Page 7 of The Friend Zone

Unfortunately life, my life in particular, doesn’t work that way.

My Advanced Organic Chem professor only allows one absence during the entire year. Miss two classes, and she won’t allow you to sit the final exam. No exceptions. So I had no choice but to brave the outside world. I would rather keep that absence as a “get out of jail card” in case I’m sick or an asteroid hits Star Cove or something equally catastrophic.

If I’m going to class, there’s no apparent good reason to cancel my meeting with Dean Williams to make plans for rebuilding the Zeta House.

That’s when the second blow hits me with the same force that the wrecking ball hit what was left of the Zeta house.

“Miss Woods,” the Dean invites me to take a seat. “I went ahead and obtained the plans of the original Zeta Theta Beta house from the relevant office. This should save you a trip and a lengthy wait.”

I smile gratefully as he opens the scroll with all the house and floor plans. “Thank you, Dean Williams.”

He doesn’t return my smile and unrolls a second set of paperwork on his desk. “Since the house was built in the 80s, the laws in California and the building regulations pertaining to this specific campus have changed. I took the liberty to obtain revised building specs that are up to date with said laws and regulations.”

I lean in to look at the new blueprint, another thank you on the tip of my tongue. “There are a few differences,” I notice.

The Dean nods. “I’m aware of that, Miss Woods. It’s mostly the building materials and a few key adjustments to the energy system. All new buildings have to adhere to a new code that putsenergy efficiency and low emissions to the forefront of modern housing.”

I don’t argue with that, but I wasn’t born yesterday. “I understand that. However, that comes with a much higher cost. Are there any grants at the federal level or even offered by the school? Like for solar panels and so on?”

The Dean finally smiles.

It could be just my vivid imagination, but he looks like he’s gloating about the difficulties the new building specs will cause.

“I’m afraid you’re a couple of years late for all the main grants of that kind. The government at every level and our school offered very generous grants to build with new, energy efficient materials and specs. That was when the new laws came into effect. I’m afraid that past the first push, funds have dried up. Every building on campus has to be insured, won’t that cover the lion share of the rebuilding costs?”

There’s something strange in his tone. It’s as if the Dean knew that the insurance is dragging their feet on our claim.

“There’s been a small delay…” I explain about the investigation. “But even with the insurance payment, I think these new specs will blow our budget out of the water.”

The Dean’s smile widens. “I guess there’s a lesson to be learned in this situation, Miss Woods. Next time, try not to set your sorority house on fire. Not a great legacy to conclude your college career, if you ask me.”

I knew it.

He’s definitely gloating. I have to wonder if he encouraged his daughter to try to have me deposed and take my presidency.

“If there are no available grants,” I sigh. “I guess maybe a sponsor could help us bridge the gap in our budget and maybe give us a head start while we wait for the check from the insurance.”

Dean Williams nods. “That’s a great idea. And I would start looking for a sponsor sooner rather than later. You’re on quite a tight deadline here.”

What is he talking about?

“I appreciate your input, sir,” I placate him. “I would like nothing but to leave the keys to the new house to the next generation of Zetas on graduation day. But unless we can find a great sponsor and the insurance pays up, my hopes to rebuild by the end of this academic year might be unrealistic.”

His smile turns into a cruel smirk that confirms my hunch that our school administrator doesn’t like me. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to make that deadline or your legacy will be much worse than just that unfortunate fire. I’m sure you don’t want to be remembered as the president that caused the dissolution of the Zeta Theta Beta Star Cove chapter.”

I blink in rapid succession, as if refocusing my gaze could change the smug smile in Dean Williams’s face.

“Dissolution? What do you mean by that?” I ask, confused.

“I see you weren’t aware of the bylaw thirty-seven B comma five of our statute regarding Greek chapters on campus. A sorority or fraternity are allowed to have a chapter at Star Cove College as long as they have a suitable house on campus. Said house has to offer accommodation to at least two thirds of the chapter members. If for some unforeseen reason or an act of nature, an existing house is condemned, the sorority or fraternity will have a maximum of twelve months to rebuild. The new building of course will have to be compliant with…”

I stop listening.

This is the last thing we needed. Twelve months? It has been already over six weeks since the fire. And with the insurance delay and the new specs, there’s no way we’ll be able to rebuild in time to make that preposterous deadline.

I feel numb. It’s almost like an out of body experience. As if I could see myself sitting across from the Dean in his spacious, tastefully furnished office. On the outside, I look as if I’m actively participating in the conversation but in reality? I have no idea what else our school administrator is saying.

All I can think about is that maybe Bianca is right that I don’t deserve to be president.

---