Unconditional Validation

Chapter 9

Tyler.

The sun was shining through my window, but I laid there in my bed, not wanting to get out of it at all. Last night's events were still haunting me. I didn't want to go anywhere, but I had to because of what I have going on today. My new collection's release party was happening today. It was a Fall collection based on the season's flora and fauna. I had worked really hard on it this past summer, but I didn't care if I showed up or not. Everything felt like my world was going to fall apart because of that damn bitch of a guy named Killian West! I sat up with tear stains on my face when I heard a knock on my bedroom door.

"Come in!" I mumbled softly.

The door opened and it was Skyler, she was holding my bag in her hands. When she saw the state I was in, she gasped, dropped my bag on my desk, and ran over to my side.

"Hey, are you okay?" Skyler asked me softly and started to move my hair from my face.

I was silent at first, trying to figure out what to say.

"I..I don't know", I replied softly while my lips were quivering. I was trying to hold back tears again.

"Look, we'll be okay for now because we don't have to see anyone from school today, okay?" Skyler looked at me with soft eyes. I knew she was feeling bad for me.

"I don't want to go anywhere", I protested while tears were coming down my face.

"We have to do this, mom and dad don't know what happened last night. Plus, after the conversation yesterday it's best they don't find out, right?" Skyler reminded me softly.

I hate to admit it but she was right. Our parents told us that we would go back to our old life immediately if we had ruined our reputations in any way, shape, or form. I couldn't go back to that especially when I have finally formed some new memorable friendships. After what Skyler had told me, I decided that I definitely needed to go to my collection release like nothing had happened last night.

"Okay, I'll go to my thing today", I finally caved into the decision.

"Good, also, mom and dad are waiting for you downstairs", Skyler smirked.

"Oh crap! I'm gonna get ready right now!" I quickly jumped out of my bed.

"I'm coming with you guys as well. Do you want me to see if America and Meghan would want to tag along?" Skyler smiled softly.

"Yes, I'd love that." I smiled back at my sister.

"Okay, let me text them right now", Skyler said while swiftly whipping out her phone from her pocket. I don't know how it didn't fly out of her hand at that kind of speed.

"Can you do that downstairs?" I asked her, smiling while my voice had a hint of childish annoyance.

"Wait, why?" Skyler asked me confused and looked up from her phone.

"Because I have to get ready!" I exclaimed.

"Ohhhh, yeah, sorry. I'll go then", Skyler laughed sheepishly.

"It's okay", I laughed with her.

Skyler finally left my room so I could actually get ready for this event. I showered and did my skincare routine as quickly as possible, so my parents didn't have to wait for me forever. It took forever for me to find my usual suit and tie that I wear for every event for my clothing brand. I put my shoes on quickly after getting dressed, and then sprayed myself with some of my perfume. The smell of it was very fruity, like a lavender and watermelon scent. Grabbing my bag and phone, I ran downstairs as fast as I could because I knew I was going to get a short lecture about being punctual. When I had reached the bottom of the stairs, I saw my family members who were going to this event with me all sitting in the front room.