Cassie exclaimed, "Mom....." as Spencer said, "Chocolate chip, of course!"

Cassie blushed as she asked Spencer, "Well, would you like to come with to help tomorrow night? We can always use some extra hands!"

Spencer smiled and said, "I'd love to....thanks for inviting me!"

The food arrived, and as they were eating, Mr. McKay asked Spencer, "So, when did you join Sigma Xi, and how do you enjoy the brotherhood?"

"I joined Sigma Xi during Winter Semester of my freshman year, which is also the time that I started school here. I spent my first semester at a community college in my hometown to help my family out with my little sister, who, at the time, was very sick. We spent much time with her up at the hospital. Because we spent so much time up there, we got to know her doctors really really well. One evening, while I was sitting with her, Dr. Allen Fitzpatrick and I were talking about where I intended to transfer. He and I discussed several schools, and he told me about here. He was an undergrad here, and said the pre-med program was wonderful. We also talked about my activities that I was involved in high school---Key Club, SGA, Senior Class president, and graduated with an advanced diploma. He gave me information about this college, put me in touch with admissions, and things went really well! My sister recovered well enough where she didn't need assistance during the day anymore, and I was able to start the paperwork for admissions. I was accepted immediately, and would start in January. Classes started pretty well, and I got to know some of the guys on my floor. After moving into the dorm, I was surprised and pleased to see some of my former classmates from my high school, including a football buddy from two years ago. Matt Campbell and I had hung out in high school a good bit, but lost touch when he graduated. He had heard that I was on campus, and wanted to look me up. We went to grab a bite at the student center, and Matt told me that his fraternity was having a Recruitment BBQ that night, and wanted to invite me to meet some of the brothers.

It turned out that Dr. Fitzpatrick was Matt's uncle...and it also turned out that Dr. Fitzpatrick had been one of the charter members of Sigma Xi here. He got in touch with Matt when I was accepted, and let him know that he thought I would be a good potential member...

That was two and a half years ago. Since I've been involved with Sigma Xi, I've had the privilege of holding two offices. Last year I was New Member Educator, and this past Spring I was elected Chapter President. We had a great Recruitment this past Fall where we picked up 56 new potential brothers. This chapter here on campus is consistently at the top in scholarship and spirit awards. I couldn't be more proud to be a Sigma Xi."

Where were you a Sigma Xi at? "

"North Carolina University. Gamma Zeta chapter." said Mr. McKay.

"Did you hold any offices there?" Spencer asked.

"I was Pledge Captain back in the day," he said smiling, "and I was also Social Chair. Do you boys here in Georgia do 'Flying High with Sigma Xi'?"

"Sure we do, it's the biggest party of the year."

"Well It was always my favorite. In fact it's where I met Cassie's mother." Mr. McKay winked at Mrs. McKay and she blushed. "She was the most beautiful stewardess I had ever seen." Mr. McKay leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek.

Fifteen minutes later Spencer and Brian were standing outside of the club waiting for valet to retrieve their cars. Cassie and her mother had stopped off in the ladies room.

"Thank you for lunch Mr. McKay. It was really wonderful getting to talk with you." Spencer shook Brian's hand.
"Well Spencer, it was wonderful having the chance to meet you too. You seem like a terrific young man. I'm very thankful Cassie has a friend like you."

The girls walked out and said their good byes. Cassie waved as Spencer helped her into the Tahoe.

"Your parents are really great Cassie." Spencer said as he put the SUV in drive. "I had a lot of fun spending time with them," He paused for a second."and you."

Spencer was focused on driving down the lane toward the main road, so he completely missed Cassie's jaw dropping and the blush that spread across her cheeks.

As Spencer turned toward GSTU, Cassie said, "I'm so sorry we didn't get a chance to study more for the test."

"That's okay....I really didn't need to study for the test."

"You didn't? But you said..."

"I was hoping that I could spend some time with you and get to know you better. I've sort of had a crush on you from the first day I saw you on campus. You remember when...."

"...those Sigma Xi pledges went over to the ADPi house and invited you to our crush party at the beginning of the semester? Well I had asked them to do that as a favor to me, because I was too nervous to ask you myself." Spencer said.

"That was you? I figured they were inviting me for David Williams. He was flirting with me hardcore at ya'lls bid day." Cassie tried not to look shocked but she couldn't believe he was intimidated by her.

"Well I don't blame him for flirting with you Cass. You're not exactly lacking in the looks department you know." Spencer glanced over at Cassie who was starting to blush.

Spencer pulled up in front of the ADPi house and turned off the engine.

"So Cassie, would it be alright if I called you sometime?"

"Sure Spencer, ..."

"...but I think I'd rather you call me Cassie." She smiled, gathered her books together, and said, "Should I write my number on your hand or on your heart?"

Spencer laughed and said, "Times I wish I had a little black book! Here, use my notebook." Cassie wrote her number on the cover of his notebook, along with "Call me!" As she did this, Spencer jumped out of the Jeep, and ran around to open the door for her. He helped Cassie out, then quickly kissed her on the top of blonde curls. "Talk to you soon!" Within seconds, he was back in the Jeep, and headed down the street.

Cassie stood in front of the ADPi house, thinking...

"...Was he joking about that "little black book" comment?"

As she started to head toward the front door, Melanie caught up with her. "So, how did lunch go with the parents and this Spencer???"

"Oh, you know how it is when parents think it's so cute to embarrass you in front of your friends," Cassie laughed it off. "It was a nice lunch, but unfortunately Graham was there as well."

Melanie groaned. "That creep? I hope you stepped on his foot....discretely, of course."

Cassie grinned. "Mel, only you would remind me to always be an ADPi lady! C'mon, let's go get started on those posters for philanthropy day!"

Arm in arm, the two sisters walked through the front door and were greeted by.....

Hailey, the Philanthropy Chair.

"Hey, how are you girls doing this afternoon?" Haily gave them a hug, and said "Cassie, was that Spencer I saw drop you off?"

"Yes, it was. He ended up having lunch with me and my parents this afternoon."

"He is so sweet! I knew him from our high school back home..what a great guy! Smart, athletic, and very caring about family and children. So..did he ask you out?"

"Not officially...he's going to give me a call soon."

"Really, wow. I knew he wanted you to come to the Sigma Xi Crush party. You know...their Rose Ball is coming up before Winter Holidays..." Hailey said with a grin.

"What's Rose Ball?" Cassie questioned.

"Only the most romantic fraternity formal at GSTU!" Hailey exclaimed. "From the first year that they've held Rose Ball, one of the brothers has wound up proposing to their girlfriend at the event. After the proposal occurs, the brothers wind up serenading the new fiancee. My diamond sister went with one of her best guy friends last year, so she told me all about it."

Cassie started musing....she thought to herself, "Would Spencer ask me out for the first time to go to his fraternity formal??? Maybe Hailey's just being overly optimistic."

"C'mon, gals, let's get these posters done!" Cassie suggested.

The three women had a great time designing the posters for the rest of the afternoon. Once they completed their task, they went upstairs to change for dinner. As Cassie was pulling on her skirt, the phone began to ring.....

Cassie let it ring for another ring, then picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Could I speak to Cassie, please?"

"This is Cassie."

"Hi Cassie, it's Spencer."

"Hey! How are you? I had a great time at lunch today."

"Yeah, me too. It was so cool that your dad was a Sigma Xi also. I wanted to ask you something earlier, but I didn't have my calendar in front of me. Listen, I wanted to ask you something. Our fraternity is having an event coming up soon."

Cassie almost stopped breathing.

"Every year right before the holidays, our fraternity throws a Christmas party for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. This year, the brothers wanted to find some ladies on campus to help out as "Santa's helpers" as we serve up the goodies and hand out presents. We usually do this the first weekend of December. Do you think you would want to help?"

A moment of silence took over the conversation and Cassie struggle to keep herself from falling on the floor. Would she come? Who was he kidding? How could she not come?

With the greatest of composure, she replied, "I'll have to check my planner, but I don't forsee a problem. I'll let you know by the end of the week.

Was there anything else??" she pleaded.

"Oh, I guess I should tell you that I have ulterior motives," Spencer added, "I think you'd make an adorable elf."

ELF?!?!?! Cassie thought. "Well, Spencer, maybe I should start making a costume," she said, trying to keep the acid out of her voice.

"No, no! Each of the brothers is giving his favorite 'elf' her own t-shirt for the event!" Spencer paused, "I'd tell you that it came with mistletoe, but maybe we can talk about that Saturday night?"

"Saturday night?" Cassie echoed.

"Yeah, our house is hosting a small party, and I was wondering if you would like to come?" Spencer asked, sounding a little nervous.

"That sounds like fun. What should I be expecting of this "small party"?"

"Ummm...it's going to be a dressy casual event. We wanted to have the opportunity to get to know some of the ladies on campus in a more formal setting. The crush parties are a lot of fun, but they don't really give us a chance to get to know the women. Too much noise, not enough quality conversation. Would you like to come? Ahhh..." Spencer coughed lightly. " I would really really like for you to be there. Please consider it."

"Spencer, I would love to be there. Thank you so much for inviting me. What time should I arrive at the house?"

"The event will start at 7:00 p.m. I'll come by to pick you up at the house at 6:30."

As Cassie hung up, Hailey asked her "Well, what's the news?"

"Spencer invited me to a dinner/party that the Sigma Xis are having on Saturday night. He also asked me if I wanted to help out with one of their philanthropy events as well."

"Wow..looks like things are getting interesting. Are you excited?" smiled Hailey.

"Yes, but nervous also. It's kind of a dressy casual event, so I need to figure out what to wear. Any advice?"

"Hmm...let me think. Hey, wait a sec. You mean this event is Saturday night? Cassie, THAT'S TOMORROW NIGHT!!!" realized Hailey as she looked quickly at the lion calendar hanging on the wall.

"Oh my gosh. I'll have to get a manicure and a pedicure, and figure out what to wear. Dressy casual...hmmm, I could wear my pantsuit with the cream and beige trim."

"No, I think this needs to be something else. " Hailey stepped out into the hall and called " Susan, Carly, can you guys come up here?" Susan was Cassie's Diamond sister and Carly was the sister who had represented Alpha Delta Pi on the Homecoming Court.

"What's up?" asked the girls as they walked into the room.

"Spencer invited her over to the Sigma Xi house for a dinner and party tomorrow night. "

"Cassie, that is so great!" exclaimed Susan. "What are you going to wear?"

"Well, I was thinking of my cream and beige suit.."

"Um..no, for a party/dinner, I think you need to wear a dress. " Susan yanked open the closet door, and surveyed the clothes. "Hmm..nice two piece suit, but too formal. Strapless black sundress..no, too casual. Carly, what do you think?"

"Well, I think I need to do her nails while we try to figure out what to wear. I'll be right back." Carly ran down to her room and grabbed her manicure and pedicure kits. "Hmm..you know what would look nice on her?"

"What?"

"How about that dress she wore to Pref?"

"Ooohhh...yes, why didn't I think of that? That would be perfect" exclaimed Hailey. She slid hangers around and pulled out a black dress with a subtle white floral print. "Cassie, this is what you need to wear. It's perfect!"

"And wear some black shoes with it."
"Hey Cassie, I've got some black pearl earrings and a black pearl necklace that would look great with it" chimed in Carly.

The ladies stayed up until midnight experimenting with Cassie's hair and perfecting her nails. Cassie could hardly sleep she was so excited.

The hours seemed to drag, yet fly all day Saturday. Cassie worked on more posters with her sisters to help her forget her slight bit of nervousness, then went upstairs to her room to get ready at 4:30. After taking a nice long bath scented with roses to relax her, she fixed her makeup and hair. She twisted her long hair into a chignon, giving it a simple but elegant look. As she was putting her dress on, Carly stepped into the room. " Here, let me zip that. You look great!" She handed Cassie the promised jewelry, then zipped up the back of her dress. Cassie glanced at the clock which read 6:20. "Uh-oh, ten minutes. Can you help me find my purse?" She called out, " Susan, have you seen my Coach bag?"

"She's not here. She said that she had a date tonight with a Lambda Chi Alpha brother. "

"Oh, okay." Cassie was so disappointed that her big wasn't there. She looked up in the closet, saw a monogrammed black bag, and decided to use that. Just as she moved her makeup bag and other essentials into her bag, the doorbell rung downstairs. She quickly spritzed on some perfume. "Where are you going? You look nice too, " as Carly headed out the door.

"I've got a date with Brian. I'll catch up with you tonight when you get back. Have a great time, and don't forget to be yourself!" Carly headed out the door smiling back at the pretty young woman.

"Cassie", called "Mama Ellie", the house mother. "You have a young gentleman here to pick you up."

"Thank you, Mama Ellie, I'll be right down." Cassie nervously glanced in the mirror, doublechecking everything. As she headed down the stairs, she saw Spencer waiting at the bottom. He looked drop dead gorgeous in his navy blazer and khaki pants. Underneath his jacket was a crisp white shirt, navy tie, and a tie bar that Cassie recognized as one similar to her dad's...the Sigma Xi crest. "Good evening, Spencer, " she smiled as she stepped off the last step.

" Good evening...wow..you look even prettier than you did yesterday!"

"Thank you" she said quietly, but secretly delighted that he had noticed. He took her arm, opened the door, and started to escort her out. "Oh..forgot something. Mama Ellie, these are for you." He handed the house mother a small bunch of white roses. " We thought you would like to have some of these."

"Why, thank you young man. " said a tickled Mama Ellie. "I'll go put them in the vase right now. " You young folks have a nice time tonight."

"Yes, ma'am" they both chorused as the walked down the door. Spencer helped her into the car, and as they rode over they talked of different things. Cassie asked Spencer about his times on campus, and he questioned her about her activities in high school and her involvement with ADPi so far. As they approached the Sigma Xi house, Cassie grew slightly more nervous. She took a calming breath, then relaxed, preparing to have a good time. Spencer helped her step out of the car, then led her to the house. Instead of taking her to the front door, he led her around the back.

"We're having the dinner and party out in the back where our patio is in the courtyard is located" murmured Spencer as he lightly held Cassie's elbow as he escorted her down the sidewalk. Cassie could smell some wonderful scents coming from the side of the house as she strolled with Spencer. She noticed some beautiful rose bushes climbing along the wall, realizing that these were the same type that Spencer had given to Mama Ellie.
As they entered the courtyard, Cassie looked and saw several of the Sigma Xi brothers dressed as nicely as Spencer. They were mingling with other young ladies who looked beautiful in their dresses. Without warning, the ladies stepped back, and the newest brothers of Sigma Xi formed a half circle in the courtyard.
Cassie looked around, confused, then heard the brothers start a song.

"We honor the beauty in this world
that comes from within,
like the glow of a pearl.
She's kind and sweet,
has grace and charm,
always a lady and ne'er would harm.
She's like our flower,
the best in our world.
This lovely White Rose,
Our Sigma Xi girl."

Cassie realized, all of a sudden, that the men were singing to her! There was Mark, who was in her College Algebra class. And over there were James and Tom, who had invited her to the crush party earlier that semester. On the end of the circle was Alex, who had graduated high school with her! As she glanced out across the yard, she saw the brothers smiling at her, and beyond them, the girls in their dresses smiling as well.

Spencer stepped up to her and Mark joined him. "Cassie, on behalf of the New Member Class of 2004-2005, we ask you to be our White Rose, an honor given to one lady on campus every fall, " said Mark. Spencer looked down at her, and asked the following question.

" We, as brothers of Sigma Xi, offer you this privilege as our way of recognizing the qualities we believe to be highest in womanhood, and have selected you to join the other White Roses. Do you accept this honor of joining the White Roses?"

Cassie, stunned, couldn't breathe. As she looked around, suddenly she saw Carly and Susan and Hailey standing behind the men. She looked quickly and noticed some other girls that she knew from classes and remembered from some of the other houses. Susan smiled at her, and nodded her head. Cassie realized, all of a sudden, that all of the ladie present were wearing a necklace with a white rose pendant.

"Dearest brothers of Sigma Xi, I feel privileged to be chosen for such an honor. Thank you very much for choosing me" said Cassie, her face glowing with pride.

Spencer kissed her on the cheeck and said, "No, thank you."

As Cassie flashed him a smile, Susan, Carly, and Hailey walked up.

"I'll let you girls talk a second; Cassie wold you like something to drink?" "Yes, please." And Spencer left the girls alone while he went to get the drinks.

"Oh, my God, why didn't ya'll tell me ya'll were going to be here too. So ya'll knew all long what was going on?" Cassie whispered.
"Cass, would you have really wanted us to ruin this for you. Come on wasn't it a great surprise. Besides we weren't sure what the agenda was for tonight. We had our suspisions, but we weren't positive." Susan explained.

"Here you go, Cassie" Spencer handed her a glass of sparkling grape juice as Susan, Hailey, and Carly's dates handed them a glass of champagne. "Sorry Cass, but you get the fake stuff; you know the rules." Yea, no big deal."

"To the four most beautiful roses, and the best women on this campus!!" Spencer and his brothers toasted the girls.

Just then a photograher walked up, "Smile!" he said.