The Way We Roll by Stephanie Perry Moore Page A

you’re mean as a snake and can read right through people, so I appreciate your candor. Hopefullyyou appreciate mine.”
    â€œI’m not mean, am I,” I said, looking at Torian and Loni as the two of them just laughed.
    â€œI know my line sisters are a little ticked that you guys didn’t go through none of the stuff we went through. A little bit of brutality, a little bit of emotional distress—”
    â€œYou asked for that by showing up for underground stuff, right?” I cut in.
    â€œNo, no. I’m just saying that’s why they’re upset. But I’m not upset. I’m honored to have the National President’sdaughter on my line. So while a lot of people plan not to associate themselves with you, I can give you some inside information in return for a little bit of special privilege.”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” I asked as she rambled.
    â€œWord is your mama is here for this ceremony. I want to meet her.” Tammie pointed to her crew. “All them will be there hoping she talks to them, but you can introduce me.”
    â€œShe’ll do it,” Torian insisted.
    Tammie leaned in and said, “Smart move. The inside information I’ll bring to you three will eventually help win them over.”
    The ceremony was about to begin. I was at the back of the line, being the tallest. Loni and Torian were next to each other in the middle, which was great. I didn’t care that no one talked to me, but the two of them would need each other to get through all the tension. As soon as we were ushered into the building, my mother was on the stage conducting the ceremony, as she was the highest-ranking Beta in the place. The passion glistening in her eye capturedmy heart. I never saw her smile brighter.
    When we entered the dark room, I felt like I was in a church sanctuary. The candles were glowing all over—there had to be over one hundred. We were walking on a white silk aisle that had lily petals scattered throughout. It was a breath of fresh air.
    â€œThese strong black women are proud in their own right, ready to make a difference. I am humble that you stand ready to replace the I in your life—the self-centered part of you—with Pi, a piece of our grand sorority. That you may embrace the sisterhood no matter how difficult it may be. The love for your Pi sisters will always be real, will always be deep, will always be pure. Please take the washcloth, place it in the basin, and cleanse your face clean. May that be the symbol of the first big step you will take toward our sisterhood.”
    Together we recited, “We are stronger when our bond is genuine.” Though I said the words, I had no idea if that would ring true in my heart.
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    After the ceremony, everyone in the place gathered around my mother. You would have thought she was famous or something. I mean, she wasn’t the pope or the President of the United States, but they were certainly treating her like royalty. For goodness sake, she was just my mom, but I had to remember that to them she was their leader. She certainly was a true picture of grace and dignity. A part of me really appreciated all that she was as I watched her sincerely give every person time. This was more than just some job to her. This was her duty, her calling, her core.
    â€œOkay, so you can introduce me anytime,” this little annoying voice said from behind.
    I didn’t have to turn to see that it was Tammie with an I-E. I walked right over to my mom, and she acknowledgedme right off. I didn’t have to wait or anything. I actuallyfelt special.
    â€œMom, this is Tammie.”
    â€œOne of your line sisters, wonderful,” my mom said as she gave the short, self-assured girl a quick hug. “Tammie, I know it’s been a little bumpy having three more people added to the line, but embrace all the passengers, because the airplane is in the air now. I know you all will soar to