Chapter 19: Stride of Pride

Carissa stood in line with the rest of her pledge class and yawned. She'd spent all day and most of last night with Danny, and she'd had a great time. Even though they didn't talk about any of their issues or work anything out, being with him had felt so much like old times. For a while, she'd been able to forget all of their problems. When she finally dragged herself into her room at 11:57 p.m., she'd collapsed into bed.

And then was promptly woken up at 5:15 a.m. by a text from Mallory. Pledges were required to be present at TOP at 8:00 a.m. sharp. Lateness wouldn't be tolerated. Why Mallory had to send the announcement so damn early was a mystery to Carissa, but once she was awake, she hadn't been able to fall back asleep. Now, she was about as functional as a zombie on downers, and she had no idea how she was going to make it through all her classes.

"Good morning, ladies." Mallory walked the length of the line, pivoted on her heel, and walked back.