Read Work What You Got for Free Online

can’t change the game from the start, but once we’re in it, we can make all the rules.”
    Impressed by his knowledge and philosophy of Greek life, I said, “So, then, are we going to try this dating thing? You’re not goin’ to get intimidated?”
    â€œWe might have to sneak around so I don’t offend your ex, but I’m calling the shots. If you’re in it, I’m in it.”
    He didn’t take his eyes off me as he leaned in and kissed me. It felt good that we agreed to try.
    Â 
    Leaving psychology class the next week, I was having the toughest time catching up to Creed. We said we would play it low so that no one would know we had something going on. We had our discreet ways of walking a couple steps behind one another or walking side by side. We would text each other—at least when we had distance between us—but this day the brother was gone. Of course that baffled me. Where was he off to so fast that he couldn’t even say hello? And why was he sitting in class all day wearing ridiculous shades when it was dreary out? When we got outside of the building, I didn’t even care if anyone was watching me. I sprang toward him and touched his shoulders.
    When he turned around I said, “Okay, so why are you dodging me and why are you in class wearing shades?”
    As he quickly began to turn away, I grabbed the glasses. I needed his attention.
    â€œDon’t do that!” he screamed out.
    It was actually scaring me that he was being so defiant. Even worse, though, I was horrified when I saw the bruise around his eye.
    â€œOkay, so what’s goin’ on? What’s up with that?”
    â€œI gotta go. I can’t talk to you right now. Please just give me the glasses.”
    I stepped back. There should be no marks on anyone’s body because of some pledge bull. I wasn’t having it and if I had to tell my Uncle Wade to get justice, I would.
    I demanded, “No, you’re not getting them until you tell me what’s going on.”
    â€œHayden, I appreciate your concern, but I’m not a lil’ baby, okay. You can keep the shades, do what you gotta do, but I gotta go.”
    â€œNo!” I said grabbing his arm. “Wait, please, I care about you. You know I do, talk to me. Who did this?”
    He saw in my eyes that I knew he received the bruise from pledging. What were we signing up for?
    â€œDon’t look like you don’t understand why I’m enduring all of this. Butch told me he’s got guys everywhere.”
    To heck with Butch. I went over and put my hand on his cheek, trying desperately to reach his eye. Creed jerked his head back.
    â€œI’m a tough boy. I got this, for real.”
    â€œCreed, I’m not saying you don’t, but that’s not what this is supposed to be about. We’re not trying to join an organization whose main purpose is brutality. I’m gonna tell the school’s president. This isn’t some gang initiation here. You’ve got something to offer. I want to be a Beta more than I want all A’s this semester, but I will not let them hit ...”
    Before I could finish my statement, he said, “Hayden, you’ll tell nobody. Plus, you are talking a lil’ too fast, a lil’ too early, a lil’ too soon. You don’t know what you’ll do until you are in that room. All that pressure coming at you from all different sides will have you crazy. Your head is gonna be spinning and your line sisters are gonna be depending on you to stay strong. If you’re not in it, if you’re not ready, if you don’t think you can take a lil’ something, then you better get out from the fire cause they certainly turn the heat up.”
    I just shook my head, unable to digest what he was really telling me. His bruise looked so bad. He needed a steak on it, ice, something. No way could Creed think this was okay at all. But I was going to respect