Becoming Delta Darlings… and a Warning
The boys then learned more about the Alexionian Society they had just joined. They were told it was also occasionally referred to as “The Society of the Alexiones.” They soon realized they were far from the first college boys to become reluctant Little Sisters. Almost all the “Alexiones” before them had been “drafted” in one way or another. In addition to being knowledge experts on Gamma Delta, their new role was to be “helpers” for the Sisterhood in a variety of ways. It seemed their central role was to provide cheerful, diligent service supporting the ideals of Gamma Delta.
Madison explained that their service could encompass a wide range of activities—academic work, errands, charity work, occasional chores and even… entertainment. When she mentioned that last one, her lips curled in an almost devious way. The boys squirmed, worried about what was to come and acutely aware of their feminine skirts and blouses.
Madison continued, “You’ll be expected to embody service with grace, and of course, you won’t be joining any of the fraternities.” The boys were somewhat dismayed to learn that. Madison added succinctly, “You’re on a different path now, and anyway you won’t have the time.” Although Julian had no plans to join a fraternity, the other three had harbored various levels of interest. They felt a small pang of loss to have those aspirations squashed so dismissively and decisively.
As Madison outlined their new roles, the boys shifted uncomfortably in their seats, feeling the soft fabrics slide against their skin as constant reminders of how their world had changed. They discovered that the oath they took was formally called the “The Alexion’s Pledge.” Apparently each of them was now officially an “Alexion,” together they were “Alexiones,” and they had joined the “Alexionian Society” It was a lot to keep straight. They also learned about other informal nicknames used to describe boys in their current situation.
“‘Alexiones,’ and ‘the Alexionian Society’ are such mouthfuls though, and the ‘Society of the Alexiones’ is almost a meal by itself,” Tara said with a wry smile. She explained, “We don’t use those terms much in everyday conversation… mostly just for ceremonies.” She told them the Sisters also needed a simple way to differentiate them from the “real” Little Sisters who were pledging Gamma Delta and would eventually become full Sisters. With a playful twinkle in her eye, Tara continued, “So you four are our newest ‘Delta Darlings!’”
“‘Delta Darlings’…?” Nate asked hesitantly as the cutesy term seemed to almost stick in his throat. It even felt embarrassing to say it as he tentatively tried out the overly sissyish term.
Tara smiled and said with a wink, “That’s right. You’re a ‘Delta Darling’ now… Darling!” Several stifled giggles were audible at Tara’s teasing wordplay. The boys shifted uncomfortably, their faces growing even redder. It was clear that Tara and the other Sisters were genuinely delighted to see the boys put in their new, distinctly subordinate roles.
Tara went on, “There’s some interesting history to it. Back in the early days, they initially used the term ‘Little Darlings’ for boys like you. Over time, that kind of morphed into ‘Delta Darlings,’ and ‘Little Darlings’ was used less. I think the idea was to put more of a ‘Delta’ stamp on you,” she added brightly. A few more nicknames came and went over the years like ‘Delta Dolls’ and ‘Little Gammas.’ There was a time in the 70s they used ‘Petal Boys’ occasionally, but that was just a short fad. We mostly use ‘Delta Darlings’ today, but you’ll still hear ‘Darlings’ for short.”
Wearing a nervous frown, Owen began to speak with a trace of whiny protest in his voice, “But, do we really have to—?”
“Yes,” Brianna interrupted and cut him off, “Yes, you do.” Then she added, “It’s OK to ask questions, sweetheart, but you lose a point for that tone.” It was an obvious warning shot… for all of them.
The boys’ cheeks all flushed, clearly unsettled by the swift response to this very mild hint of resistance. The lesson was clear. They also collectively cringed at the girlish nickname now attached to them. It was troubling to realize there seemed to be a whole structure and plan reserved for boys in their predicament. It became obvious this was more than some random sorority lark. The recognition made them worry even more.
Tara then continued as if nothing had happened and directed their attention back to their booklets. She pointed out a timeline of key events. “We cherish our rich history,” she started, “Gamma Delta was founded in 1928 by six independent women who wanted to create a supportive space for female students at this university. You’ll need to know each founder’s full name and explain her contributions to our legacy. You can find all their portraits in the hallway, and I highly encourage you to study their biographies thoroughly.”
Turning the page in his handout, Milo noticed a chart listing all the chapter presidents since the founding.
Tara continued, “You’ll also need to memorize all the chapter presidents in order and the years they served, and of course you’ll be responsible for knowing all our current officers.” She gestured at a photo collage on the lounge wall showing the current board members, encouraging each boy to match faces to names. Their hearts began to sink as they realized just how many names and dates they’d be expected to rattle off on demand.
“The alumna section is also very important,” Elise added, flipping to a list of notable graduates and their accomplishments, “Details matter! During our Thursday study halls we’ll be doing ‘Alumna Spotlights,’ so each week, you will one choose one distinguished graduate you admire and make a short presentation describing her contributions, achievements and why you chose her.” She grinned, “You have so many to choose from!”
Madison added, “And don’t overlook the appendix. That’s where you’ll find important things like our code of conduct, tips on dressing for success and a list of our recent philanthropic projects. There’s also a helpful section on etiquette tips at chapter events such as how to greet visiting alumnae, the correct way to introduce yourself and how to write thank-you notes.”
Then, it got worse. With an almost nonchalant air, she said, “The study guides are obviously just to get you started.” She gestured to a large bookcase in the corner filled with thick, leather-bound volumes, “Over there are our annual histories… one volume for every year. Of course, you’ll need to become familiar with how it’s all organized so you can quickly find anything you need, but you should start with the basics in the handouts.”
As the Big Sisters made their expectations crystal clear, the boys’ discomfort grew. The sheer volume of information—names, dates, songs, symbols—loomed like an avalanche. Sitting there meekly in their adorable matching skirts and blouses, they realized how hopelessly screwed they were.
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Topic: The Little Sisters of Gamma Delta (Read 6684 times)
