Chapter Text
I had a perfect life. For the past two years, I’d been living with my beautiful redhead girlfriend and her Nana Rose.
But I knew it was only a matter of time until everything would come crashing down.
Today was an important day for all the seniors at Riverdale High: Graduation Day.
Between finals and college applications, there hadn’t been any room for parties or fun.
However, for me, college wasn't an option at the moment. In 24 hours, I'd be on a plane headed for a place far away, a commitment I'd secretly made.
Twenty-two weeks away from everything and everyone I love.
I wouldn’t be able to spend the summer with Cheryl laying poolside or going on some beautiful trip, taking a vast number of pictures of her.
While Cheryl and our friends are off starting their freshman year of college, I’d be learning a completely different kind of job, a life that would change me entirely.
I didn’t know how to tell Cheryl. Every time I tried, I would chicken out, telling myself I’d tell her when the time was right.
I was furious at myself. Four months, and she still didn’t know about my decision.
Hiding this massive secret from Cheryl was taking a toll on me.
I’d been a little clingy, and I’m sure she’s starting to notice it, amongst other things.
Sneaking out and making trips to the official building without alerting Cheryl was hard. With everything we’ve faced in the past, I know that this is at the top of the list of horrible things that I could’ve done.
Shaking myself from my thoughts, I lifted myself up and crawled over the bed, standing behind Cheryl.
She’d been practicing her valedictorian speech for a month now. She worked hard for this, and I’m so proud of her.
Her soft, golden-brown eyes met mine, a small smile playing on her lips. I was weak in the knees for a girl from whom I was hiding a massive secret. I beamed at her reflection in the mirror.
“Cher, I think you will do great, babe. Your speech is perfect, and I know everyone will love it as much as I do.”
“Thank you, TT, but it has to be perfect.”
“It’s perfect, Cher, stop worrying. You’ve memorized that speech, and if you forget it, just speak from that beautiful heart of yours," I said, kissing along her neck."
“Mh. As much as I would love to continue our endeavors from last night, we have to be ready in 30 minutes, TT.” She said, walking to her closet.
“Ugh! Fine, bombshell, but you'll make up for it tonight,” I said, falling on the bed, pouting.
(24 hours, and the love of my life will hate me. She'll never forgive me.) On the verge of crying, I was taken from my thoughts when Cheryl threw her bra at me and yelled at me to get dressed.
Cheryl's valedictorian speech was beautiful; a few people, including Sweet Pea, were wiping their eyes. I made a mental note to make fun of him later about it.
We cheered for all of our friends when their names were called and as they accepted their diplomas.
Cheryl and I both screamed our heads off when our names were called. We kissed once everyone’s name was called.
Penelope Blossom showed up, much to my dismay. She left soon after without so much as a word. I know that Cheryl was happy when she looked in the audience and saw her. Even though I know Cheryl would never admit it to anyone, I could see it in her eyes.
After taking pictures with everyone, we went back to the house to get ready.
Everyone was planning to go to Veronica's speakeasy to celebrate the night away.
We arrived late, but fashionably.
Cheryl was wearing a red silk, high-split, backless, sexy slip dress that hugged her body in all the right ways.
While I had on a black mesh splicing, long-sleeve, backless dress that left little to the imagination.
Throughout the entire night, I received a few urgent texts, just telling me the final preparations I needed to bring with me and about the process for tomorrow.
Cheryl kept looking at me suspiciously whenever I looked at my phone.
Frustrated and annoyed, she asked who it was, but I couldn't tell her the truth—not here, not now. I told her it was just a few of the Pretty Poisons asking about the next meeting and what they wanted to discuss. Cheryl looked at me skeptically but left it alone and dragged me to the dance floor.
My heart was happy in that moment, holding her, gazing into soft brown eyes. I let my eyes wander around the speakeasy, drinking it all in—happiness, joy, and love.
Having to leave early for the airport, I lied to Cheryl so we could leave. I knew it was wrong, but I just wanted to be alone with her, and it was time for her to know the truth.
When we made it back to the house, I practically ran to the bathroom, almost knocking Cher over in the process.
Cheryl was lying in bed, waiting for me to come out of the bathroom, so we could most likely continue what we had started this morning.
I was dreading the conversation that we were about to have. I don’t know if I should wait until after we make love or before. Who am I kidding, we won’t be having sex after I tell her this?
Looking into the mirror, I tried to shake the feeling of dread, but I couldn’t.
Hearing my phone go off, I looked at the door.
“Babe, your phone is going off.”
“Okay, thanks, babe.”
“Do you want me to text whoever it is back?”
“No, it’s okay, I’ll do it!” I said, looking at myself in the mirror.
Little did I know, Cheryl had picked up my phone and read the text messages.
I opened up the door and saw Cheryl’s body tense up.
“Who is 'SGT D' and why do you have to meet up at the Federal Building tomorrow morning?”She asked, looking up at me.
I was shocked by the turn of events. I wasn’t prepared for her to find out this way.
After not getting an answer, Cheryl got off the bed and stood right in front of me.
My mouth opened like I was about to say something, but I quickly closed it, averting her piercing stare.
“Are you cheating on me?” She said, on the verge of tears.
“Cher, no, baby, I promise!” I said, reaching for Cheryl's hands; tears were already escaping her eyes.
“Then what is this?!” She pulled her hands out of my reach, holding the phone up.
“Did you not just hear me? I said, what is this, Antoinette?!” she snarled, shoving my phone into my chest.
I grimaced at the use of my first name. I knew I had to tell her the truth. Right here, right now.
I took a step back from Cheryl and just looked at her, like I really looked at her. I was looking into those beautiful brown eyes I love so much.
I looked down, my fingers nervously twisting together, the phone now a stark wedge between us on the floor. After taking a deep breath, I looked up and finally let go of the secret I’d been holding onto for four months.
“It's an army recruiter. I joined the army and have to leave for basic training tomorrow.”