Unconditional Validation

Chapter 8

"Hey Tyler!" Justin smiled at me.

"H-Hey Justin, happy birthday!" I sort of stuttered out while trying not to blush. I held up the present for him.

"Awe! Thanks Tyler, and-" Justin started off his gratitude towards us, but was interrupted by Skyler.

"I'm Skyler, one of Tyler's triplet siblings!" she exclaimed with a smile while shaking his hand.

"Nice to meet ya! I love the matching outfits, they look really nice", Justin smiled warmly at us. I had to keep hiding my blush because he just kept being so nice and warm to my heart.

"I-I got you that present, I hope you like it", I smiled while trying not to stutter from blushing so much.

"Why thank you, Tyler. I'll open it later", Justin smiled and winked at me. I blushed immediately, and I think it was noticeable this time.

Justin then told us he'll meet us downstairs with everyone else after getting dressed. We thanked him for inviting us, again, and then Skyler and I left Justin's room for his privacy. I texted the group chat telling America that we were coming back downstairs, and asked where to meet them at. America swiftly responded while I was descending the stairs. She said that they were in the sunroom by the kitchen. I grabbed Skyler's arm, yet again, and we made our way over to our two friends.

"There you guys are!" Meghan shouted over the music, sounding a little tipsy. We sat down by the two of them.

"Is she okay?" I asked America with a bit of concern.

"Yeah, she's fine. Meghan is a bit of a lightweight" America chuckled.

"You can say that again!" Skyler laughed at Meghan's behavior.

"Say, I have an idea", America began to ask us a question.

"Yes? What's the idea?" I asked a bit cautiously.

"We should all do just one shot together! I haven't had my shot yet" America exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"Let's do it! Shots!" Meghan shouted with excitement, a bit of slured words as well.

"Yeah!" Skyler agreed with the two girls, while I hesitantly nodded.

"I'll go get us four a shot of something, but definitely not too strong though", America said while getting up from the bench.

She walked towards the drinks area to grab us the shots. My anxiety was starting to rise because of everything around me. I had to relax, so I didn't trigger an anxiety episode at this party, which was for Justin. America came back to where we were sitting, with four cups in hand each filled with a little bit of something good.

"I'm back!" America shouted with glee in her voice.

"Yes! What's the shot of choice?" Meghan asked with more slurred words.

"It's vodka from Grey Goose!" America smiled at the three of us.

"Oooh fancy" Meghan giggled.

"Ok on the count of three we're gonna cheers and then we'll down the shots okay?" America explained.

"Got it!" Skyler smiled while Meghan and I nodded in agreement.

"One, two, three-", America began with the countdown.

"Cheers!" All four of us exclaimed cheerfully and simultaneously.

While the girls downed their shots, I was still kind of hesitant to do it. After a couple of seconds of debating with myself, I just shrugged and downed my shot of vodka. The taste of it was a bit bitter at first, but then the smooth and creamy aftertaste made it better. Of course, I haven't drank before so I felt a bit tipsy just from that one shot. After throwing away our cups, the four of us decided to go to the dance floor. The song this time was a song from Megan Thee Stallion's recent album. It started and everyone was singing the chorus while dancing. This party felt like it was a fever dream, and I kind of didn't want it to end. I was having so much fun, even dancing with Skyler and the girls. The four of us kept dancing for a while until there was an announcement from Justin's friends. We saw Ryder standing by the kitchen with them! The music was turned down so we could hear Brianna.