Unconditional Validation

Chapter 10

Tyler.

Today was the day I dreaded the most. Not just because it was a Monday, but it was the day after Justin's party. I didn't want to see anyone that was there, especially Ryder's friends. Speaking of Ryder, he once again has refused to come home. I don't know if I should be too worried or not. Due to recent events, it's almost like my bed is getting too comfortable, maybe it's because I feel so overwhelmed.

"Tylerrr!" I heard Skyler calling my name from her room. I rolled my eyes at the sound of her voice.

Great. She's gonna get me out of bed. Again. I groaned to myself.

"Tyler! Come on-" Skyler started to say, but she stopped as soon as she walked in. "Tyler!"

"What?" I mumbled in annoyance into my pillow.

"You know what! We have to go to school!" Skyler protested. I felt the bed dip as she came to sit next to me.

"I don't want to see anyone at that god-forsaken school", I whined, my face still buried within the pillow.

"I know, but we can get through this together. Remember, it's not just you that got exposed at the party", Skyler gently reminded me.

"Yeah I know", I frowned.

"I'll get you your favorite iced coffee and food if you come with me", Skyler cooed jokingly.

Why does she do this? I asked myself in annoyance.

"Fine, but only because I'm starving and really need coffee", I said while getting out of my bed.

As I started to get myself moving I heard Skyler's phone go off a million times and her giggling behind me.

"Who's got you so bubbly this morning?" I asked as I headed to pick out a rather plain outfit for the day.

"Oh, it's just Emanuel. You know, one of the players that America and Meghan know. They introduced us at the party." She started to blush and kept giggling more. I could see what was happening from a mile away.

"Oh, I see. Well, do you think you could give me some space to change, lover girl?" I said with a smirk knowing she knew exactly what I was doing. She gave me a hard eye roll and headed out of my room. Seeing her so excited was a good thing, I wish I could feel as good as she does today.

I did my daily maintenance and finished getting dressed before dreadfully heading downstairs. Without surprise America and Meghan were sitting in our kitchen talking with Skyler about some boys they like? I wasn't too sure if I'm being honest, couldn't hear them too well over all the thoughts screaming in my head. Before I could turn the corner to grab my bag my mother came out of nowhere and gave me a fright!

"Oh sorry Tyler, didn't mean to scare you like that, glad I ran into you before you left though. I know you guys have to get to school but once you're home I need to sit down and have a chat with you if that's okay. Have a good day at school sweetie."

I found it a bit strange that she didn't bother to ask if I'd seen Ryder. She probably has a lot on her mind right now so she's trying not to worry.

The car ride to school felt so slow I couldn't take it anymore. All three girls were giggling and singing and acting like everything was going to be okay. Were they not aware of the consequences that could come from the other night?

While pulling into the parking lot I could see the group of people I was going to try to avoid the most. Killian, Justin, Emanuel, Aaron, and some other jock guy I've never seen before were hanging around a car and chatting it up. I was a bit shocked not to see Ryder with them, I thought he might be staying at one of their places. As we parked I tried my hardest to not stand out for once but I was not the best at being discreet. Emanuel came running to the car and opened the door for Skyler to exit. A bit cheesy if you ask me but she was eating it up. The rest of the group followed slowly and I saw Justin give me a small smile but stuck to having his conversation with the unfamiliar face. For the first time ever, Killian looked like he was worried about approaching me. He does realize he's the bully right? What the hell would a guy like me do to a guy like him? Nothing except pick a better outfit for his bumass self. It was almost like a switch flipped and he didn't know how to act.