Since Andy was always hanging around second years, it was not uncommon for people to assume he was also a second year. Soon he was appointed to organize the cultural week. A responsibility he wasn't sure he could handle.
"I hear they are considering appointing you in-charge of cultural week." Winked Fran, while lifting his eyebrows wickedly.
Andy was not pleased.
"Did you have anything to do with this man, I have no idea what a cultural event entails."
"Nope, I think its Gloria and Esther, who proposed your name," said Fran, churning answers as if he was the cultural week spokesperson.
Andy took off running with Fran hot on his heels, seeming to enjoy his predicament too much.
He ran like a rocket with a laser target, not even noticing the weird glances he was getting from other students who were having lunch since it was very rare to see him for lunch at the cafeteria.
"Ladies, I thought we were friends, why do you hate me so much?"
Esther and Gloria both looked around as if looking for someone, then Gloria tilted her head, "Good afternoon to you too, Andy and Fran," and continued eating "would you boys like to join us for lunch instead of giving us indigestion?"
"Andy, what Gloria is asking in so many words is, what on earth are you talking about?" asked Esther, while supporting her face with her right hand on the table and batting her blue eyes rapidly.
"Ummm... Fran said---"
"We were wondering how you ladies got Andy appointed to organize the cultural week and why." Said Fran smiling.
Andy was amazed at how articulate Fran was at giving alternative information.
Gloria rolled her eyes in wonder and said.
"We thought it would be good for you. Besides Esther and I are good at organizing these kinds of things, but we both know the theologians will only participate if a Theologian is in charge and we didn't like the other candidates."
Andy was appalled. "So you figured I would just be your pawn?"
"Honey, look at it this way, we do all the work and you get all the credit. That's the way its always been through history." Said Esther dramatically.
"First, I am not your honey! And second, don't even think about bringing me into your feminism drama. Undo this, I don't care how."
"Come on Andy, you will not even lift a finger, look at Gloria, she is a walking cultural exhibition, she can do this with her eyes closed." Begged Esther.
Andy could not refute. One of the things that he appreciated about Gloria was the ensemble that she put together every day.
Gloria a student on scholarship from Kenya, her sense of dressing was amazing. She always wore bright African print in the form of headbands, bangles and wraps in the most natural and intriguing ways blending with common clothing. The fact that both Andy and Fran could talk about wraps and headbands was due to Gloria's influence.
"So why not Fran?"Andy wondered, "He has better people skills and enjoys such things, he has clothes from almost all continents and his love for exotic food is legendary."
Both Gloria and Esther looked at Fran confused.
"We asked Fran first and he mentioned that you have been thinking of participating in student activities more." Pointed out Gloria.
Andy just glared at Fran who was busy stuffing bananas and grapes in his mouth. "Whatever! So what do I need to do?"
"Dr. Toussaint is the patron, you have to contact him and agree on the activity schedule which Esther has so graciously sent to your email." Replied Fran in between bites.
"I am sorry. Toussaint the political science teacher? That means I have to go and interact with people from that department. You guys sure hate me."
"Calm down, we are from that alien department too you know, and you are still alive." smirked Esther, "All you have to do is go at 4 pm and let the secretary know that you have an appointment with him."
"Do I have one or you also want to turn me into a liar?"
"Gloria already booked an appointment for you. We could have gone but the patron will only speak to the chief organizer." Explained Esther sympathetically.
Andy looked at his wristwatch it was almost 2 pm. 'I only have about an hour and a half to read the email document and get to the appointment.'
"Okay, see you, traitors." Andy left.
Gloria, Fran and Esther couldn't believe that their plan actually worked. At least there was no need for plan B. Fran just sent Kara a message to inform her that the meeting will be attended by Andy and not Fran as earlier booked.
*****
Andy was 30 munites early. When he reached the reception he was lost for words.
At the reception was a sophisticated looking lady as cute as a button. She looked as if she was in constant shock which was very distracting. She was saying something but all Andy could think of was his racing heart.