Receiving an Invitation

As Mark made his way back to his dorm wondering what his Friday night plans would be a dark figure popped out from the side of a building. They were wearing a black hoodie that was pulled down tight over their face hiding their identity. The ensemble plus the quickness with which the figure appeared lead Mark to believe he was being jumped. He instantly recoiled prepared to strike out in self defense.

Much to his surprise the figure simply produced a black envelope from his hoodie pocket and without stopping handed it to Mark. He took it instinctively. It was a plain black envelope. Small with a simple red sticker sealing it closed.

“Hey what the fuck is this…” Mark trailed off turning to find the mysterious figure, but he was just as alone as he had been seconds before.

He again looked back at the simple black envelope. On the front in small, red, block letters was his name _Mark Rodgers. _On the back was the seal. It was and upside down horseshoe. Curiosity getting the better of him he slipped a finger into the envelope and tore it open. He pulled out a single sided piece of card stock that was again black with thin, red lettering.

Dear Mr. Rodgers,

Your campus exploits are quickly becoming the stuff of legend these past few years. You have caught our eye.

We would like to invite you to participate in this years Kick-Off Beer Pong Tournament. 8 Teams of 2 will compete. Your partner has already been chosen for you. The winning team will receive a cash prize of $4,000 to be split as they see fit. Be warned: the 7 losing teams will become the entertainment for the evening.

By arriving at the below address at 8pm it is assumed that you accept this invitation and the rewards/consequences that go with it.

Looking forward to your presence,

-The Members of the Society of Omega

*****

“How have you never heard of the Omega’s?” Ali asked astonishingly as Mark say opposite her in her office.

“I don’t know? Should I have?” Mark replied a bit more defensively than he probably meant.

“Uhhh yeah. It’s only the most exclusive secret society on campus.”

“Well that’s why? If they’re a secret of course I wouldn’t have heard of them.”

The blonde rolled her eyes at him. “Their membership is a secret, their existence I guess is supposed to be too, but it’s really an open secret.”

“Well what are they?” Mark asked curious about the invitation he had received.

“Allegedly it’s a who’s who of Heathrow. Membership is crazy super exclusive. Upperclassman only. It’s all shrouded in mystery and…”

“Secrecy?” Mark cut in. Ali laughed. He was starting to catch on.

“Yeah. They hold one or two parties a semester. Or so I’ve been told. They are supposed to be these insane ragers. Full of debauchery, ****, and sex. Very eyes wide shut.” Ali handed him back the invitation and leaned back in her seat.

“Seems like you know a lot about them. Sure you aren’t a member?” Mark asked with a chuckle.

“If I was I couldn’t tell you.” Ali winked. “But no I’m not. I’ve just heard the stories. I always thought Tiff might’ve been a member though. I know she definitely got invited to a couple’s of the parties.

“Really? She never said anything to me?”

“Well yeah. You’re not supposed to mention it to anyone. In that way it’s very much a ‘don’t talk about fight club’ kinda deal.”

Mark sat back and pondered what to do. He was sore and tired after football practice and it had been a long week. Nothing appealed to him more than a long shower and then a few cold beers in the dorm with his friends. But on the other hand… 4 grand was alot of money. Even split in half with whomever was his mystery partner. And he had to admit he was very intrigued by these Omegas.

“What would you do?” He asked his friend.

“Are you kidding? An invite from the Omega’s does not come often. You have to take it.”

“But what about the part where they say all of the losers will become ‘Entertainment for the Evening’?”

“Who knows… but it should be fun either way.” Ali said with a shrug.