Unconditional Validation

Chapter 15

By the time I finished my homework and got ready, the house was a whirlwind of activity. Skyler had turned our living room into a mini prep station. Makeup palettes, costume accessories, and half-full coffee cups littered the coffee table.

"Ty, can you help me with this?" Skyler called out, holding up a sparkling pair of cat ears.

I walked over, adjusting them so they sat perfectly on her head. "There. Purr-fect."

"Really?" She groaned at my pun, but a smile broke through anyway. "Thanks."

Just then, Mom walked in, holding her phone. "Alright, you three, let's go! The venue just called Skyler, and they're ready for soundcheck. We don't want to be late."

"Coming!" Skyler grabbed her costume tail and bag, then headed toward the door with me and Ryder trailing behind.

At the venue, the energy was electric. The backstage area was bustling with Skyler's team, America's crew, and a few reporters trying to get last-minute interviews. I stayed off to the side, not wanting to get in the way, but watching Skyler step onto the stage for her soundcheck gave me chills. She owned it.

"Hey, Ty!" America called, waving me over. She was dressed as a sleek vampire, complete with dramatic red contacts and a cape.

"You look awesome!" I said.

"So do you, Angel Boy." She gave me a teasing grin. "Skyler's ready, huh? She's got that fire in her eyes."

I glanced over at my sister, who was adjusting the mic stand and chatting with the sound engineer. "Yeah, she's been waiting for this."

When the show started, the crowd erupted as Skyler appeared on stage in her glittering cat costume. The first few songs were upbeat and fun, setting the tone for the night. She owned the stage, her voice weaving effortlessly through each note. Watching Skyler up there, so confident and in her element, I couldn't help but feel proud. This was her dream, and she was living it.

The venue was alive with energy, a pulsating mix of excitement and anticipation. They transformed The Bowery Ballroom for Skyler's release party, using strings of fairy lights crisscrossing above the crowd, and glowing jack-o'-lanterns lining the stage. Skyler was mid-song when I saw Justin enter the room.

He was dressed as a werewolf, his shirt slightly unbuttoned to reveal a toned chest, with his sleeves rolled up to the elbows. His costume was simple, but damn, he pulled it off. My breath hitched for a second before I managed to shake it off.

"Hey, Ty," Justin greeted me as he approached me. His easy smile made my heart race. "Looking angelic tonight, huh?" He smirked, motioning to my costume.

"Yeah, well, somebody's gotta balance out your wolfish vibe," I quipped, trying to keep my voice steady.

Before Justin could reply, Brianna appeared out of nowhere, her glittering witch costume catching the light. She sidled up next to him, resting a hand on his arm. "Justin, you look amazing. You've got to dance with me later, okay?"

My stomach dropped, but I forced a neutral expression, turning my focus to Skyler onstage.

"Actually-" Justin started, his tone awkward, but Brianna interrupted, leaning in closer. "I mean, come on, you owe me at least one dance," she said with a giggle, batting her lashes.

I couldn't stand to watch. Brianna's persistence was suffocating, and from where I was standing, it looked like Justin wasn't exactly pushing her away. My chest tightened, and the room suddenly felt too small.

"I'll be right back," I mumbled, not waiting for a response. I turned and pushed through the crowd, slipping out the side door into the cool night air.

Outside, the city noise buzzed faintly in the background. I leaned against the brick wall, trying to catch my breath. The hurt in my chest spilled over, and before I knew it, tears were streaking down my cheeks.