Fic: Greek-The Following Semester; Chapter 1: Step It Up
Setting: After Christmas break following the series finale
Synopsis: Rusty tries to convince the Kappa Taus to work harder. Rebecca hires a new house mom. Casey and Cappie settle in DC.
-GREEK-
“Welcome back, everyone,” Rusty announced at the first KT meeting of the new semester after Christmas break. “So the good news is that by renting out the house over break, we managed to get enough money to make up for what Lasker Parkes isn’t paying us anymore.”
“So we’re not gonna have to do some dumb fundraisers to make money, then?” Beaver asked.
“No, we’ve got enough money to get us through this semester and for spring break,” Rusty said. “But the bad news is that even with our dues and the money we got, we’re not going to have enough for next year’s Rush.”
“Next year’s gonna be the year we actually need money for Rush,” Anthony Hopkins spoke up. “We’re gonna have to get a pledge class of like, forty guys to make up for this year.”
“Exactly,” Rusty said. “Which is why we really need to step things up a bit this semester.”
“What do you mean by step things up, Spitter?” Wade asked. “If you ask me, that sounds like work.”
“I got an e-mail from Nationals a couple of days ago,” Rusty said. “I sent them pictures of the new house, and they love it. They said they’re impressed about the way things were handled with the whole Lasker incident, and they said we could be in the running for the KT Prize this year.”
“What’s the KT Prize?” Anthony Hopkins asked.
“Every year, Nationals awards a year’s worth of funding to an outstanding chapter of Kappa Tau,” Rusty said.
“But to be a so called ‘outstanding chapter’ really does sound like work,” Wade said. Many of the other brothers nodded in agreement.
“Guys, these are KT Nationals,” Rusty said. “Their definition of an outstanding chapter is who throws the best parties.” The brothers cheered at this.
“Well, we can do that,” Beaver said.
“But, even though they’re former KTs, they’re also adults now,” Rusty said. “So they still want to see philanthropy and a higher GPA.” Some of the brothers groaned.
“So, we actually have to study if we want to get money?” Beaver asked. “Isn’t there a better way?”
“Well one, Beav, you’re student teaching this semester; you’ve got nothing to worry about,” Rusty said. “As for the rest of you, all you have to do is take the easiest classes you can, and yes, maybe actually study a little. We really need to push up around a 3.0 this semester if we want a chance at this.”
“But the philanthropy, since Heath’s still technically a KT, shouldn’t his trip to India give us a lot of hours?” Wade asked.
“Yeah, it still counts for something,” Rusty said. “But we need to do something here, too. I know this all sounds like work, guys, but we need the money badly and we need a big pledge class in the fall. And to do that, we need to put ourselves on top this semester. So, who’s with me?”
“I’m in,” Spidey spoke up. “Spitter’s right, and if we get this award from Nationals, we can have a huge party budget next year. Then every guy is gonna want to pledge KT.”
“OK, I’m in,” Anthony Hopkins said. The other brothers agreed.
“So, next order of business,” Rusty said. “The first party of the new year!”
-GREEK-
“Cap, wake up, we’re here,” Casey shook Cappie awake as they drove past a sign that said “Welcome to Washington D.C., the Nation’s Capital.” After Cappie and Casey left CRU in December, they decided on waiting to go to D.C. until after the New Year, so they took a little vacation to visit various relatives for the holidays, including Cappie’s parents. Then, they spent Christmas and New Years’ in Chicago with Casey’s family.
“How long was I out?” Cappie asked.
“Since not long after we hit the Maryland border,” Casey said. “About three hours.”
“You could have woken me up sooner,” Cappie said. “It must have felt like a pretty boring drive for you.”
“It’s OK, I’m sure you were tired,” Casey said. “But anyway, we need a place to stay, and a cheap one.”
“Why don’t we park somewhere and go exploring for a bit?” Cappie asked. “We can ask around for the cheapest motel to stay for the night.”
“And look like tourists who came in off the street with no money in our pockets?” Casey asked.
“Honestly, that’s kind of what we are right now,” Cappie said with a laugh. “This would be the time I would call April and Tobias and ask them for some of my inheritance money, but I told them at Christmas that we’d be fine. I don’t want to grovel.”
“I don’t want you to, Cap,” Casey said. “You don’t have to ask your parents for money; I don’t want to ask mine for money, either. We chose to come here without a plan, and we need to learn to make it on our own.”
“And if that means staying in a homeless shelter until we get steady incomes, then that’s what we’ll do,” Cappie joked.
“Well, we can at least afford a motel,” Casey said, as she finally found a place to park the car on a street. Cappie and Casey got out of the car and began walking around D.C. They decided on getting dinner from a small diner they saw. They grabbed a couple maps of the city on the way to look for a motel.
“Here’s one,” Cappie said, reading an ad in one of the magazines. “It’s called the Shady Grove Inn, located about a mile outside the city. It’s only $29.95 per night. Looks like the cheapest place around.”
“I say let’s go for it,” Casey said. “It may not be the best place, but it’s in our price range.” Cappie and Casey finished eating and decided to walk around the National Mall for a while since they were close by. When it started getting dark, they headed back to the car and drove to find the motel.
“Welcome to the Shady Grove Inn, how can I help you?” a rather unhappy looking lady greeted them at the front desk.
“Yes, we’d like a room,” Casey said. “Nonsmoking.”
“Just for tonight?” she asked.
“We’re not sure how long we’ll be here,” Casey said. “We just moved to town.”
“Okay then, would you just like to pay for tonight now, and pay again each day you’ll be here?” the lady asked.
“Yes, that’ll be fine,” Cappie said, and handed the lady his debit card. The lady punched a few buttons on the computer, then gave Cappie and Casey their key cards.
“Room 109,” she said. “Enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you,” Casey said, and they grabbed their bags and headed to their room. Cappie opened the door and they walked inside.
“Well, it’s not much, but I guess it’s not bad for $29.95,” Casey commented, looking around, and she sat her suitcase down on the bed.
“It’ll do for now,” Cappie said. “Tomorrow we’ll go out and start looking for jobs, and then hopefully within a couple of weeks we’ll be able to put a deposit on an apartment.”
“Are you sure this was a good idea?” Casey asked hesitantly. “I mean, coming here with no plan and all.”
“It’s been your dream to work in D.C., so yes, it’s absolutely worth it,” Cappie said, coming over to her and putting his arms around her. “We may not have the greatest living situation for a while, but as long as we have each other, everything’s going to be fine.”
“Thanks, Cap, I love you,” Casey smiled and kissed him.
-GREEK-
“Hey you,” Rusty said cheerfully to Ashleigh as he sat down next to her at Dobler’s.
“Hey yourself,” Ashleigh smiled and kissed him. “You seem very cheerful today.”
“I am,” Rusty smiled. “I actually got the brothers to agree to do work.”
“Wow, you’re that amazing,” Ashleigh smiled. “So you guys are gonna go for the award from Nationals?”
“Yep,” Rusty said. “If we want a big pledge class next year, we need money and the support from Nationals to get one. This is gonna put us on top, I have a good feeling.”
“I’m really proud of you, Russ,” Ashleigh said. “You’re gonna be a great president. If anyone can pick up the pieces of this mess, it’s gonna be you.”
“Thanks, Ash,” Rusty said and kissed her.
“Okay, break it up,” Dale said as he and Laura came over to their table and sat down.
“Really, I distinctly remember walking in on you guys the other day doing more than I cared to see,” Rusty said.
“Anyway,” Laura interrupted. “Who wants food; I’m starving.” A waitress came over and the four of them ordered food, and they began talking.
“So, I hear Kappa Tau is having a housewarming party this weekend,” Dale said.
“Yeah we are,” Rusty said happily. “And by ‘housewarming’ KT-style, we mean bring us beer, not common household accessories.”
“I know ZBZ is coming,” Laura said. “Rebecca really seems to have warmed up to the KTs and you, Rusty. I thought you guys used to hate each other.”
“We did, but I guess somewhere along the lines we unofficially made amends,” Rusty said. “Probably because she’s actually real friends with Casey now; and I’m dating one of her best friends.”
“I don’t know if you can give me and Casey that much credit for it,” Ashleigh said. “Rebecca’s been through a lot, and as president she doesn’t really want to make people hate her anymore.”
“She’s even nicer to me now,” Dale said. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
“Well, regardless of her reason, it’s really going to help KT to have ZBZ on our side,” Rusty said. “What about Omega Chi, Dale; you guys gave us the house, are you coming?”
“Of course we’re coming,” Dale smiled. “We wouldn’t miss it.”
“Hey, am I sensing another KT-Omega Chi truce,” Ashleigh said.
“If things go my way, then I’d like to see that happen,” Rusty said. “The last thing we need right now is anymore fighting if we want this recognition from Nationals. Right, Dale.”
“I promise, no funny business,” Dale said. “At least until you guys win that big time award, then we’ll see.” Rusty gave him a look. “Kidding,” Dale said.
-GREEK-
“Hey, guys!” Ashleigh said cheerfully to Cappie and Casey on the Skype conversation, a few days after they got to D.C.
“Hey, Ash, Russ,” Casey smiled at them. “How’re things?”
“Everything’s great here,” Rusty said. “I actually got the guys to agree to do work in hopes of winning the grant money from Nationals.”
“That’s great,” Cappie said. “See, I knew you could take over just fine. And we heard about the KT-style ‘housewarming party’ you’re having this weekend.”
“Really, how’d you know about that, I haven’t even told you yet,” Rusty said.
“But you put it on Facebook,” Casey said. “And we may be becoming somewhat like Facebook stalkers.”
“You guys Facebook stalk us?” Ashleigh asked.
“Of course we do,” Casey said. “Even though we left CRU, we miss you guys, and we want to know what’s going on.”
“We miss you guys, too,” Ashleigh smiled. “I sincerely thank whoever invented Skype.”
“I know right,” Casey said. “Without it, I think I might just go crazy. Weekly Skype convos with the four of us are a must.”
“So how’s the job hunt, guys,” Rusty said. “And have you found a place yet?”
“Oh, we found a place,” Cappie said. “Called the Shady Grove Inn on the outskirts of DC. We eat fast food three times a day.”
“So you haven’t found an actual apartment?” Rusty asked.
“Well, to get an apartment, you actually need a job, which we haven’t had much luck with yet,” Casey said. “We’ve both gone to interviews for the couple of days and haven’t heard back from anyone. I guess it really is hard to find a job in this economy.”
“But we can make it at least another week or so living off of fast food,” Cappie said. “Then, we might start to worry.”
“Tomorrow, I’m going to just start looking for anything,” Casey said. “Heck, I’ll take some crappy waitressing job if it means we can get the hell out of this dump.”
“Like you told me a few months ago, Case,” Ashleigh started. “Any job is better than no job.”
“Guess I should take my own advice, Ash,” Casey said. “I mean, we knew that moving to D.C. was expensive; I guess we just didn’t think about the big picture before we came.”
“I know you guys are gonna find something great,” Rusty said. “It’s just gonna take time in this economy. And do you really have to eat that much fast food? Don’t you have a microwave in your room?”
“Really, we don’t,” Cappie said. “We’re at, literally, the shittiest motel in the D.C. area. But it’s the cheapest one around. And we get good fast food; we get Subway a lot, and Chinese take-out.” Rusty’s computer beeped just then.
“Oh, Calvin and Heath are calling,” Rusty said.
“We’ll let you guys go then,” Casey said. “Good luck with the party, Russ; we’ll talk with you guys later.”
“Bye, guys,” Ashleigh said. “Good luck; let us know if you need a care package.”
“We may just take you up on that offer,” Cappie said with a laugh. “Take care; tell Calvin and Heath we said hi.”
“Will do,” Rusty said. “Bye.”
“Calvin, Heath, hey,” Rusty said as he answered their call on Skype.
“Hey Russ, Ash,” Calvin said. “How’s it going, guys?”
“Great,” Rusty said. “We were just talking to Casey and Cappie. They said to tell you hi.”
“Oh, how are they doing?” Heath asked.
“Aside from living at the shittiest motel in D.C., they’re great,” Ashleigh said. “They’re still looking for jobs. So how are you guys; are you all settled in over there?”
“Pretty much,” Calvin said. “We’re moved into where we’re staying. Tomorrow we start work on building the shelter.”
“So Spitter, how’s things at the house?” Heath asked.
“They’re great,” Rusty said. “I had to nag a little but I think the guys are all for stepping things up this semester. I heard from Nationals and we’re in the running to win the grant money for next year; which we need if we’re going to get a big pledge class.”
“That’s awesome,” Heath said. “Never thought I’d see the day where Kappa Taus had to do work.”
“It’s what it’s gonna take to put us on top,” Rusty said. “I’ve got a good feeling about everything; I think we’re gonna surprise a lot of people.”
“I can’t wait to see how it all turns out when we come back in March,” Calvin said. “We found out today we’ll actually be back in time to join you guys for spring break in Myrtle Beach.”
“That’s great,” Ashleigh said. “I still need to ask Clarissa if I can take the week off, but I’m sure she’ll have no problem.”
“Well, it’s getting pretty late over here and we’ve got a long day tomorrow,” Calvin said. “We just wanted to say hi and let you know we got here okay.”
“Okay, we’re glad you called,” Rusty said. “We’ll talk to you guys later.”
“Definitely,” Heath said. “Tell the house we said hello.” They hung up and Rusty shut down his computer.
“It was great to hear from everyone,” Ashleigh said to Rusty as they sat down on the couch at her apartment. “I really think we should send something to Casey and Cappie. I think they’d appreciate it.”
“Yeah, we can make some cookies or something,” Rusty said.
“Healthy cookies,” Ashleigh said.
“I should probably head back to the house,” Rusty said. “Tomorrow’s the first day of classes, and I want to make sure everyone’s ready.”
“Okay, lunch tomorrow, right,” Ashleigh said.
“Absolutely,” Rusty smiled and kissed her. “G’night.”
-GREEK-
“I cannot believe I am awake this early,” Beaver said at about 7AM the next morning as he sat down with Rusty and Spidey in the KT kitchen, where they were eating breakfast.
“Get ready for the rest of your life, Beav,” Rusty said. “Teachers have to be at school really early.”
“If it’s for the children, I don’t mind getting up early,” Beaver said. “So what are you two doing up; let me guess, you signed up for an 8AM again?”
“I, unfortunately, had to take an 8AM chemistry class,” Spidey said. “With everything that went on with the house, I forgot to register for classes on time at the end of last semester. So this is what I got stuck with.”
“I don’t have class til 9,” Rusty said. “I’ve just gotta go buy textbooks first.”
“Morning, guys,” Wade greeted as he entered the kitchen and began pouring himself a bowl of cereal.
“Hey, what are you doing up so early?” Rusty asked. “You don’t have class.”
“Actually, I do,” Wade said, sitting down at the table with the three guys. “You know how I was petitioning the university to let me finish up my last semester to graduate. Well, they finally accepted. They said if I pay for the damages from last year’s incident, they’d let me come back. My parents said as long as I agree to never live in their basement again, they’d pay it for me.”
“That’s great,” Rusty said.
“Unfortunately, since I enrolled so late, I’m stuck with an 8 AM,” Wade said. “But it is what it is I guess. I’d much rather be here than at my parents’, anyway. I missed KT parties so much that I threw one of my own in my parents’ basement. That’s sorta what got me kicked out. That and I didn’t have a job.”
“Well you know what they say,” Beaver said. “Once a KT, always a KT, and if all else fails, a KT always has his house to fall back on.”
“Unless that KT is my father,” Spidey said.
“How about this?” Beaver began. “Once a KT, always a KT, and if all else fails, a KT always has his house to fall back on. Unless he doesn’t give a crap about said house anymore, then he can go live on the streets for all we care.”
“Well said, Beav,” Spidey said. “Well said.”
-GREEK-
“So why exactly is everyone trying to make nice with the Kappa Taus now?” one of the ZBZ sisters asked Rebecca at the chapter meeting. “I know what happened last semester was bad, but does it really change anything?”
“Yes, it changed everything,” Rebecca said. “We’re not just looking at a bunch of losers with no goals or no ambition anymore. They’ve got the newest house on Greek Row, and a president now who won’t rest until they’re on top.”
“The KTs on top?” another sister scoffed. “Like that’ll ever happen, even with Rusty Cartwright as president.”
“Look, we’re not here to discuss the future of the Kappa Taus,” Rebecca said. “Whatever happens, happens. But I’m president, and I say we’re going to be nice.”
“But if we were discussing the future of Kappa Tau,” Heather spoke up. “I’d say they do have a chance. Omega Chi is even on their side; which is all the more reason to be on friendly terms.”
“Little sis is right,” Rebecca said. “Call it a crazy backwards world, but the Omega Chis are going to the KT party simply because they want to. And since you two seem to be the only ones in disagreement of this,” she said, referring to the two dissenting sisters. “I’m giving you sober sister duties on the night of the party.” The two girls groaned. “Anyway, next order of business, some of you may have already seen, but if not, I hired a new house mom.” A woman, who must have been waiting in the kitchen, walked in the room. She looked old enough to be everyone’s grandma, but still had a youthful appearance about her. “Everyone, meet my grandma, our new house mom. Call her Miss Mary.”
“Hello girls,” Miss Mary introduced herself and smiled. “Don’t worry about me being here at all. You girls have your fun and your parties. But if you ever need anything, I’m here.” The girls said hello, and then Miss Mary went upstairs.
“You hired your grandma?” Laura spoke up. “She seems nice and laid-back, but really? I thought we were going for someone younger.”
“She’s pretty much the coolest person in my family,” Rebecca said. “Which, given the nature of my family, isn’t saying much, but she’s cool nonetheless. And she still parties like she’s in her twenties. We need a house mom that knows how to have fun, wants us to have fun, but isn’t going to party with us.”
“Yeah, no offense, but I do not want to see your grandma at a Kappa Tau party,” Laura said.
“She won’t be,” Rebecca said. “She’s got friends in the area; she’ll have her own parties, and we’ll have ours.” The doorbell rang, and Rebecca looked over to see her grandma go to answer it.
“Hello, can I help you, sir?” Miss Mary asked, seeing a young man standing at the door.
“Uh, hello, is Rebecca Logan here?” the person asked, surprised to see the older lady answer the door.
“And who are you?” Miss Mary asked, somewhat demanding.
“I’m Evan,” Evan said. “And you?”
“Evan Chambers?” Miss Mary asked angrily. “You’re the young man who broke my granddaughter’s heart.”
“You’re Rebecca’s grandma?” Evan asked, surprised. “I don’t know what she told you, but I know I was a jerk. But we’re friends again, kind of, I think. Can I please just talk to her?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, young man,” Miss Mary said. Rebecca came into the room just then, after ending the meeting.
“Evan, hi,” Rebecca said, surprised to see him. “Grandma, were you interrogating him?”
“No,” Miss Mary said. “Just be careful, honey.” She turned and went back upstairs.
“What is your grandma doing here?” Evan asked.
“She’s the new house mom,” Rebecca said. “What’s up with you?”
“I just got back to campus,” Evan said. “I missed you over break. Do you want to grab dinner or something tonight?”
“I’m supposed to go to dinner with Ashleigh and my grandma,” Rebecca said. “But you should join us. I missed you, too.”
“I don’t know; your grandma seems to not like me much already,” Evan said.
“She doesn’t know you yet,” Rebecca said. “All she knows is we broke up. I didn’t really go into details. But I’ll set her straight.”
“Okay, I’ll come,” Evan said.
-GREEK-
“Why do you want to work here, Casey?” the manager of Rick’s Diner, a restaurant a few blocks from Casey and Cappie’s motel, asked her during an interview. Casey thought a minute; honestly, she didn’t want to work there, but it was a job that paid, so she had to make something up.
“I was a waitress in high school so I have the experience for the job, and I feel I have something to contribute in a team environment,” Casey replied.
“Good answer, Casey,” the manager said with a smile. “You have an impressive resume and you seem very motivated. You’re hired.”
“Thank you, Joan,” Casey said to her.
“So you just moved to town?” Joan asked her, scanning her resume again.
“Yes, I just moved here with my boyfriend after he graduated,” Casey said.
“But I’m guessing you didn’t really move here to become a professional waitress?” Joan asked. Casey hesitated a little bit, and Joan spoke again. “It’s okay, I have a lot of temporary workers here; don’t think this has to be a long-term thing.”
“In all honesty, no, I didn’t come here to be a waitress,” Casey said.
“I can see that; your resume says you graduated with a degree in English,” Joan said.
“Yeah, and I want to go into the political field,” Casey said. “I guess I’m having a bit of a hard time getting my foot in the door in politics. Maybe I’m lacking because I don’t have a political science degree.”
“Politics is tough, to be totally honest, especially the way the world is now,” Joan said. “But from what I see, you seem to have what it takes, even if you don’t have a political science degree; it’s just going to take time. But you’ve got yourself a stable job here until you come up with something. You can start tomorrow.”
“Thank you again,” Casey said with a smile. She walked outside where Cappie was waiting for her at one of the restaurant’s outside tables.
“I’ve got a job now,” Casey said excitedly. “Waitressing here.”
“Me too,” Cappie replied. “I’m a bartender slash waiter at Margie’s Bar up the road.”
“At least it’s a start for us,” Casey said. They began walking back toward their hotel, and decided they should probably pick up some dinner.
“So, Subway again?” Cappie asked.
“Sure,” Casey said as they walked toward the Subway. “Five dollar footlongs are our life right now.”
-GREEK-
Rusty and Ashleigh were in the KT kitchen that afternoon baking. Ashleigh had suggested that they make some food to send to Casey and Cappie.
“It’s not bad, but I still have yet to perfect my mom’s recipe,” Ashleigh said as she pulled a loaf of banana bread out of the oven.
“Something smells good in here,” Spidey said, walking into the kitchen. “What are you guys making?”
“We’re making some bread to send Casey and Cappie,” Rusty said. “Right now they’re staying at a crappy motel living off of fast food.”
“That’s a bummer,” Spidey said. “Finding jobs is tough, though.”
“How was Hastings’ class today?” Rusty asked Spidey.
“It doesn’t sound like it’ll be as bad as last semester,” he replied.
“Nah it won’t, second semester freshman year is actually pretty easy compared to first,” Rusty said. “Hastings tries to scare you first semester, and once he knows you survived, he lets up a bit second semester.” Beaver and Wade entered the room.
“Hey guys, how’s it going?” Rusty asked. “How were the children, Beav?”
“They’re awesome and they totally love me already,” Beaver said. He noticed the food on the table. “Ooh, banana bread, I want some!” Beaver and Wade reached for the bread.
“You can each have one piece only,” Rusty said. “This is for the care package we’re sending to Casey and Cappie.”
“Care package?” Wade asked. “They’re not at a homeless shelter, are they?”
“No, they’re at the Shady Grove Inn on the outskirts of D.C.,” Ashleigh said.
“Shady Grove Inn?” Beaver asked with a chuckle. “Just the name makes it sound sketchy.” Ashleigh’s phone beeped and she looked to find a text message from Rebecca.
“It’s Rebecca,” Ashleigh said. “Do you mind finishing up, Russ? She wants me to meet her and her grandma for dinner now.”
“No problem at all; go ahead,” Rusty smiled.
“So it’s Rebecca’s grandma?” Wade asked. “I heard a rumor that the ZBZs hired an old lady as their new house mom.”
“Yeah, Rebecca hired her grandma,” Rusty said. “Apparently she likes to party like she’s in her twenties and is really easygoing.”
“Just make sure she doesn’t show up here at our parties,” Beaver said. “The last thing we need is a drunken Granny.”
“Actually, that might be pretty hilarious,” Wade said with a laugh.
-GREEK-
“Cap, we’ve got mail!” Casey said excitedly as she walked into their hotel room carrying a package, where Cappie was sitting on the bed watching TV.
“We can get mail here?” Cappie asked. “I don’t even remember our address.”
“Apparently Ash and Russ know it; they must have found it online,” Casey said. “It’s banana and pumpkin bread.”
“That’s nice of them and all,” Cappie said, taking a piece of the bread. “But we’ve got to be pretty bad off if everyone else is noticing our desperation and taking pity on us. When some of the guys at work found out I was living at a motel, they wanted to give me money like I was some charity case. I don’t want us to be a charity case.”
“We’re not desperate, Cap, and we’re not a charity case” Casey said. “We’re going to make it on our own; I promise you. Like you told me the other day; as long as we have each other, nothing is going to bring us down.”
Synopsis: Rusty tries to convince the Kappa Taus to work harder. Rebecca hires a new house mom. Casey and Cappie settle in DC.
-GREEK-
“Welcome back, everyone,” Rusty announced at the first KT meeting of the new semester after Christmas break. “So the good news is that by renting out the house over break, we managed to get enough money to make up for what Lasker Parkes isn’t paying us anymore.”
“So we’re not gonna have to do some dumb fundraisers to make money, then?” Beaver asked.
“No, we’ve got enough money to get us through this semester and for spring break,” Rusty said. “But the bad news is that even with our dues and the money we got, we’re not going to have enough for next year’s Rush.”
“Next year’s gonna be the year we actually need money for Rush,” Anthony Hopkins spoke up. “We’re gonna have to get a pledge class of like, forty guys to make up for this year.”
“Exactly,” Rusty said. “Which is why we really need to step things up a bit this semester.”
“What do you mean by step things up, Spitter?” Wade asked. “If you ask me, that sounds like work.”
“I got an e-mail from Nationals a couple of days ago,” Rusty said. “I sent them pictures of the new house, and they love it. They said they’re impressed about the way things were handled with the whole Lasker incident, and they said we could be in the running for the KT Prize this year.”
“What’s the KT Prize?” Anthony Hopkins asked.
“Every year, Nationals awards a year’s worth of funding to an outstanding chapter of Kappa Tau,” Rusty said.
“But to be a so called ‘outstanding chapter’ really does sound like work,” Wade said. Many of the other brothers nodded in agreement.
“Guys, these are KT Nationals,” Rusty said. “Their definition of an outstanding chapter is who throws the best parties.” The brothers cheered at this.
“Well, we can do that,” Beaver said.
“But, even though they’re former KTs, they’re also adults now,” Rusty said. “So they still want to see philanthropy and a higher GPA.” Some of the brothers groaned.
“So, we actually have to study if we want to get money?” Beaver asked. “Isn’t there a better way?”
“Well one, Beav, you’re student teaching this semester; you’ve got nothing to worry about,” Rusty said. “As for the rest of you, all you have to do is take the easiest classes you can, and yes, maybe actually study a little. We really need to push up around a 3.0 this semester if we want a chance at this.”
“But the philanthropy, since Heath’s still technically a KT, shouldn’t his trip to India give us a lot of hours?” Wade asked.
“Yeah, it still counts for something,” Rusty said. “But we need to do something here, too. I know this all sounds like work, guys, but we need the money badly and we need a big pledge class in the fall. And to do that, we need to put ourselves on top this semester. So, who’s with me?”
“I’m in,” Spidey spoke up. “Spitter’s right, and if we get this award from Nationals, we can have a huge party budget next year. Then every guy is gonna want to pledge KT.”
“OK, I’m in,” Anthony Hopkins said. The other brothers agreed.
“So, next order of business,” Rusty said. “The first party of the new year!”
-GREEK-
“Cap, wake up, we’re here,” Casey shook Cappie awake as they drove past a sign that said “Welcome to Washington D.C., the Nation’s Capital.” After Cappie and Casey left CRU in December, they decided on waiting to go to D.C. until after the New Year, so they took a little vacation to visit various relatives for the holidays, including Cappie’s parents. Then, they spent Christmas and New Years’ in Chicago with Casey’s family.
“How long was I out?” Cappie asked.
“Since not long after we hit the Maryland border,” Casey said. “About three hours.”
“You could have woken me up sooner,” Cappie said. “It must have felt like a pretty boring drive for you.”
“It’s OK, I’m sure you were tired,” Casey said. “But anyway, we need a place to stay, and a cheap one.”
“Why don’t we park somewhere and go exploring for a bit?” Cappie asked. “We can ask around for the cheapest motel to stay for the night.”
“And look like tourists who came in off the street with no money in our pockets?” Casey asked.
“Honestly, that’s kind of what we are right now,” Cappie said with a laugh. “This would be the time I would call April and Tobias and ask them for some of my inheritance money, but I told them at Christmas that we’d be fine. I don’t want to grovel.”
“I don’t want you to, Cap,” Casey said. “You don’t have to ask your parents for money; I don’t want to ask mine for money, either. We chose to come here without a plan, and we need to learn to make it on our own.”
“And if that means staying in a homeless shelter until we get steady incomes, then that’s what we’ll do,” Cappie joked.
“Well, we can at least afford a motel,” Casey said, as she finally found a place to park the car on a street. Cappie and Casey got out of the car and began walking around D.C. They decided on getting dinner from a small diner they saw. They grabbed a couple maps of the city on the way to look for a motel.
“Here’s one,” Cappie said, reading an ad in one of the magazines. “It’s called the Shady Grove Inn, located about a mile outside the city. It’s only $29.95 per night. Looks like the cheapest place around.”
“I say let’s go for it,” Casey said. “It may not be the best place, but it’s in our price range.” Cappie and Casey finished eating and decided to walk around the National Mall for a while since they were close by. When it started getting dark, they headed back to the car and drove to find the motel.
“Welcome to the Shady Grove Inn, how can I help you?” a rather unhappy looking lady greeted them at the front desk.
“Yes, we’d like a room,” Casey said. “Nonsmoking.”
“Just for tonight?” she asked.
“We’re not sure how long we’ll be here,” Casey said. “We just moved to town.”
“Okay then, would you just like to pay for tonight now, and pay again each day you’ll be here?” the lady asked.
“Yes, that’ll be fine,” Cappie said, and handed the lady his debit card. The lady punched a few buttons on the computer, then gave Cappie and Casey their key cards.
“Room 109,” she said. “Enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you,” Casey said, and they grabbed their bags and headed to their room. Cappie opened the door and they walked inside.
“Well, it’s not much, but I guess it’s not bad for $29.95,” Casey commented, looking around, and she sat her suitcase down on the bed.
“It’ll do for now,” Cappie said. “Tomorrow we’ll go out and start looking for jobs, and then hopefully within a couple of weeks we’ll be able to put a deposit on an apartment.”
“Are you sure this was a good idea?” Casey asked hesitantly. “I mean, coming here with no plan and all.”
“It’s been your dream to work in D.C., so yes, it’s absolutely worth it,” Cappie said, coming over to her and putting his arms around her. “We may not have the greatest living situation for a while, but as long as we have each other, everything’s going to be fine.”
“Thanks, Cap, I love you,” Casey smiled and kissed him.
-GREEK-
“Hey you,” Rusty said cheerfully to Ashleigh as he sat down next to her at Dobler’s.
“Hey yourself,” Ashleigh smiled and kissed him. “You seem very cheerful today.”
“I am,” Rusty smiled. “I actually got the brothers to agree to do work.”
“Wow, you’re that amazing,” Ashleigh smiled. “So you guys are gonna go for the award from Nationals?”
“Yep,” Rusty said. “If we want a big pledge class next year, we need money and the support from Nationals to get one. This is gonna put us on top, I have a good feeling.”
“I’m really proud of you, Russ,” Ashleigh said. “You’re gonna be a great president. If anyone can pick up the pieces of this mess, it’s gonna be you.”
“Thanks, Ash,” Rusty said and kissed her.
“Okay, break it up,” Dale said as he and Laura came over to their table and sat down.
“Really, I distinctly remember walking in on you guys the other day doing more than I cared to see,” Rusty said.
“Anyway,” Laura interrupted. “Who wants food; I’m starving.” A waitress came over and the four of them ordered food, and they began talking.
“So, I hear Kappa Tau is having a housewarming party this weekend,” Dale said.
“Yeah we are,” Rusty said happily. “And by ‘housewarming’ KT-style, we mean bring us beer, not common household accessories.”
“I know ZBZ is coming,” Laura said. “Rebecca really seems to have warmed up to the KTs and you, Rusty. I thought you guys used to hate each other.”
“We did, but I guess somewhere along the lines we unofficially made amends,” Rusty said. “Probably because she’s actually real friends with Casey now; and I’m dating one of her best friends.”
“I don’t know if you can give me and Casey that much credit for it,” Ashleigh said. “Rebecca’s been through a lot, and as president she doesn’t really want to make people hate her anymore.”
“She’s even nicer to me now,” Dale said. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
“Well, regardless of her reason, it’s really going to help KT to have ZBZ on our side,” Rusty said. “What about Omega Chi, Dale; you guys gave us the house, are you coming?”
“Of course we’re coming,” Dale smiled. “We wouldn’t miss it.”
“Hey, am I sensing another KT-Omega Chi truce,” Ashleigh said.
“If things go my way, then I’d like to see that happen,” Rusty said. “The last thing we need right now is anymore fighting if we want this recognition from Nationals. Right, Dale.”
“I promise, no funny business,” Dale said. “At least until you guys win that big time award, then we’ll see.” Rusty gave him a look. “Kidding,” Dale said.
-GREEK-
“Hey, guys!” Ashleigh said cheerfully to Cappie and Casey on the Skype conversation, a few days after they got to D.C.
“Hey, Ash, Russ,” Casey smiled at them. “How’re things?”
“Everything’s great here,” Rusty said. “I actually got the guys to agree to do work in hopes of winning the grant money from Nationals.”
“That’s great,” Cappie said. “See, I knew you could take over just fine. And we heard about the KT-style ‘housewarming party’ you’re having this weekend.”
“Really, how’d you know about that, I haven’t even told you yet,” Rusty said.
“But you put it on Facebook,” Casey said. “And we may be becoming somewhat like Facebook stalkers.”
“You guys Facebook stalk us?” Ashleigh asked.
“Of course we do,” Casey said. “Even though we left CRU, we miss you guys, and we want to know what’s going on.”
“We miss you guys, too,” Ashleigh smiled. “I sincerely thank whoever invented Skype.”
“I know right,” Casey said. “Without it, I think I might just go crazy. Weekly Skype convos with the four of us are a must.”
“So how’s the job hunt, guys,” Rusty said. “And have you found a place yet?”
“Oh, we found a place,” Cappie said. “Called the Shady Grove Inn on the outskirts of DC. We eat fast food three times a day.”
“So you haven’t found an actual apartment?” Rusty asked.
“Well, to get an apartment, you actually need a job, which we haven’t had much luck with yet,” Casey said. “We’ve both gone to interviews for the couple of days and haven’t heard back from anyone. I guess it really is hard to find a job in this economy.”
“But we can make it at least another week or so living off of fast food,” Cappie said. “Then, we might start to worry.”
“Tomorrow, I’m going to just start looking for anything,” Casey said. “Heck, I’ll take some crappy waitressing job if it means we can get the hell out of this dump.”
“Like you told me a few months ago, Case,” Ashleigh started. “Any job is better than no job.”
“Guess I should take my own advice, Ash,” Casey said. “I mean, we knew that moving to D.C. was expensive; I guess we just didn’t think about the big picture before we came.”
“I know you guys are gonna find something great,” Rusty said. “It’s just gonna take time in this economy. And do you really have to eat that much fast food? Don’t you have a microwave in your room?”
“Really, we don’t,” Cappie said. “We’re at, literally, the shittiest motel in the D.C. area. But it’s the cheapest one around. And we get good fast food; we get Subway a lot, and Chinese take-out.” Rusty’s computer beeped just then.
“Oh, Calvin and Heath are calling,” Rusty said.
“We’ll let you guys go then,” Casey said. “Good luck with the party, Russ; we’ll talk with you guys later.”
“Bye, guys,” Ashleigh said. “Good luck; let us know if you need a care package.”
“We may just take you up on that offer,” Cappie said with a laugh. “Take care; tell Calvin and Heath we said hi.”
“Will do,” Rusty said. “Bye.”
“Calvin, Heath, hey,” Rusty said as he answered their call on Skype.
“Hey Russ, Ash,” Calvin said. “How’s it going, guys?”
“Great,” Rusty said. “We were just talking to Casey and Cappie. They said to tell you hi.”
“Oh, how are they doing?” Heath asked.
“Aside from living at the shittiest motel in D.C., they’re great,” Ashleigh said. “They’re still looking for jobs. So how are you guys; are you all settled in over there?”
“Pretty much,” Calvin said. “We’re moved into where we’re staying. Tomorrow we start work on building the shelter.”
“So Spitter, how’s things at the house?” Heath asked.
“They’re great,” Rusty said. “I had to nag a little but I think the guys are all for stepping things up this semester. I heard from Nationals and we’re in the running to win the grant money for next year; which we need if we’re going to get a big pledge class.”
“That’s awesome,” Heath said. “Never thought I’d see the day where Kappa Taus had to do work.”
“It’s what it’s gonna take to put us on top,” Rusty said. “I’ve got a good feeling about everything; I think we’re gonna surprise a lot of people.”
“I can’t wait to see how it all turns out when we come back in March,” Calvin said. “We found out today we’ll actually be back in time to join you guys for spring break in Myrtle Beach.”
“That’s great,” Ashleigh said. “I still need to ask Clarissa if I can take the week off, but I’m sure she’ll have no problem.”
“Well, it’s getting pretty late over here and we’ve got a long day tomorrow,” Calvin said. “We just wanted to say hi and let you know we got here okay.”
“Okay, we’re glad you called,” Rusty said. “We’ll talk to you guys later.”
“Definitely,” Heath said. “Tell the house we said hello.” They hung up and Rusty shut down his computer.
“It was great to hear from everyone,” Ashleigh said to Rusty as they sat down on the couch at her apartment. “I really think we should send something to Casey and Cappie. I think they’d appreciate it.”
“Yeah, we can make some cookies or something,” Rusty said.
“Healthy cookies,” Ashleigh said.
“I should probably head back to the house,” Rusty said. “Tomorrow’s the first day of classes, and I want to make sure everyone’s ready.”
“Okay, lunch tomorrow, right,” Ashleigh said.
“Absolutely,” Rusty smiled and kissed her. “G’night.”
-GREEK-
“I cannot believe I am awake this early,” Beaver said at about 7AM the next morning as he sat down with Rusty and Spidey in the KT kitchen, where they were eating breakfast.
“Get ready for the rest of your life, Beav,” Rusty said. “Teachers have to be at school really early.”
“If it’s for the children, I don’t mind getting up early,” Beaver said. “So what are you two doing up; let me guess, you signed up for an 8AM again?”
“I, unfortunately, had to take an 8AM chemistry class,” Spidey said. “With everything that went on with the house, I forgot to register for classes on time at the end of last semester. So this is what I got stuck with.”
“I don’t have class til 9,” Rusty said. “I’ve just gotta go buy textbooks first.”
“Morning, guys,” Wade greeted as he entered the kitchen and began pouring himself a bowl of cereal.
“Hey, what are you doing up so early?” Rusty asked. “You don’t have class.”
“Actually, I do,” Wade said, sitting down at the table with the three guys. “You know how I was petitioning the university to let me finish up my last semester to graduate. Well, they finally accepted. They said if I pay for the damages from last year’s incident, they’d let me come back. My parents said as long as I agree to never live in their basement again, they’d pay it for me.”
“That’s great,” Rusty said.
“Unfortunately, since I enrolled so late, I’m stuck with an 8 AM,” Wade said. “But it is what it is I guess. I’d much rather be here than at my parents’, anyway. I missed KT parties so much that I threw one of my own in my parents’ basement. That’s sorta what got me kicked out. That and I didn’t have a job.”
“Well you know what they say,” Beaver said. “Once a KT, always a KT, and if all else fails, a KT always has his house to fall back on.”
“Unless that KT is my father,” Spidey said.
“How about this?” Beaver began. “Once a KT, always a KT, and if all else fails, a KT always has his house to fall back on. Unless he doesn’t give a crap about said house anymore, then he can go live on the streets for all we care.”
“Well said, Beav,” Spidey said. “Well said.”
-GREEK-
“So why exactly is everyone trying to make nice with the Kappa Taus now?” one of the ZBZ sisters asked Rebecca at the chapter meeting. “I know what happened last semester was bad, but does it really change anything?”
“Yes, it changed everything,” Rebecca said. “We’re not just looking at a bunch of losers with no goals or no ambition anymore. They’ve got the newest house on Greek Row, and a president now who won’t rest until they’re on top.”
“The KTs on top?” another sister scoffed. “Like that’ll ever happen, even with Rusty Cartwright as president.”
“Look, we’re not here to discuss the future of the Kappa Taus,” Rebecca said. “Whatever happens, happens. But I’m president, and I say we’re going to be nice.”
“But if we were discussing the future of Kappa Tau,” Heather spoke up. “I’d say they do have a chance. Omega Chi is even on their side; which is all the more reason to be on friendly terms.”
“Little sis is right,” Rebecca said. “Call it a crazy backwards world, but the Omega Chis are going to the KT party simply because they want to. And since you two seem to be the only ones in disagreement of this,” she said, referring to the two dissenting sisters. “I’m giving you sober sister duties on the night of the party.” The two girls groaned. “Anyway, next order of business, some of you may have already seen, but if not, I hired a new house mom.” A woman, who must have been waiting in the kitchen, walked in the room. She looked old enough to be everyone’s grandma, but still had a youthful appearance about her. “Everyone, meet my grandma, our new house mom. Call her Miss Mary.”
“Hello girls,” Miss Mary introduced herself and smiled. “Don’t worry about me being here at all. You girls have your fun and your parties. But if you ever need anything, I’m here.” The girls said hello, and then Miss Mary went upstairs.
“You hired your grandma?” Laura spoke up. “She seems nice and laid-back, but really? I thought we were going for someone younger.”
“She’s pretty much the coolest person in my family,” Rebecca said. “Which, given the nature of my family, isn’t saying much, but she’s cool nonetheless. And she still parties like she’s in her twenties. We need a house mom that knows how to have fun, wants us to have fun, but isn’t going to party with us.”
“Yeah, no offense, but I do not want to see your grandma at a Kappa Tau party,” Laura said.
“She won’t be,” Rebecca said. “She’s got friends in the area; she’ll have her own parties, and we’ll have ours.” The doorbell rang, and Rebecca looked over to see her grandma go to answer it.
“Hello, can I help you, sir?” Miss Mary asked, seeing a young man standing at the door.
“Uh, hello, is Rebecca Logan here?” the person asked, surprised to see the older lady answer the door.
“And who are you?” Miss Mary asked, somewhat demanding.
“I’m Evan,” Evan said. “And you?”
“Evan Chambers?” Miss Mary asked angrily. “You’re the young man who broke my granddaughter’s heart.”
“You’re Rebecca’s grandma?” Evan asked, surprised. “I don’t know what she told you, but I know I was a jerk. But we’re friends again, kind of, I think. Can I please just talk to her?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, young man,” Miss Mary said. Rebecca came into the room just then, after ending the meeting.
“Evan, hi,” Rebecca said, surprised to see him. “Grandma, were you interrogating him?”
“No,” Miss Mary said. “Just be careful, honey.” She turned and went back upstairs.
“What is your grandma doing here?” Evan asked.
“She’s the new house mom,” Rebecca said. “What’s up with you?”
“I just got back to campus,” Evan said. “I missed you over break. Do you want to grab dinner or something tonight?”
“I’m supposed to go to dinner with Ashleigh and my grandma,” Rebecca said. “But you should join us. I missed you, too.”
“I don’t know; your grandma seems to not like me much already,” Evan said.
“She doesn’t know you yet,” Rebecca said. “All she knows is we broke up. I didn’t really go into details. But I’ll set her straight.”
“Okay, I’ll come,” Evan said.
-GREEK-
“Why do you want to work here, Casey?” the manager of Rick’s Diner, a restaurant a few blocks from Casey and Cappie’s motel, asked her during an interview. Casey thought a minute; honestly, she didn’t want to work there, but it was a job that paid, so she had to make something up.
“I was a waitress in high school so I have the experience for the job, and I feel I have something to contribute in a team environment,” Casey replied.
“Good answer, Casey,” the manager said with a smile. “You have an impressive resume and you seem very motivated. You’re hired.”
“Thank you, Joan,” Casey said to her.
“So you just moved to town?” Joan asked her, scanning her resume again.
“Yes, I just moved here with my boyfriend after he graduated,” Casey said.
“But I’m guessing you didn’t really move here to become a professional waitress?” Joan asked. Casey hesitated a little bit, and Joan spoke again. “It’s okay, I have a lot of temporary workers here; don’t think this has to be a long-term thing.”
“In all honesty, no, I didn’t come here to be a waitress,” Casey said.
“I can see that; your resume says you graduated with a degree in English,” Joan said.
“Yeah, and I want to go into the political field,” Casey said. “I guess I’m having a bit of a hard time getting my foot in the door in politics. Maybe I’m lacking because I don’t have a political science degree.”
“Politics is tough, to be totally honest, especially the way the world is now,” Joan said. “But from what I see, you seem to have what it takes, even if you don’t have a political science degree; it’s just going to take time. But you’ve got yourself a stable job here until you come up with something. You can start tomorrow.”
“Thank you again,” Casey said with a smile. She walked outside where Cappie was waiting for her at one of the restaurant’s outside tables.
“I’ve got a job now,” Casey said excitedly. “Waitressing here.”
“Me too,” Cappie replied. “I’m a bartender slash waiter at Margie’s Bar up the road.”
“At least it’s a start for us,” Casey said. They began walking back toward their hotel, and decided they should probably pick up some dinner.
“So, Subway again?” Cappie asked.
“Sure,” Casey said as they walked toward the Subway. “Five dollar footlongs are our life right now.”
-GREEK-
Rusty and Ashleigh were in the KT kitchen that afternoon baking. Ashleigh had suggested that they make some food to send to Casey and Cappie.
“It’s not bad, but I still have yet to perfect my mom’s recipe,” Ashleigh said as she pulled a loaf of banana bread out of the oven.
“Something smells good in here,” Spidey said, walking into the kitchen. “What are you guys making?”
“We’re making some bread to send Casey and Cappie,” Rusty said. “Right now they’re staying at a crappy motel living off of fast food.”
“That’s a bummer,” Spidey said. “Finding jobs is tough, though.”
“How was Hastings’ class today?” Rusty asked Spidey.
“It doesn’t sound like it’ll be as bad as last semester,” he replied.
“Nah it won’t, second semester freshman year is actually pretty easy compared to first,” Rusty said. “Hastings tries to scare you first semester, and once he knows you survived, he lets up a bit second semester.” Beaver and Wade entered the room.
“Hey guys, how’s it going?” Rusty asked. “How were the children, Beav?”
“They’re awesome and they totally love me already,” Beaver said. He noticed the food on the table. “Ooh, banana bread, I want some!” Beaver and Wade reached for the bread.
“You can each have one piece only,” Rusty said. “This is for the care package we’re sending to Casey and Cappie.”
“Care package?” Wade asked. “They’re not at a homeless shelter, are they?”
“No, they’re at the Shady Grove Inn on the outskirts of D.C.,” Ashleigh said.
“Shady Grove Inn?” Beaver asked with a chuckle. “Just the name makes it sound sketchy.” Ashleigh’s phone beeped and she looked to find a text message from Rebecca.
“It’s Rebecca,” Ashleigh said. “Do you mind finishing up, Russ? She wants me to meet her and her grandma for dinner now.”
“No problem at all; go ahead,” Rusty smiled.
“So it’s Rebecca’s grandma?” Wade asked. “I heard a rumor that the ZBZs hired an old lady as their new house mom.”
“Yeah, Rebecca hired her grandma,” Rusty said. “Apparently she likes to party like she’s in her twenties and is really easygoing.”
“Just make sure she doesn’t show up here at our parties,” Beaver said. “The last thing we need is a drunken Granny.”
“Actually, that might be pretty hilarious,” Wade said with a laugh.
-GREEK-
“Cap, we’ve got mail!” Casey said excitedly as she walked into their hotel room carrying a package, where Cappie was sitting on the bed watching TV.
“We can get mail here?” Cappie asked. “I don’t even remember our address.”
“Apparently Ash and Russ know it; they must have found it online,” Casey said. “It’s banana and pumpkin bread.”
“That’s nice of them and all,” Cappie said, taking a piece of the bread. “But we’ve got to be pretty bad off if everyone else is noticing our desperation and taking pity on us. When some of the guys at work found out I was living at a motel, they wanted to give me money like I was some charity case. I don’t want us to be a charity case.”
“We’re not desperate, Cap, and we’re not a charity case” Casey said. “We’re going to make it on our own; I promise you. Like you told me the other day; as long as we have each other, nothing is going to bring us down.”