His Queen

A Chapter Ends

It was over, Cleo was graduating today with Hailey. Dressed in dark blue robes, both were the only ones without family. Besides each other. Throwing their caps up, their classmates ran around hugging and lying about staying in touch.  

But both looked and saw no one they wanted to say goodbye to. Instead, they hugged each other and started to find their way out. Only for Hailey to gasp as she looked and saw people had shown up for them.  

Smiling, Tyrone stood with Sean both cheering and smiling at them. Tons of eyes were watching Tyrone,  his name was one thing for men.  And his looks were another for women.  

But Cleo didn’t care as she took off and the moment she leaped; he was holding her tight. “Baby! You came!” Tyrone kissed her lovingly, “You thought I’d miss you graduating? Never.” Giving her flowers, Cleo was so happy she could burst.  

She knew she had four more years of college, so it’s not like she was giving up on school. But the next two months and a half meant one thing for her.  

More quality time with Tyrone. And she was so excited for couch days and late date nights.  

Kissing him in thanks, Cleo looked to see Hailey so blushy as Sean gave her roses. Kissing her cheek gently, he asked, “Can we take you, beautiful ladies, to dinner?” Cleo grinned as she looked at Hailey teasingly, “Well with such a sweet invite how could we say no?”  

Tyrone kissed Cleo’s palm gently, “We’ll go and try to get out of the parking lot. Meet us in the front?” Agreeing, Cleo and Hailey watched them go before giggling happily. Taking selfies showing off their diplomas, both were walking out front when someone stopped him.  

“Hey!” Turning, Cleo and Hailey looked at Jordan who stood with a pseudo friend Hailey used to hang with. “Hey,” Jordan said again smiling awkwardly. “Ugh, we’re going to go and get some dinner,” The girl Cleo didn’t know was saying, “you two can come if you want.” Hailey looked at Prima and Jordan confused. But Prima was shyly avoiding Hailey’s eyes and Jordan’s attention was solely on Cleo.  

More confused at the invite, Cleo politely told them, “Oh thanks, but we have plans. Thank you though.”  

Prima nodded not even pushing the issue and stalked off like talking to either of them was too much. Cleo was sure this weirdness would be over, and they could go. But Jordan tried to edge closer to her as he shot Hailey a weird look, “Um can we talk for a minute-?”  

Suddenly they all heard a honk and Tyrone pulled up front with Sean. Smiling happily, Hailey looked at Cleo as she grabbed her hand, “Sorry Jordan,” Cleo told him sweetly, “But my boyfriend is waiting. But you enjoy your summer, good luck at Auburn.”  

Jordan watched her go in the afternoon sun, laughing with Hailey. As they jumped in the truck, he recognized was the one dropping Cleo off at school. But seeing both getting inside and the two men waiting for them, Jordan saw it.  

The one he stupidly fumbled, and the one he had regrettably never tried to get to know for the real her. Watching what his ego and own selfishness cost him to lose, Jordan watched the truck disappear from view. And Tyrone noticed the young boy gawking and asked grumbling, “Who was that?”  

Hailey and Cleo looked at each other through the rearview, “No one important.” Cleo said, and Hailey giggled as Sean pulled her into his arms. “Good.”