|
VII. Sex Shower Sleep Sports
So several days had past since I received my bid letter. I was excited, but mostly anxious. Is the hazing going to start now? When is the humiliation going to start? When do I experience all those horror stories? Again, I kind of expected all that from my high school days.
The bid letter was pretty clear. Shirt and tie,Thursday 7:00 pm, be on the Chapter House Porch.
So I started my walk to the chapter house, butterflies in my stomach. Maybe they'll egg me when I get there or pour mustard and ketchup on me. Maybe they'll go straight for the paddles. Am I really going to wear a diaper and say "Thank you sir, may I have another" like in animal house? Damn, I wore one of my favorite ties and shirts!
So there I was. 6:50 on the porch. No lights on. Windows covered in newspaper. Only the street light and the occasional passing car to provide any light. We sat there, in silence, not knowing what was next. A cold chill blew onto us. Leafs rustled on the concrete and grass. The old 1950's stolen dorm furniture set on the porch didn't provide much comfort.
The only sound I heard from the house was: "God damnit, where is everyone, we're going to be late!"
Little did I know that was normal for EVERY event at Gamma Zeta! LOL! If you wanted an event for 8:00, better tell people to be there at 7:00.
Every now and then a brother would come out, make sure we were alright, see if we had any questions, tell us they were almost ready, etc. Finally at 8:45 a brother emerged from the house. I knew who he was, and he introduced himself as our new pledge coordinator, it was the first time I ever saw him in a tie.
We were taken into the house, all lights were off except a few candles to provide the most minimum light. All doors were closed and some rooms were blocked off. The stair lights remained on. We were taken to a third floor room so we didn't get sick outside and so we didn't get too afraid we would run away. They were trying to create a very important, respectful, very solemn atmosphere.
We never were known for our ability to keep on time. I could hear stuff like: "Why didn't you eat earlier!" and "Where are the matches" and "Put on a fucking tie dipshit, it's almost time!" and "Where the hell is Mike?!" despite their best attempts to keep the atmosphere and quietness.
9:00 Our pledge coordinator finally came into the room to see us. He calmly explained to us that we will soon be coming downstairs. He told us that it was a very solemn and important ceremony and he said he expected us to all respect it and behave properly. Anything less would be considered disrespectful and would seriously offend the brothers.
We agreed.
Now I not only didn't know what to expect, I also was afraid of insulting everyone and screwing up! The time came, we were marched down the narrow stairs...
...and so I was an official Associate Member of Lambda Chi Alpha.
It was interesting to say the least. I have just went through something I totally did not expect. It was amazing to see how everyone came together for something. How everyone was there to support and congratulate us. It was our night. It was just a pin, but somehow it was more than that. It felt like I belonged, that I was, although a very small part, still part of the house.
However I could tell that this night would be the last night of our free ride. The brothers have accepted me until this point. Now I would have to prove I belonged there, I wanted to be there, be part of something. I would have to earn the respect, friendship and brotherhood of every brother in that house, alumni of that chapter, and every Lambda Chi Alpha...ever.
It was explained to me how important that AM/pledge pin was. It was a test. It was a sign of respect to the house, the chapter and the fraternity. It was not something to just go home and throw in the drawer. It was to be displayed proudly, properly and with dignity, always over my heart. I was not to do anything illegal, wrongful, hurtful, embarrasing, or anything else that may devalue that pin with my actions while wearing it.
I was taken aside by a brother who nicely told me about the "4 S's" - Sex, Shower, Sports and Sleep. Those were the only times I should take off my pin. It wasn't an official rule or anything, just a phrase to remind us of how important it was.
That night was amazing. I had a late dinner with some brothers who talked about LXA and what I would be going through, etc. I was taken back to the house and an exchange/mixer was previously planned with three sororities, I was also told to invite all my friends, etc. It was a great time. A great welcoming. A great beginning.
I had now seen the house at it's best. Coming together to welcome the new AM's. Organizing something special, and then welcoming us. (and of course the sorority girls were a nice touch!)
NEXT: An Awakening
|