“So what is this ‘super-duper-extra-special-surprise-that-everyone-is-going-to-love’ you got for us to help us stand out against the others during the fundraiser carnival, Happy?”
“I’m glad you asked, my dearest friend.”
College student Hayley “Happy” Happleton was the leader and founder of the ΦΥΚ-sorority. The sorority wasn't the most popular on campus, far from it actually, though Happy didn't mind that too much. (Phoebe once posited the name might be a reason, though she refused to elaborate why.) Its members looked like a weird mix-and-match of rejects from other sororities… because they were. Happy welcomed anyone interested with open arms. The only things you needed to know about her were that she genuinely enjoyed making others happy (ironically this was not the reason for her nickname) and that she was a bit too gullible when it came to scammers of the snake oil variety.
She gripped the edges of the drape she used to hide her surprise. “Prepare to be amazed!” It was pulled away to reveal a crystal ball. The opaque glass orb was set in a wooden base with an old plaque in front and a slot for coins in the back.
Happy’s longtime friend, ΦΥΚ’s vice leader and semi-professional straight woman Phoebe pinched the bridge of her nose, careful not to touch the lenses of her glasses. She knew she shouldn't have let Happy go alone, but even she wasn't always immune to Happy’s puppy dog stare. “You wasted our budget for the fundraiser on this piece of–” Phoebe took a deep breath. “You know what, let's give this thing a chance. What is it that this crystal ball is supposed to be doing? Tell someone’s future, I presume?”
“Even better. It’ll show you your true self, if you throw in money and look into it, and help you ‘become’ it.” Happy wiggled her hands for added effect. “Not sure yet how it’s meant to accomplish the latter though. I assume it’ll print self-improvement help cards from a hidden slit.”
“You do remember we do need the money, yeah? This place is going to collapse the next time it so much as drizzles. Happy, I’m your friend, but do you think this will help the fundraiser and keep us afloat?”
“Of course it’ll do! When have I ever steered us wrong?”
Phoebe stayed silent.
“Okay, okay, maybe a demonstration will convince you.” She turned to the other sorority members, who had elected to stay out of the discussion so far. “Who wants to throw in a coin and give it a try?”