Unconditional Validation

Chapter 10

"I've got a plan, okay?" America started as the store's door closed behind us.

"Yeah?" I responded carefully.

"We can still have our shopping day, but we need to be on high alert when we're outside of the stores. We don't want your mom seeing us." America looked at me with a bit of concern.

"To be honest, I thought your plan had more spy action packed into it", I deadpanned with a chuckle.

America started laughing at my reaction to her plan. I laughed with her because I was just making a joke out of the situation.

"You want to go back to the Tiffany store?" America asked me after we calmed down from laughing.

"I could never say no to that!" I beamed with a big smile.

The two of us quickly ran past the Chanel store that was on the path to our destination because we didn't want my mom to see us.

"Do you think she saw us?" I asked America nervously as we were approaching the Tiffany store.

"Nah, I think we'll be okay", America reassured me with a smile plastered on her face. I mumbled okay to myself, which she didn't hear.

"Tyler!" I heard a bubbly voice come from the counter. It was good ole Cherry herself in one of her gorgeous outfits!

"Hi, Ms. Cherry!" I smiled and waved at her.

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school?" Cherry asked the both of us with a concerned smile.

Before anyone could answer, the door of the store opened, and in came my mom! The only good thing was that she was too busy talking on her phone to notice that America and I were there and not at school. We quickly gave Cherry a pleading look to help us out. She swiftly pointed to the back room to hide out until my mom left. America closed the door behind us. We kind of heard the conversation between the two older ladies.

"Hi Cherry!" I heard my mom say excitedly to the store owner.

"Hello, Mrs. Blackwell!" I heard Cherry begin talking to my mom, "How can I help you today?"

"I'm looking for a gift for someone who needs some cheering up," my mom replied.

I really wanted to tune the conversation out of my head. I didn't want my mom here, it was ruining my peaceful day off. America noticed my frustration with the situation.

"Hey, you okay?" America asked with a whisper.

"Kinda", I whispered back with a hint of sadness.

"Thank you so much, Cherry! I really hope they like these!" I peeked a bit from the door to see my mom grabbing her purchase.

"You're welcome, Mrs. Blackwell", Cherry smiled towards my mom.

My mom finally left the store and America and I quickly left the back room to rejoin Cherry by the register. I saw that Cherry was kind of upset. I became a bit nervous.

"Tyler, spill now." Cherry crossed her arms with concern.

"There's just been a lot going on lately, and I-I just wanted a day to clear my head", I stammered trying to not tear up. "I-I'm sorry."

Cherry sighed and walked over to me. "Look, whatever is going on in your life, it will eventually blow over."

"Y-Yeah that's true", I replied.

"While the storm is still raging, though, you need to find your center and those who will keep you grounded when you feel like giving into the winds. I'm happy that you took a step back and made time for yourself", Cherry smiled and squeezed my shoulder with comfort.