Get What You Give

by Stephanie Perry Moore

  I wondered how could I have let things get so off track. And as much as it hurt leaving my sisters, things were irreparably broken. Walking out had been the right thing to do. I had to punish myself in some fashion. I was wrong even though I was right.

  “Oooo, so Covin is really handsome,” my sister, Hayden, said to me while we were on a double date with our men.

  I couldn’t believe that in just a few months she would be married. And although Covin and I weren’t walking down the aisle, I knew he was a big part of my world. I had come to understand that all college relationships didn’t last forever, but looking at Hayden and Creed, I hoped for the best and promised to hang on as long as we could.

  “Hailey, come with me to the ladies’ room,” my sister begged. As soon as we got into the restroom, she tugged me. “Okay, I just said your man is fine, and I barely got a reaction from you. What is going on with you? I heard the contest turned out nice.”

  “Yeah, and you also heard about the drama with Sam.”

  “Yeah, but I told you beforehand that going into this sorority thing I wasn’t perfect as an undergraduate myself. Life is about making mistakes and learning from them. It’s okay to punish yourself, but it’s like you’re locking yourself up for good and throwing away the key. I think we should all leave here and go over to that King event together.”

  “No,” I said to my sister; I felt she was trying to push me. “I don’t wanna be around the Betas.”

  “Hailey, they’re doing the right thing. They may have questioned the amount at first, but it is a good thing they decided to give five thousand dollars to the King family. You’re a big part of making that happen, and you need to be there to see your dream come true.”

  When we got back to the table, it was like Covin had heard our whole conversation because he said, “I need to go to the Kings’ house. SGA’s helping with the presentation, and I need you to be by my side.”

  “I told you already,” I said to him, “and I said to Hayden that I didn’t wanna go.”

  “Come on, babe. I need you with me. I never removed you from my cabinet as director of community relations. So, technically, it’s your job. You’ve been slack on it, so you shouldn’t be giving me any lip. We won’t stay long. Come on,” Covin pleaded.

  “Okay, fine,” I said, giving in to both pressures.

  Hayden and Creed rode with us. When we got to the Kings’ house, tons of people were there, including two camera crews. Covin insisted I head up front with him, but I said, “This spot right here is fine. Now, I agreed to come, and that should be enough. Please don’t make me go up there.”

  When he got to the podium, my uncle came out of the house with Ms. King and the kids.

  “Why is Uncle Webb here?” I said to Hayden.

  She squeezed my arm and said, “Just wait. It gets even better.”

  Next out of the house came Covin’s parents. The senator approached the crowd and said, “When our son told us what was going on with this family, I went to my fellow state senators and congressmen and collectively went to work. We are thankful for Mayzee King’s actions in saving so many kids, including my son.”

  “And my niece,” President Webb said, standing behind them.

  Sen. Randall said, “As well as all the other children she risked her life to save. We do want to honor her memory today by presenting three ten-thousand-dollar scholarships that will be put away for her children to attend college.”

  My eyes just watered up. This was fabulous beyond my dreams. I knew our event couldn’t do everything, but it had ignited others to help.

  “We also reached out to some local businessmen, and the floor and roof of this house is going to be fixed. This place is going to receive its own makeover, thanks to the great citizens of this state. Be proud of your community, help out when you have the chance, and embrace your neighbor. This is the beginning of a fellowship, and the progress is going to be appreciated to the maximum degree.” The senator stepped away, and applause was given from anyone who had hands.

  Covin followed behind his father and said, “Now I would like to introduce the President of Beta Gamma Pi for another presentation.”

  As Sam approached the mic, I swallowed hard.

  All she said was, “I had a presentation to make, but—”

  Time out. Had she said “had”? See, I knew something was up. This was more drama from the chapter, but in public. Did she plan for the chapter to keep the money after all? I had thought Hayden had talked to someone and knew the check was finally gonna be presented to Ms. King. Ugh! I was so angry.

  Then my foot got stuffed in my mouth when Sam shocked me and announced, “But I realize I am not the one who should make this presentation. I am aware that Hailey Grant is among us today. She’s the one who spearheaded this whole effort and had the right heart to want to do bigger and better things for this family. Hailey, I can’t do this without you. Could you please come forward?”

  The spotlight was on me. Everyone turned to face me to see if I would accept her offer. I was no mean person, nor did I hold grudges against people, but we’d had one heck of an ordeal. Placing my feelings to the side, I picked up my feet and slowly but surely made my way to the front of the crowd.

  As I walked toward the mic, Sam said, “So many of us get things wrong. Sometimes we want things to be about us and what we say. Hailey Grant taught me you gotta have self-reflection. I’m better. Our sorority is better because she cares so much.” I got to the podium, and she whispered in my ear, “Forgive me.”

  I smiled and wiped my face. We presented Ms. King with a symbolic check for her daughter’s memory. It felt great to put aside some crucial differences and bring out the good for others in need. I walked away from the podium with my head held high and the attitude of an improved, faith-filled young woman.

  As soon as the event died down, Covin’s parents approached me. I wanted to walk the other way. However, I knew I couldn’t be rude.

  “Looks like you make a lot of people look in the mirror. Sorry we misjudged you. Sorry we didn’t open our eyes to know our son can make great choices. He spent months trying to make a difference for this family, and that’s awesome,” his dad said, giving me another surprise of the day.

  His mother touched my back and said, “Because of how you wanna take care of someone else, I know you will be able to take care of yourself and my son.”

  “I told you she was all that, Mom!” Covin said from behind me before he gave me a big hug.

  To think I hadn’t wanted to come. I’d wanted to stay away. I was glad I’d let go and followed the leading of others. This was one of the proudest points in my life. I was a part of really making a difference for a family who had lost everything. On the up and up, it seemed like Sam and I would be able to work things out. And, by just being me, I had ended up showing Covin’s parents I was worthy enough for their son. Somehow, in my spirit, I could feel Ms. Mayzee smiling down at me from heaven. Turmoil was worth it sometimes, particularly when good came out of the madness.

  “I can’t believe my mom talked me into going to this conference,” I said out of frustration to Covin.

  I was speaking to my boyfriend on the phone. I was in Atlanta, and he was back in Arkansas. The Beta Gamma Pi conference was one my line sisters had been anticipating for a while. It was our first one, for goodness’ sake. My line sisters were in the room next door, and I was sharing a room with my mom and my sister. At this point, everyone was at the opening session, and I just wasn’t feeling it, so I had called my guy to complain.

  “Listen, you’re there now. You pledged Beta Gamma Pi to learn more about the organization and make a difference. At a National Convention, I can only assume it helps to fine-tune you,” he said like a guy who loved networking.

  “Yeah, I miss you, and it’s devastating to know you’re going to be going off to law school soon.”

  “Actually, I decided to go to the University of Arkansas. I wanna stay around here. My state needs me,
and, hopefully, someone else does, too.”

  “Not going to an Ivy League school is suicide for your political career.”

  “Please. Knowing I want to be a state politician and going to the largest school in Arkansas is an asset to me. Plus, I want to be around a special young lady.é So, it’s cool. About you, though—I know you might not be feeling the whole sorority thing for whatever reason, but you’re there. You need to make the most of it. If you wanna get something out of it, you at least have to put in the time.”

  He was absolutely right, and he made a lot of sense. I immediately got dressed and texted Teddi to see what side of the large auditorium they were sitting on. I guessed I was gonna make the best of it.

  “What made you change your mind?” Teddi asked me when I sat beside her.

  “Covin told me to take it all in.”

  “Well, I know I told you before, but, again, I was way wrong,” she said.

  “Wrong about what?” I asked, needing my memory to be refreshed.

  “I said he wasn’t a good choice for you. He’s actually exactly what you need.” I reached over and gave her a big hug. “I still should be SGA President though.”

  I just laughed. “He’s leaving, so you can try next year.”

  “You’re right,” she said and kissed me on the cheek.

  There was a break between sessions, and my mom and her Chapter President came over to me. My mom pinched my cheek, and that meant she wanted something. I wasn’t into meeting more important Betas. I knew it was important to personally know our leaders, but it was also important to enjoy my sands at our first convention.

  “People from different regions have been coming up to us asking who our candidate is for Second Vice President. Nobody else has another choice. Say you’ll do it,” my mom said to me.

  I turned around to try to walk back up to my room, but Teddi was standing right there with the rest of my line sisters. They were nodding on my behalf. Even Sam, Cassidy, and the other prophytes surrounded us.

  Sam walked up to me and said, “You better represent and make us proud, even if somebody else decides to run with you from the floor. We’re gonna win this. You need to lead us. I lost my way, and you helped me.”

  Evan came up to me and whispered, “Because of your love and leadership, I finally had the courage to walk away from an abusive relationship. You care like no one I know. You must run.”

  My sister took me by the hand and said, “I got robbed four years back. I had rumors keep me from becoming elected. Run and win for me.”

  I loved my sister. She had always been my hero. I kissed her and walked by my mom. I nodded, ready to accept the challenge of being nominated for a national office in my beloved BGP. I guess I’d given much more good than I knew to receive such support.

  Soror Walker took to the mic and said, “Madame National President, for the office of National Second Vice President, I nominate Miss Hailey Grant from Alpha chapter.”

  Soror Murray said, “Thank you for that nomination. Do I have any others for this office? Going once, going twice, hearing none ...”

  A collegiate soror wearing a skirt that looked five sizes too small, had five different colors of bad weaves, and long gold nails that made it almost impossible to hold the mic said, “Miss President, I’m Soror Gina Bell. I’d like to nominate myself for the position.”

  The room erupted. I knew the image of this girl was not what we needed for the organization. However, I didn’t want another fight. I was headed to withdraw my name.

  Seeing me head toward Soror Walker, Hayden got in my way. “Hailey, I know you. Don’t back out. Your experience will be different from mine. You know you’re the leader we need. Give it your all. If you don’t try, you get nothing.”

  We hugged. The National President slated both of us. I had to give a speech in an hour. Locking myself away from everyone to concentrate, I struggled on what I’d say.

  Sixty minutes later, I was listening as my opponent took the microphone and said, “Look at me—I’m a college student who knows who I am. We college kids aren’t alumnae sorors yet. We’re young, and we need not to act old. I can help keep the sorority young. Vote me, Gina Bell, and when I win, you can ring it at my par-tay. We shouldn’t take this so seriously. Laugh, y’all.” The room was still. “Well, just vote for me then.”

  I wasn’t here to down anyone else, but this girl had no clue. My sorority was serious to me, and I needed to give a speech my man would be proud of.

  Standing on a platform in front of the crowd of Betas, I took a deep breath and spoke from my heart. “As I look out into this full audience at my lovely sisters adorned in purple and turquoise, I come humbly seeking the office of Second Vice President. I’d like to be elected because I believe you get what you give. I want to give my whole heart, body, mind, and soul to this organization. And if I can serve on the highest level to spearhead policy ideas, enforce the rules and laws, keep alive the rich tradition of our founders, and inspire Betas as I hold the office, I know I’ll give back much in return. We Betas are powerful women. Though we have different opinions and different talents, we all have a collective goal: we all want more for our community, more for our sorority, and more for ourselves. As your Second Vice President—unlike my opponent—I’d take this very seriously. I’d make sure each and every soror is reminded that united we stand and divided we fall. There is a way to work out our differences. We are sisters, leaders, educators, and Christians who give. When I was pinned as a part of the sorority, much was given to me. Much was given to us all. Now it’s time for us all to give back, give all, give more, give big, and give strong. Elect me, Hailey Grant, your National Second Vice President, and together let’s give all we can for our beloved BGP. We are worthy of nothing less. Thank you.”

  The auditorium went wild. Immediately, the voting began, and when it was announced that I was Second Vice President, Hayden squeezed my hand.

  “I wanted this so bad four years ago. But God knew what He was doing. He gave office to the one who sees the worth in every individual, the one who wants to get better, the one who doesn’t think she’s worthy when she clearly is. You are the essence of Beta Gamma Pi. I’m proud of you, little sis. The collegiates are in really good hands, and so is Alpha chapter because I know you’re gonna lead with purpose.”

  A Reading Group Guide

  Beta Gamma Pi, Book 5:

  Get What You Give

  Stephanie Perry Moore

  ABOUT THIS GUIDE

  The following questions are intended to

  enhance your group’s reading of

  Beta Gamma Pi: GET WHAT YOU GIVE

  by Stephanie Perry Moore.

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Hailey Grant is the campaign manager for her best friend, but she doesn’t think she’s the best candidate. Do you think it was right for Hailey to support Teddi’s candidacy? What are ways you can be there or be a friend to someone even when you’re not supporting everything he or she does?

  2. When the fire breaks out, Hailey goes back to try to get Teddi’s important objects. Why do you think it was important for Hailey to help her friend by risking her own life? What are things you do to show others you truly care for them?

  3. Covin Randall has Hailey’s interest. When she knows her best friend may have a problem with this, was Hailey right to keep it a secret? What are positive ways to deal with tough issues you know won’t please someone you care about?

  4. Hailey isn’t sure that Beta Gamma Pi is for her. Do you think it was a smart idea for Hailey to check out the other sororities? Why is it important to do your homework and check out organizations and groups before you try to join them?

  5. When Hailey finds out Teddi has not made the line for Beta Gamma Pi, she goes to bat for her friend. Do you think Teddi would have done the same if the shoe were on the other foot?

  6. After Hailey is chosen to become chairperson, she receives tons of resistance. Do you think she handled being a chairperson
correctly? When you are the leader, how can you get others to follow, especially when you know they are envious of your position?

  7. Covin wants to take their relationship to the next level, but Hailey wants to see other people. Though she wasn’t ready to go further in the relationship, should she have pulled so far away that it led her into the arms of another? What are some good dating do’s and don’ts?

  8. The sorority is trying to raise money to help others in the community. Do you think helping others was the driving force behind Hailey getting her own life together? What good does one get from helping someone else?

  9. Later, before the big charity event, Hailey and the Chapter President have a heated exchange. Do you think fighting resolves anything? What are positive ways that conflict can be worked through?

  10. What points did you get from the speech Hailey gives to the delegates when she runs for national office? How are you striving daily to give more than you take?

  Can’t get enough of sorority life?

  Turn the page for more of Stephanie Perry Moore’s

  Beta Gamma Pi series.

  Available now, wherever books are sold!

  1

  BRIGHT

  “So you think it’s okay if somebody whacks you upside the head, calls you all kinds of names, beats your behind, and who knows whatever else, Hayden Grant? I’ve even heard of cases where sororities make pledges perform some kind of sexual act,” my mom Shirley voiced in anger, as my caramel face turned pale.

  “Mom! I can’t believe you would go there with me.”

  “What, Hayden? Don’t be shocked. I know how bad you want to be a Beta and I know you might lose your mind to get what you want. Plus, you’re about to be a sophomore in college, at a predominately African-American school. I know there are several nice-looking young men around grabbing your attention. Something made your grades slip last semester. I think you’re still pure, but we need to talk about sex.”