Walking the Crimson Road

by Perrie Patterson

  Walking the Crimson Road

  Perrie Patterson

  Copyright © 2019 Perrie Patterson

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without prior written permission of the publisher, except in case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and other noncommercial use permitted by copyright law. For permission requests contact the author at the website below.

  ISBN: 9781708478148

  This book is written as a work of fiction. The story has been created by the author’s imagination. Places, buildings, restaurants and hotel names are accurate. Location for the National Championship game was per the author. The weather in Cape Cod in late March early April was made more appealing for story purposes.

  Printed by Kindle Direct Publishing in the United States

  First printing edition 2019

  www.perriepatterson.com

  For my mother…

  Nell Patterson Hixon, who loved the Crimson Tide. She signed Bear Bryant’s checks when she worked at the university in the late 50’s. She taught me to “stick with it,” because hard work pays off. She passed before I finished this book, but I told her about it two days before she died. Love you, Mom!

  And to my all-time favorite professor…

  Wilma Green, who was an inspiration to everyone who took her course, and anyone who knew her. I loved when she would share stories in class about having taught Joe Namath and Kenny Stabler. Her tragic death broke my heart.

  With this being my first book, it’s an honor to dedicate it to these two important ladies in my life. I did it, Mom!

  #rolltideforever

  1

  #Bigflex

  “Rebecca, I know how busy rush week will be, but I expect a daily text.” My mother’s loud voice jolts me to attention in the cramped backseat. Quickly, I pop one of my AirPods out.

  “Mmm, hmmm,” I mutter, half ignoring, half listening.

  Dad’s driving the family SUV. It’s stacked to the hilt with storage containers and my Vera Bradley luggage heading straight into my sophomore year at Bama. My roommate, Bella, and I have been texting and chatting all summer about our room design. Although she spent most of her summer with another Phi Mu sis, Lexi, working at summer camp, we found time to plan our decor.

  “That reminds me.” Mom looks over her seat at me. “I need to call your sister and make sure she's up and studying.”

  Lauren didn’t make the drive this year. She’s retaking the ACT tomorrow for like her third time.

  Get ur butt up, act like ur studying, mom’s calling.

  I whip off a quick text to my sis, hoping she gets it in time. She seems to have answered, because I hear Mom ask what time she’s meeting with her tutor.

  Dad tilts his head toward the backseat as he drives. I can barely see him over all my stuff piled to the roof. “Mom and I are proud of you, honey.” There’s a bit of early morning gruffness to the sound of his voice. “You had a successful freshman year. We know you’ll accomplish a lot this year, too.”

  “Thanks, Dad,” I reply, not knowing what else to say, but a warmth spreads inside me. He’s usually not one to dole out compliments, so when he says something, he means it.

  In high school I had great grades, forever the straight-A student, and earned a scholarship because of them and my ACT score. I’ve never given my parents any trouble or reason to worry, unlike my sister. I grimace at the memories of Lauren sneaking out of the house her first two years of high school to meet up with her friends who undoubtedly were up to no good. I was way too scared to dare do anything like that and much too focused on my grades.

  This time last year I had just turned eighteen, and I was feeling nervous and anxious about starting college with 40,000 other students. A smile creeps over my lips. But now I’m starting sophomore year with a bang. I made the Crimson Cabaret dance team last spring. I’ve been dancing since I was three. But, you know, I’ve always thought the Crimsonettes were cool with their baton twirling skills, maybe I’m a little jelly. I’ll stick with dancing, it’s what I know. Besides making the dance team, I’m super excited to be moving into my sorority house with my best friend Bella Campbell. We met a year ago during rush and bonded instantly over our love of the Jonas brothers, AJR, and other favorite bands.

  B, I’m so excited. R u almost there?

  About 45 minutes. HBU?

  “Dad, how much further?”

  “Can’t wait to get rid of us, huh? About twenty miles, sugar,” Dad replies. He can be a goof, sometimes, but that’s dad for you.

  I think 40 minutes, see u soon.

  I put my phone aside and glance out the window in a daze, thinking about the year and what it’ll be like. My dream of becoming a journalist is on the verge of becoming reality. The classes I’ll be taking will allow me to write for the campus newspaper and school magazine this semester. My YouTube channel that I’ve been uploading my vlogs to has over a hundred followers, so far. That’s cool, but I’d love to gain a lot more. I suck in a deep breath, and a tingle of inspiration washes over me. I breathe out slowly, closing my eyes, thinking how much fun Bella and I are going to have this year.

  The car makes a sharp right turn, pulling me out of my dazed thoughts. Craning my neck, I see the red brick paths come into view. Tons of cars and students with rolling carts are scattered about. Piles of trash bags, stuffed and overflowing, sit next to empty TV and mini fridge boxes lining the sidewalk. I’m glad to be here a week early to help with sorority recruitment. Will this year’s freshman be as nervous as I was last year? Recruitment week is crazy, fun and exhausting. I’m glad pledging is behind me. This year I’ll be working behind the scenes on decorations and helping organize the girls for their interviews. It’ll be work but fun.

  In the distance the stark, whitewashed stone of the Phi Mu house looms in grandeur. I feel a catch in my throat, and a surge of adrenaline charges through my veins. This is going to be amazing. I dreamily stare at the massive, white columns flanking the house entrance. No, this year will be more than that. Stellar. It’s going to be a stellar year. I can feel it.

  2

  #Besties

  Finally here, I step out of the air- conditioned car. The late August heat feels damp and thick on my skin. I hear Mom complaining about the affect humidity has on her hair. I roll my eyes and throw my duffle bag over my shoulder.

  “The heat index is 95 according to the car,” Dad says, popping the trunk open.

  “Bex!”

  Turning around, I see Bella running toward me. Colliding, we squeal in excitement and bubble over laughing as we talk over one another. Mom and Mrs. Campbell share a hug. Dad and Mr. Campbell exchange a hardy handshake. Bella and I move into the line forming for room assignments while my parents begin unloading my things out of the car. Dad helps with the heavy boxes, then he and Mr. Campbell head out to find something more interesting to do besides room design. Our moms, on the other hand, are all about it. And I, of course, am convinced the status and success of our year will be based on how well we achieve decorating perfection.

  Bella and I chat a mile a minute while unpacking. After making our beds and putting out cute pillows, I think it’s time for our moms to leave. I’m grateful for the help, but Bella and I plan to hang pictures, put up curtains and get the room looking like the top photo on the Dormify blog. When Mom finishes hanging my clothes in the closet, I casually ask, “Do you think Dad’s back? I know you guys talked about wanting to get on the road before it got dark.”

  Bella winks at me and turns to speak to her mom. “Not trying to rush you, but I think we’ve got
it from here,” she says.

  “We get it.” Mrs. Campbell gives Bella her raised eyebrows look.

  “Remember, it will be Homecoming before we’re back.” Mom looks at me sternly. Must I remind her this is my second year? Geez! But to be fair, last year, me, Lauren and Mom were bawling our eyes out when they got ready to leave.

  “We expect phone calls, and texts regularly,” Mrs. Campbell adds. “We trust you both to make good decisions. I know you’ll keep each other in check.” Her eyes dart between me and Bella.

  Mom smiles, puts her hand on Mrs. Campbell’s shoulder, and gives it a squeeze. She tears up a little walking over to hug me.

  “I’m so proud of you, Bex. I know not to worry about you. You’ve always proven yourself to be reliable, honest, and hardworking. It’s just hard leaving, knowing it will be a few months before I can see you again.”

  I love my mom and dad. They’ve always been so supportive. But she needs to let go. I’m feeling more confident this year and ready to find my way. Believe me, this year I feel more than ready. I hope she sees that.

  Bella and I walk with our moms downstairs to the living room, where we find our dads in a sea of more dads talking Alabama football. After tear-filled hugs, Bella and I stand together outside the front door waving as they walk to their cars. With our parents out of sight, we run inside to continue our decorating frenzy.

  “Look, Bella.” I enthusiastically pull out a collection of large cast iron hooks. “I’m hoping we can use these to hang clothes, and other stuff.”

  Bella picks up the largest one. “These are funky and artistic even without anything hanging on them.”

  Bella and I are prattling on about which picture layout looks best when our friend Lexi walks in. Meeting in the doorway, the three of us embrace in a group hug, giggling.

  “I’m so excited to see you guys. How’s unpacking going?” Lexi asks.

  “Not too bad. Much faster after everyone left,” I say, looking at Bella sheepishly.

  “I know, my parents just left, too. Mom was trying to do everything. I finally sat down and just watched until she got the hint that I didn’t want her help anymore.” Lexi sighs. “I’ve got to go back to my room. I have one more box to unpack.” She walks toward the door. Her black hair pulled into a high ponytail looks slick and shiny. It swishes back and forth as she walks into the hallway. “I’ll catch up with you guys later during dinner,” she says, glancing back at us.

  Poking my head into the hall, I snag her attention. “Lexi, I can’t wait to hear more about the Young Life camp where you and Bella worked this summer.”

  Twirling around, she yells back, “We met a really nice guy that worked as our lifeguard and boat driver. He goes to school here, too. He’s perfect for you, Bex,” she purrs.

  Walking back in the room, I notice Bella’s staring at the wall with a dazed look on her face. Pointing, she says, “Let’s try to hang the decorative hooks first then the large memo board.”

  We complete the room with framed art above our beds and a mirror between the closets. Kate, one of our big sisters, pops her head in, scanning our room curiously.

  “There’s our Blake Lively look-a-like. Y’all’s room is looking very sophisticated,” she says, grinning a me.

  I give her a half smile as she hands me the rush week schedule of events.

  “We have a meeting tonight after dinner,” she trills excitedly.

  I tack the schedule on our new memo board with a hot pink push pin.

  “We’ll be there. Thank you.” I glance at Bella then watch as Kate pops back into the hallway. I animatedly mouth the words, “Why does everyone think I look like Blake Lively?”

  “Cause, you do.” Bella giggles.

  “I don’t see it beyond the long, blonde hair and blue eyes--- but whatever.”

  Bella laughs. “How about the mile-long legs? Or the fact that you’re a drop-dead, gorgeous bombshell who just happens to be as laid back and easy going as the girl next door. Face it, Bex, you’re the “it girl” package without the sass and drama that most girls who look like you always seem to have.”

  Bella is super cute. She has long, wavy brown hair down the middle of her back, a dark tan from working at summer camp, and amber eyes. One reason we get along so well is that neither of us likes drama. Bella’s always up for something fun. And she’s super chill.

  I change the subject, “What dresses did you bring for preference and open house days?”

  “Hang on, I’ll show you.”

  We hang our dresses and set our shoes on either side, stepping back to admire them.

  “Perfect,” Bella ponders. “I’m loving these decorative hooks already.”

  I open another container, pull out my Kate Spade agenda, notebooks and pens, and spread them on top of the desk. I set a cute lamp next to the agenda and plug it in.

  “I bought a lamp for the room, too.” She gets hers and puts it on the nightstand.

  Standing side by side, we carefully study the room to see if we need to add or move anything.

  With hands on her hips and her head slightly tilted, Bella announces, “It’s perfect.”

  “Yes, it looks very stylish and swank. We did a great job.” I give Bella a high five. “Best roomie eva!”

  Bella smacks my hand. “Back at ya.”

  “Let’s take some pictures and send them to our moms.” I pull my phone from my back pocket. Bella photobombs the last picture, cracking me up.

  “Sophomore year, we’re here,” she says, laughing along with me.

  “The best year yet. It’s almost time for dinner. Let’s go downstairs,” I say, as I hit send on the text to my mom.

  In the hall we hear cheering, then applause breaks out. Reaching the bottom stair, we see our sisters gathered around Tonya, a Phi Mu alum who has just arrived.

  3

  #Savvysisters

  I’m happy to see everyone as we settle in for our first meal of the semester. Tonya sits at the head of the table, as our Alumni guest of honor. We’re hanging on her every word while she tells us about winning the Miss Alabama pageant a few weeks ago. She plans to help us with our chapter philanthropy project later this year.

  Everyone takes a turn sharing an exciting summer vacation story. Through the stories and laughter, our sisterhood bond deepens. After dinner, Bella, Lexi and I take seats next to each other for our first chapter meeting of the year to discuss rush week and the t-shirt design for our first date-night social event of the season. Our chapter co- presidents, Amanda and Caroline, have a hard time calling the meeting to order, because it’s so loud with everyone talking at once. Lexi’s roommate, Jessica, puts two fingers in her mouth and launches an ear-piercing whistle, shocking us into silence.

  Lexi passes me a clipboard with the voting sheet attached. “I like this design.” She points to the page. I nod in agreement.

  After the votes are taken on the shirt design, we’ve decided on pale pink with a mason jar image on the back featuring a black and white checkered print bow tie tied around it. The theme and date will be printed in a circle around the image, and our Phi Mu symbol will grace the front pocket. The design choice is practically unanimous.

  “The t-shirts will be shipped here in a week, and we’ll order extras for the guys you invite, if they want one,” Amanda announces.

  Our meeting carries on with reminders of assignments for tomorrow as recruitment gets underway. This whirlwind week will go fast as we meet and greet hundreds of new pledges. After reviewing our rush week assignments, Bella and I go back to our room to call it a night. Sitting on my bed, leaning against the pillows, I watch Bella plug in the Keurig.

  “This is going to be such a fun year,” she bubbles. “It felt like the glistening, white, marble floors in the foyer grinned at me when I walked through the doors this morning,” Bella says in a mock theatrical tone that makes me laugh.

  “I know what you mean. I had butterflies when we pulled up in front of the house earlier. You’re
lucky your parents let you bring your car this year. My sister’s been driving mine back and forth to school. I can basically say it’s hers now. I’m hoping I’ll be able to have a car on campus soon.”

  “Yeah, but you can always ride with me whenever you need something. A lot of girls in the house have cars, too, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Last year we walked everywhere we needed to go anyway.”

  “Last year we hardly left campus. We’re sophomores now time to spread our wings,” I say, waving my hands above my head.

  Bella laughs, giving me a silly grin. “How far are you going to fly?” she asks.

  “Limitless possibilities are in store, I’m sure of it,” I announce with an air of confidence. “I think it’s time for me to soar into new adventures and leave a bit of the old boring me behind.”

  “You know you’re not boring right? Maybe a bit strait-laced but you are never a bore,” Bella says, giving me a serious look.

  “I just want something exciting to happen this year since last year I had just turned eighteen and was quite the cautious freshman. So, I’m claiming this year as the year of the “yes.” My Instagram made be fire, but it’s time to kick it up.”

  “Year of the yes? Uhmmm, okay.” Bella looks skeptical but gives me an air high five. “To living our best lives,” she says, as she sits back on her bed, holding her laptop.

  The glow of the lamplight causes a coziness vibe to settle in as I snuggle down under my duvet. “Just a reminder,” I say, glancing at Bella. “I’m not a morning person, so I’m setting an alarm.”

  “Neither of us is an early bird, so definitely set an alarm, girl. I’m going to crash soon too.”

  Suddenly I get the giggles, remembering rush week last year. “Bella, remember when we were waiting to go into Zeta and we had our shoes off sitting on Lexi’s blanket and we all had those battery- operated mini fans, trying to hold those and eat at the same time then it started to rain and we were trying to grab all our stuff, running like total spaz chicks?” Bella laughs and pulls her mini fan out of her drawer and turns it on, holding it out toward me. After the giggle fit, I drift off to sleep dreaming of rush week and Bid Day.