great stories!” Mandy said. “I always wanted to be a cheerleader. I bet the guys were always hitting on you in high school. Most guys have a thing for the uniform!”

“I think it’s genetic,” Linda added “were you gymnastic, too? Can you show us some moves?”

“Yeah!” Mandy chimes in. “Can you do a backflip or a split or something?”

“Well...” Tom started to say when there was a knock on the bathroom door. Another bullet dodged! Mandy opened the bathroom door and the three pledges from the other room came in. Linda put on some pop music and Tom suddenly found himself hanging out with a group of girls he’d ordinarily want to be hitting on. The pledges had a mini-party as they waited to find out who their big sister was. Girl talk, dancing, and just killing time happened, with Tom answering questions about his life and high school, his old college, guys, boyfriends, and what he wanted to do with life.

“I wish they’d hurry up. After this there’s supposed to be a real party!” Mandy said. “Supposedly an open bar, a ‘welcome to the sorority’ bash! Can’t wait to get to that!”

Tom sat on Linda’s bed next to Mandy, wanting to slouch, bur the cinch wouldn't allow it. He did, however, remember to cross his legs.

“I wish they’d hurry up, too.” He said softly. What he really wanted was to get out of the waist cinch and heels. It was just as agonizing for him to wait, but for different reasons.

A knock on the door shortly after that sent the girls scurrying back to their own room. Mandy said, “Come in,” and the door opened.

Julie was there with the two “guard” sisters who had been standing outside the door. Julie hugged Linda and told her to report to her big sister, Anna Matthews. Linda clapped and bounced happily. Mandy was to report to Beth Montgomery. Mandy also seemed happy with that decision. Tom was told to report to Heather Lewis. Upon that announcement, Mandy and Linda hugged Tom. Apparently sorority sisters did a lot of hugging.

“She’s awesome! You are so lucky!” Mandy said, smiling broadly.

“Ladies, I suggest you report to your big sisters immediately,” Julie told Tom’s roommates. “Don’t worry. Claire. We know you don’t know which room is which yet,” she said with a smile. “Ellen here will show you.”

“Could I maybe talk to Laura, please?” Tom asked.

“There will be time enough for that, Pledge Hutchins. Right now, you need to report to your big sister. Ellen, will you please escort Pledge Hutchins to her big sister?”

Ellen had dark eye makeup on, with her eyeliner pulled out in a cat eye style. Yeah, she was a sexy semi-goth. She smiled at Tom, and he had to think about multiplication tables. “C’mon, Claire.,” she said, beginning to walk down the hall. “This begins a whole new chapter of your life.”

“You have no idea,” Tom said dryly.

“Welcome to the Kappas,” Ellen said, smiling “C’mon. Let’s head to Heather’s room.”

Ellen led him up another flight of stairs and then several doors down the third floor hall. She knocked on a door and said, “It’s Ellen, Heather. Pledge Hutchins, your little sister, is here with me.”

“Come in,” the voice inside cheerily.

Ellen opened the door, waved Tom through it, and closed the door behind him. The room was a feminine sanctuary, with low lighting and a floral room spray. It was done in jewel tones and, for a dorm room, looked very comfortable. There was a slew of makeup on a dresser, and soft music played.

He finally dared to look at his big sister. She was a VERY attractive woman with long dark hair and striking blue eyes. She sat at her desk with had a pink, hard cover notebook with the Greek letters "Kappa Kappa Gamma" emblazoned on the front under her manicured hand. She stood, and Tom could see she was wearing heels, a rather sexy miniskirt, and a tight blouse showing off her generous bustline, like a sexy business woman. Tom wished he was anyplace other than here.

She walked over and hugged Tom. “Claire, I’ve been given he privilege of being your big sister. I’m Heather Lewis.”

“Um... thanks?” Tom whispered as he tried to remain calm.

“I wanted you as my little sister because we have so much in common. I was a cheerleader. I adore fashion and can tell from your outfit that you take care in looking good. It upsets me that so many pledges think that the a required dress for the ceremony means dressing like a Midwestern church mom. So thank you for dressing in something better suited for a Kappa.”

She handed him the notebook. “Carry this and a pen with you at all times. You’ll be using it to record thoughts, assignments, demerits, rewards, etc. If you are caught without it, it will be at least fifty demerits. Understood?”

Tom nodded, nervously. He had no idea what a punishment would be, and he had no intention of finding out.

“Now Claire, I take pride in my appearance, and I couldn't help but notice you do too. I will not allow my little sister to look like a frump. So there will be mandatory outfit inspections and decisions made for what you will wear sometimes.

“Speaking of, what’s with the wig?” Heather asked. Tom gave her a horrified look

“Oh, Claire, relax! I’m not judging! I’ll bet most of the other girls didn’t even notice it! It’s a nice wig, but I can clearly see it’s a wig. I’m your big sister now! You can share!”

Tom’s mind raced. Why would a girl be wearing a wig?? He rapidly reached a conclusion, and blurted out, “Cancer!”

Heather’s mouth dropped open, and Tom quickly invented a story “The chemo... it made my hair fall out. It’s not grown back all the way yet, so I wear a wig!”

“Oh, Claire, you are so brave!” Heather said, hugging her little sister. Tom closed his eyes and tried really hard not to notice her boobs smashing against his breast forms. He was lost in concentration when Heather asked him something.

She repeated the question, but Tom was lost in thought, thinking about Heather’s cleavage pushing erotically against him while trying to avoid being aroused by them. His mind was engaged in that one topic when he said softly without much thought, “Breasts.”

“You poor thing!” Heather said, snapping him out of his reverie while hugging him tighter for a moment. She released him and put a manicured hand on either of his shoulders, looking him in the eye. “Both? Well, don’t worry, your secret is safe with me although I do hope you learn to trust your sisters. I’m sure many would love to know what you’ve been through. And they may be able to offer you some support.”

She glanced down at Tom’s false chest “May I?” she asked

Tom was unsure what was going on, so he slowly nodded yes. Heather gently grabbed ahold of his breast forms and jiggled them slightly.

“You poor, poor thing,” she said softly “I wish there was something more I could say.”

Wanting to get this over with, Tom simply said, “It’s OK,” and only realized after Heather had removed her hands that he had unconsciously shifted his arms to shield his false chest.

After a slightly awkward pause, Heather continued. “Now, where was I in my ‘Big Sister’ speech?” She paused, tapping her lip with a finger. She smiled at Claire warmly. "Right! As a pledge, you are not allowed to leave the house without at least one other pledge or me. Sisters stick together, and it's a great way to build sisterhood!”

Tom mentally groaned. How was he going to vanish if he always had to have a sister by his side?

Heather continued with the ground rules. “There’s also a strict 9 PM curfew Your rooms will be checked, so don’t think of not being there. Also, for now, you’re not allowed any guys in your room.” She smiled, “That’ll come later.” Tom sincerely doubted that, but didn’t say anything

Heather continued. “We’ll get your wardrobe straightened around soon, as I hear you brought very little with you.” She hip checked him. “That’s cool, because I love to shop. And Daddy ensures my credit card is paid off every month. He’s a plastic surgeon.” She said with a wink.

Smiling, she said, “Remember, do not lose the notebook, and....” She turned and glanced at a clock. “it’s time to head to the party! I want to dance and celebrate with my little sister!”

“Yay!” Tom said very halfheartedly.

“C’mon, Claire,” Heather said with a smile. “This is an important day for both of us. We should celebrate! And I’ll introduce you to the guys from the fraternity we’re affiliated with. They have a TON of cute brothers! They’ll be here for the party to meet the new pledges! Besides, it’s the last weekend before classes, so have a little fun!”

Heather took Tom’s hand and left him without much choice but to follow his new big sister downstairs to the party.