The Thetas

by Shawn James

  Abigail hands me my glasses. “I don’t know why you wear these things. You have such beautiful eyes. You should let people see them.”

  I slip my glasses into my purse. As the car pauses at the red light near the Henry Hudson Parkway on–ramp, Abigail reaches into her purse and pulls out a black scarf. She folds it up and reaches behind me to wrap the blindfold around my eyes. I stop her.

  “Hold on– What’s this for?” I bark.

  “The location of the Theta house has to be kept secret from all outsiders.” Abigail says.

  “I thought I was your sister–”

  “You’re a Pledge.” Marcia snarls. “Until you become a full Theta Sister you can’t know where the house is located.”

  “This is getting kind of weird–”

  “It’s tradition.” Abigail says. “It’s how your aunt and your mother were indoctrinated–”

  “…But if you don’t want to go along with official Theta Policy we’ll just drop you off right here.” Marcia says. “I’m sure you can find your way back downtown and tell your aunt how you broke tradition.”

  Go along to get along Col. And hope that God is with you. “Okay.” I sigh.

  Abigail smiles and wraps the scarf around my eyes and ties it behind my head. My heart races in my chest as everything goes dark. I can only trust that my sisters are taking me to the Theta House and not some other remote location in the middle of nowhere.

  Chapter 9

  I pray silently as I hear the purr of the engine and other cars speeding around us. We’ve been driving for what feels like hours without stopping. I think we’re on some freeway; it’s hard to rely on my ears telling me where I am over the sound of my beating heart.

  They’re my Big Sisters. And I’m still trying to figure out if I can trust them. The easy mood in the car in Manhattan changes into tension on the journey to the mysterious Theta House. I have to wonder how loyal my new friends will be to me when they adhere to such a rigid code of secrecy and dedication to their fraternal order.

  They must feel my uneasiness; Abigail touches my shoulder to make sure I’m okay.

  “You’re awful quiet Colleen. Anything wrong?” Abigail asks.

  May as well let them know how I feel. “…I’m just a little uncomfortable about the blindfolding.” I say.

  “Nothing to be uncomfortable about Colleen. You’re with your Big Sisters.” Marcia says.

  “Yeah, we wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.”Abigail reassures. “You’re safer in this car than on the streets of New York at night.”

  I’m going to have see that to that to believe it. “Is it much further?”

  “No, not that much farther.” Marcia answers.

  Maybe they trust me enough to give me a clue. “Are we still in New York?”

  “We’re not leaving the state.” Abigail reassures.

  After I get some clue to where our location is, I let out a deep breath and relax a bit. The smooth sound of rubber rolling on asphalt changes. I feel the bump of under the car’s tires then it returns back to the smooth sound asphalt again. The roar from speeding cars racing on a freeway ebbs. We must be coming off the exit and headed into local traffic of wherever we are.

  I hear the clack–clack of a turn signal and the car twists; we must be turning off somewhere. Everything becomes quieter as the Rolls crawls slowly up a hill on what seems to be a path. All I hear are the sounds of birds softly chirping and the soft scents of dew and flowers in the air. I think we’re at the Theta House.

  When we’re at the top of the hill, the car comes to a stop. The purring engine turns silent with a twist of the jingling keys. I hear the sound of a car door opening and closing. The back door opens and fresh air rushes into the backseat of the sedan. I wait to see what Marcia and Abigail are going to do before I make a move.

  “We’re here.” Marcia says cheerfully as she steps out of the car.

  I ease out of the backseat feeling for the ground under my feet. Marcia’s suit sleeve brushes against my arm as she reaches for me; I take her hand and step out of the car. As I get my footing, I hear the crunch of asphalt under my high heels and inhale the sweetest air I’ve ever smelled in my life.

  I don’t get long to take in my surroundings; I feel Marcia’s eyes on mine right through the blindfold. “Everything about the Theta House and regarding your stay at the Theta House is to be kept between you and your Sisters. Do you swear not to tell anyone about what transpires during your stay here?”

  I guess this is more of the secret Theta tradition. Go along to get along Col. My eyes meet Marcia’s through the blindfold. “I swear not to tell anyone about what transpires during my stay at the Theta House.”

  I feel Marcia smiling at me on my loud and clear confirmation. “Great.”

  The sweet scent of Abigail’s perfume catches me off guard as she rushes behind me. My body tenses as I feel her soft hands reach around my hat and her slender fingers undo the knot tied in the scarf. “You might need a moment to get used to your surroundings.” Abigail tells me.

  As she pulls the blindfold away Red lights glow over my closed eyelids. I slowly open my eyes to be greeted by the sight of my sorority sisters standing on the pebble–lined driveway in front of a garage that’s the size of Daddy’s summer home in The Hamptons. Man, this place could be a college campus all by itself!

  “Wow.” I blurt without thinking.

  “The Theta Estate is quite stunning.” Marcia says. “Wait till you see the main house.”

  “I take it you guys have more than one car.” I say.

  “We keep a variety of vehicles on the estate for Theta affairs.” Abigail says.

  “Do I get to drive one?”

  “When you become a full Sister.” Marcia answers.

  “Do the sisters help in the maintenance of the manor?” I ask.

  “No, the manor is fully staffed throughout the year.” Abigail replies. “Rumsfeld, get Colleen’s bags out of the car.”

  “As you wish Miss Montgomery.” Rumsfeld replies.

  Rumsfeld opens the trunk of the Rolls and takes out my suitcases. I rush over to help him; Abigail grabs my arm before I make one step in his direction. “Colleen, what are you doing?”

  “Er…Helping Rumsfeld get my bags.” I reply.

  The sisters frown at me. I think by practicing an Anderson tradition I’ve made a Theta Faux Pas. “You don’t have to do that. We have people to do that for you.” Abigail chides.

  “I’m just used to doing things for myself.” I chuckle awkwardly.

  “You never had a servant?”Marcia asks.

  “No. Daddy wanted me to be able to take care of myself.”

  “Oh, your father is one of those progressive types.” Abigail dismisses. “Well, we Theta women don’t do little things for ourselves.” Abigail says. “Rumsfeld will take your things to the Manor.”

  Rumsfeld follows behind us carrying my suitcases as I follow Marcia and Abigail down a narrow pathway that breaks off from the driveway. We turn a corner and head down a walkway decorated with red, pink, white and yellow rose bushes. Across from the path in the center of the beautifully manicured front lawn is a bronze statue of an Egyptian goddess in a pleated gown pouring water from a jug with a theta symbol on it into the pool below. Inscribed in the marble at the base of the piece is Pride, Prosperity, Power and Pulchritude. That must be the mission statement of the sorority.

  As we turn off the path and make our way towards a series of limestone steps, I take in the grand architecture of the Theta House. The huge two–story white mansion has the Theta symbol inscribed on a Grecian styled façade featuring a series of pillars in between the staircase and the door. Am I looking at a sorority house or The White House?

  “Wow. I blurt again looking around. “How can you guys afford all this?”

  “All of our members continuously sponsor our organization through regular annuitized contributions and endowments from their estates that’s put into a trust.” Abigail repli
es.

  “That trust invested over the years has accrued into a considerable sum. Several billion dollars.” Marcia says.

  I’m guessing my family had something to do with managing the investments in that trust to pay for all this.

  We pause at the tall mahogany doors of the manor as Marcia rings the bell. A slender young Mexican woman wearing a formal Black maid’s uniform opens the door and greets us with a smile. “Good Afternoon Miss. Duvalier. How may I help you?”She greets.

  “Rosa, this is Colleen Anderson.” Marcia replies. “She’s going to be pledging us this summer.”

  “A pleasure to meet you Ms. Anderson.” Rosa says nodding to me. “I hope I can be of service to you during your stay here.”

  “And I hope I won’t be too much of a burden to you during my visit.” I say.

  As Rosa opens the doors to let us in, Rumsfeld brings my bags inside. I follow my sisters into a luxurious vestibule decorated with white marble floors, a crystal chandelier, a white sofa, and a pair of mahogany doors surrounded by two grand white marble staircases. A large bronze and wood plaque stating the mission of The Thetas is on the wall near the front door reads:

  THE THETAS. A SISTERHOOD PROMOTING PRIDE PROSPERITY POWER AND PULCHRITUDE. ESTABLISHED 1934.

  I scan down the names of the founding sisters written in gold leaf and smile as I find the name of my late grandmother Alma Travis among the first sixteen Theta sisters. Then I find her in the framed and matted group photo of that first group of sisters standing on the pair of grand marble staircases. Wow. I knew Mom and Aunt Margaret were Thetas, but I didn’t know our family went this far back with them.

  “Colleen, you seem preoccupied with the mission plaque.” Marcia inquires. “Was there something you wanted to ask?”

  “My grandmother is one of the founding Sisters.” I blurt.

  Marcia is surprised by the revelation. “Man, I never thought I’d meet someone who could trace their family all the way back to the first generation of Sisters.”

  “You’re a second generation?” I ask.

  “The Duvaliers are an offshoot of the Grahams. We got in through a cousin.”

  “And the Montgomerys are offshoots of the Desmonds. Abigail says. “Also through a cousin.”

  I read down the plaque of the inaugural sisters and find they’re telling the truth. Victoria Desmond is one of the founding sisters. Matilda Graham was as well.

  “But for you to trace your line all the way back to the original founders, that’s just amazing.” Abigail blurts.

  We turn away from the plaque to find Rosa and Rumsfeld standing next to my bags waiting on being told what to do next. “Rosa, help Rumsfeld take Miss Anderson’s bags up to the suite.” Abigail requests. “And then let the Dean Mothers know that Pledge Anderson has arrived.”

  On the request, Rosa and Rumsfeld snap into action grabbing my suitcases and rush upstairs. I wander about the vestibule and notice a series of portraits hanging on the walls in between the staircases. There’s a plaque above them stating HONORING THE MOST EXEMPLARY THETA SISTERS. I’m mesmerized as I peer up at a painting of my mother wearing a black off the shoulder dress and sitting elegantly with her hands in her lap. The date on the plaque on the frame has me choked up:

  Millicent Jean Anderson 1940–1980

  “Colleen, you okay?” Marcia inquires.

  I’m never okay when it comes to my mother. She’s been gone almost twelve years and I still miss her. “Yeah. This family legacy of mine is just a lot to take in.”

  “Wow. You look just like your mother.” Abigail blurts.

  I look at the portrait again and it’s like looking in a mirror. The resemblance between the portrait of my mother and myself is uncanny.

  The heavy mahogany doors open. A slender olive skinned woman wearing a white skirt suit and Church hat smiles and makes eye contact with me as she approaches us.“Pledge Anderson?” She greets as she extends her hand.

  “Yes?”I say shaking it.

  “I’m Dean Mother Carver. We’re ready for your orientation. If you’ll come this way, I’ll introduce you to the other Dean Mothers.”

  Chapter 10

  Orientation. Wow.

  As much hate sororities, I have to admit The Thetas have left a powerful first impression on me. The more I get to know about this organization, the more I want to learn about its history.

  Dean Mother Carver’s white high heels turn on a dime as she escorts us down the hall. Her stride is so strong and elegant, she radiates confidence with every step. Now I see where my mother got her walk from.

  The clop of our high heels pound into marble then into parquet floors as we turn a corner in the corridor. I smell the aromas of gourmet soul food and hear the conversations of women chatting when we pause in front of a pair of Mahogany sliding doors. As Dean Mother Carver pushes the sliding doors open, all the chatter ceases and the women rise from their seats at the dining table in the center of the room and turn to face us. I spot my Aunt Margaret in the group and stand up as straight as I possibly can as I make eye contact with everyone in the room.

  “Ladies of the Theta Sisterhood.” Dean Mother Carver announces. “I present to you our newest Pledge. Sponsored by the Anderson and Travis families, I am honored to introduce you to Colleen Millicent Anderson.”

  I’m greeted with smiles and a round of applause. My heart races out of my chest. They’re going to want me to say something. And I’m at a loss for words in the face of such a formal introduction.

  “Colleen, why don’t you tell us about yourself.” Dean Mother Carver requests.

  Okay Col, don’t mess this up. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Don’t stutter. Don’t say anything stupid. Aunt Margaret won’t let you live it down.

  I take a deep breath and come up with something off the top of my head. “Well, I’m the daughter of Jack and Millicent Anderson and the granddaughter of Alma Travis. I was born and raised in New York City, and I’ve lived there all my life. Currently I’m attending New York University studying economics and women’s studies. I’m hoping that my time with the Thetas will help me enrich my academic experience with a social education and possibly some new friendships.”

  God, that sounded so corny. But they seem to like it. Even Aunt Margaret is pleased. After my ad–libbed speech, I’m greeted with another round of applause and smiles from the Sisters.

  “Colleen, why don’t you have a seat at the table and meet the rest of your Theta Sisters.” Dean Mother Carver requests.

  I see my name on a place card next to where Aunt Margaret is standing and make my way across the room to stand next to her. Marcia and Abigail take their places at the table across from me. After Dean Mother Carver approaches the seat at the foot of the table, Rosa and Rumsfeld enter the room dressed in formal uniforms.

  “You may serve lunch Rumsfeld.” Dean Mother Carver tells them.

  “As you wish Miss Carver.” Rumsfeld says.

  After Dean Mother Carver tells Rumsfeld to serve lunch, we all take seats at the table. As I wait for my plate, I find out how Aunt Margaret got up here so quickly.

  “How did you get up here so fast?”I ask.

  “I took my Bentley a few minutes after you left.” Aunt Margaret answers.

  “You could’ve just come with us–”

  “Unfortunately, that isn’t part of the Theta tradition.” Aunt Margaret answers.

  “And being blindfolded and driven to parts unknown is?”

  “You had to learn how to trust your sisters.” Aunt Margaret answers.

  “I bet you were scared.” A bronze skinned woman across the table in a white double breasted suit laughs. “I remember being a bundle of nerves during my trip here to pledge. When they put that blindfold over my eyes I thought these girls were kidnapping me for ransom.”

  Nice to know I’m not alone. But I don’t think I can laugh about it so cavalierly the way she does. I look down at her place card that reads Dean Mother Morgan before ad
dressing her. “So they do this to all the Pledges Dean Mother Morgan?”

  “It’s an exercise meant to build trust between you and your sisters and help you bond with them Colleen. There’s nothing malicious about it.”

  I know. I have to trust my sisters. But I don’t know how much closer I am to Marcia and Abigail yet.

  “I understand you’re probably a little upset about things Colleen.” Dean Mother Morgan continues. I was too. But no one here is out to hurt you.”

  “We know how special you are Colleen and we want to prepare you to be socialized for the great future you should have.” Dean Mother Carver continues.

  “I understand. I just find it odd that these Theta traditions even supersede the bonds of family.”

  “Our Sisterhood is thick as blood and strong as family.” Dean Mother Carver replies. “Theta Women are there for each other through thick and thin, good times and bad.”

  I don’t recall seeing Theta Women at my mother’s funeral when I was little. Then again I was only seven. I wasn’t paying attention to much then except for the fact that Mom was gone. I probably wouldn’t have recognized anyone who was a Theta then. Outside of those platinum and diamond Theta symbol pins they wear on their lapels it’s not like these ladies wear any distinctive markings on their suits to denote their membership in the sisterhood.

  “You’ll come to understand how we do things Colleen.” Dean Mother Morgan says as Rosa puts a plate of appetizers in front of her.

  “Are all of you going to be here all summer?” I ask.

  “With the exception of your Aunt, we’ll all be spending the summer with you Colleen.” Dean Mother Carver replies.

  “I’d love to be here to support you the way I was for Abigail and Marcia, but sponsors cannot be directly involved with a Pledge during their Pledge process.” Aunt Margaret says. “Theta Policy.”

  I look around the room filled with polished professional Black women and I’m floored. All these women are here just for me. That’s a huge sacrifice they’re making for just one person. Next to Daddy, no one has ever done that much for me.