Star: Tyler, The Creator

36. On The Outside

Dinner was okay, to say the least.

Apart from an argument about who left who, Rose had missed her mom's home cooking.

"I'm just glad you're back." James smiled.

Tyler and Rose sat next to eachother as they both sat in front of her parents.

"She's doing great in LA. She's up on all the bill boards out there." Tyler interjected.

They hadn't talked much about what she did, just that she was successful in songwriting. They were completely out of the loop when it came to pop culture.

"I'm sure the songs are beautiful," Nina smiled at him.

Rose nodded, looking over at T.

"You said you were leaving tomorrow?" Her father asked.

"Yeah, later in the afternoon."

"So you can make it to church Sunday morning."

Rose and T looked at eachother.

"Uh, I don't know—,"

"You can show Tyler around."

"Tyler isn't religious." Rose replied.

"Won't hurt to just visit the church," James said.

Tyler nodded, understanding.

"I guess we can go," he looked at Rose. "Just for a while."

Nina smiled.

"Perfect!"

...

It was late, Rose setting up guest room for Tyler across from her childhood bedroom. Her parents had already gone to bed.

"This your room huh?" Tyler made his way over to it.

She followed behind him.

"It's still the same way I left it."

"It's cute," he smiled, looking at all the baby pictures she had.

"If going tomorrow makes you uncomfortable you don't have to." Rose began.

He furrowed his brows.

"...we can just make up and excuse and
leave—," she continued.

"Rose, it's cool. I don't care. You sure you wanna go? Shit seems like it's bothering you."

She sat on the edge of the bed.

"It's just gonna take me back..." she shook her head. "Whatever."

"You sure?"

"Mhmm. Your room's ready. Let me know if you need anything."

Tyler walked out of her room, turning to stand by the doorframe.

"I'm glad you came," she whispered.

"It's not like I had a choice," he chuckled.

"Goodnight."

"Night."

...

Rose heard a knock on her door before it opened.

"I thought you were asleep?" Rose asked. It was her mom, Nina.

She walked in, shutting the door behind her as she sat on the edge of her bed.

"How're you holding up?" Nina asked.

"It feels weird being back."

"Mhmm...look, I know we don't see eye to eye on a lot, Rose. But you're an adult now. Your father and I can't force you to do what we want for you. And I'm sorry for making you feel like you couldn't be yourself," she smiled.