LOVE IS KEY || A Tyler, The Creator Story REIMAGINED

13-Meeting

A few days after the situation at Tyler's, I was in my studio finishing writing a song for a client when my phone rang letting me know that Clancy was calling and I picked up.

Akeylah: Hey Clancy.

Clancy: Hi Akeylah. I need you to come into the office today. We have a meeting scheduled for noon.

I looked at the time on my computer and it read 10:30 am. I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose.

Akeylah: You couldn't have let me know ANY sooner than now?

Clancy: I was just informed. Can you please make it here before 12?

Akeylah: I'll try my best.

Clancy: Oh and, bring a clear conscience.

He then hung up before I could even ask what he meant. I simply shook it off and jotted down the last of the lyrics I was working on then went to get dressed. I wasn't sure what kind of meeting this would be so I just made sure to look presentable.

I arrived at the office at 11:50 strutting down the hall. I reached the reception desk and the lady paged Clancy to let him know I arrived and sent me into the conference room. Once I walked in, my breath hitched when I saw HIM. I sat on one end of the table, he sat at the other and Clancy stood in the center of the room. I glared at the both of them the whole time. The way that Clancy looked between Tyler and I, I could tell he knew something was off.

Clancy: Before you two say anything, ANYTHING AT ALL...I knew if either of you knew the other was going to be here that you wouldn't have shown up. But I needed you both in the same room to tell you this news. You two are going on tour together and whether you like him or you like her, You're gonna have to see each other's faces so whatever it is you two have going on, I need you to nip it in the bud before we all lose fucking money!

Akeylah: What do I need to be on tour with him for?

Clancy: (sighs) You're still an up and coming artist Akeylah. This will be good exposure for you opening for Tyler.

Akeylah: This isn't even my demographic!

Clancy: (slams hand on the table) That's where you're wrong. You both have a crossover fanbase and this will be a perfect opportunity for both of you to grow. Plus, it's part of the deal we made with Tyler's label. So, unless you want to renegotiate your contract, you're going on tour with him.

Akeylah: Clancy did you forget that I AM my label? I'm independent. Keynote Records is ME!

Clancy: (clears throat) I'm aware of that, Akeylah. However, the contract for this tour was signed under the condition that you would open for Tyler. It's a package deal. His label is handling the logistics and finances for the tour, and we agreed to it because it's a big opportunity for you. Plus, the venues are already booked and the promotions are in full swing. You backing out now would cause a significant setback for both of your careers.

Akeylah: (grits teeth) So what you're saying is, I have no choice?

Clancy: That's what I'm saying. Now, I expect you two to act like professionals. The tour starts in two weeks. You'll have separate busses, separate dressing rooms, and minimal interaction outside of the stage. Can you handle that?

I looked over at Tyler, whose expression was unreadable. He hadn't said a word since I walked into the room. I could feel the tension rolling off him in waves, and it was making me even more pissed off but I agreed anyways.

Akeylah: (shrugs) I guess...

Clancy went over tour details then left the room and once I knew he was a ways away, I grabbed my purse and headed for the exit. This was a waste of my time. I could've been working but instead, I'm dealing with nonsense! I made my way towards the elevators with Tyler not too far behind

Tyler: (yells) Akeylah!

I turned around so fast I could've sworn I had whiplash

Akeylah: You come any closer I'm taking this heel off!

He threw his hands up then backed away

Akeylah: What part of I never wanna see you again don't you get!?

Tyler: I wasn't the one that called this meeting! That nigga Clancy set this up! But, I just want to apologize Key I-

I chuckled and rolled my eyes

Akeylah: Get the fuck out of here dawg. I don't trust a single thing you say anymore.

Tyler: I'm being serious Akeylah! I never meant for any of that to happen how it did. I didn't plan on hurting you. I-I just want my friend back...(voice cracks)

I turned my head and bit my lip to keep from letting him see me show any emotion other than anger toward him. Truth is, I wanted my friend back too but this was something I couldn't just let slide. After what seemed like forever, the elevator finally dings as it made it to the floor. I walked to get in and Tyler grabbed my arm. I snatched it away and ran in before it left as the doors closed I turned and caught a slight glimpse of him as a tear rolled down my face when the door shut. I tried to get myself together as the elevator descended to the parking garage but once it got there and I made it to my car, I completely lost it. I didn't know how I was going to make it on tour when whenever I see his face I feel extreme anger or sadness. Once I regained my composure I started my car and drove home.