Part 62

Part 62

First thing in the morning, I got up and checked my phone, nothing from Elijah. I felt because I was the one that screwed up, maybe I should be the one to call him. After I showered and got dressed, I sat at the dining room table to call him. The phone went straight to voicemail, no ring, nothing, leave your message at the beep. Sitting at the table, a calm feeling came across me, I gathered my things, and out the door I went. First stop, motor vehicles. I made sure I had everything I needed to take the test; I also rented one of the vehicles that's at the location, and guess what; I passed! It was like stealing candy from a baby. Next stop, the testing center for my GED. I was still focused and ready; I knew I was going to pass without a problem. I got into the center, I took my seat, and was waiting for the test to start. I pulled out the newest book I was reading by Leo Tolstoy, it was such an interesting read. He has to be one of the greatest Russian authors of all time. I could be wrong, I haven’t read every book from authors from Russia, but he's by far my favorite author. Something told me to look up, when I did I made perfect eye contact with Leo. Immediately I put my nose back into the book, the last thing I wanted to do was to strike up a conversation with him. Hell, deep down inside I pitied him. I felt sorry for him because he had to go through those lengths to hurt me, all the while wanting to keep me. In no time, the test started. Not once did I look his way or think about either him or Elijah, this was for me, for my future. I was the first one done, handed in my test sheet, and was told to sit out in the waiting room for my grade.

Once again, I took a seat and pulled out my book. A few more chapters in and the door to the testing room opened, I never looked up but I did acknowledge that someone else was in the waiting room with me, I just didn’t care enough to see who. Then the door opened again, and again, and again. The last time it opened I heard someone call my name.

“Aaliyah Petty?”

I raised my head, “Yes ma’am.”

“I have your scores if you would like to see them.”

I couldn’t pack up fast enough, I rushed over to her, dropping my bag, tripping over my feet, I just needed to know how high the score was.

“99%, you passed. Congratulations!”

“99%? That has to be wrong, I thank you for the opportunity; but getting a perfect grade is what I studied for. Is there someone that can recheck that?”

“Sure, it’s going to take a more time because we have to put it at the bottom of the pile.”

“That’s fine, I have books to read. There’s no rush.”

I sat back down and waited. I almost finished my book until I heard Leo’s voice.

“My sweet Queen.”

“Leo please, I have nothing to say to you. Let’s not go through this.”

“We don’t need to go through anything, I just wanted to apologize.”

“There’s no need, what’s done is done.”

“Well, not all the time do we get a chance but here’s mind and I would like the opportunity to right my wrong. I won’t go into detail because I don’t want to keep you. I’m so sorry about everything, I held you back, I didn’t treat you like the Queen you are, and I did the worst thing imaginable, used your past against you; to hurt you. So for that and of course other things, I’m sorry. I wish you all the best.” Leo finishes and walks out the door.

About an hour later the woman came back out with my grades and stated that I was correct, I did get 100% on my test. She congratulated me again and told me that I will receive my diploma in three months. I confirmed that she meant to say certificate, she told me that because I scored perfect grade, I would get a High School diploma from the local High School. It took everything in me not to hug this woman, instead I thanked her for her time, and the opportunity. I packed up everything and with my head held high, a big smile on my face, I walked out of the building feeling satisfied.