As if the Winter Formal wasn't the worst dance I've been to, then Spring Fling just topped it. Clay managed to talk Tyler out of shooting up the school. He saved a lot of lives. But somebody called the cops.
Clay Jensen: I fucking said no cops.
Hannah Baker: Clay, just breath.
Clay is panicking as squad cars drive past us. Clay's phone rings.
Clay Jensen: Hannah, can you take it please.
I take Clay's phone. It's Tony.
Hannah Baker: Tony, it's Hannah. We'll be there in 2 minutes.
Tony Padilla: What? What are you doing, Hannah?
Hannah Baker: Helping Tyler.
Tony Padilla: You should've stayed at the dance.
Hannah Baker: Tony, I know you helped me out with the tapes because you owed me one. Now I owe you.
Tony Padilla: Hannah, no!
Hannah Baker: Listen, we're free and clear, I don't even think they looked as Clay drove by. Justin and the guys are gonna talk to the police. We got a story.
The police arrive and shut the dance down. They brought Justin, Zach, Cyrus, & Bryce down to the station for questioning as they took turns.
Justin Foley: We didn't take it as real. It's just him, you know?
Zach Dempsey: I heard him talking about it and I jumped to conclusions.
Cyrus: It was a total joke, all right?
Bill Standall: Yeah?
Cyrus: It was fucking stupid but it was a total joke.
Bill Standall: You made a joke?
Cyrus: I did.
Tony brought Tyler to a abandoned factory as they hide from the police.
Tony Padilla: Tyler? How you doing?
Tyler is in shock.
Tony Padilla: Just breathe, man. Everything's going to be okay.
They hear police sirens passing by as it startles Tyler.
Tony Padilla: Wait, they're... They're not coming here. They're going to the school. But we need you to get out of the backpack and the belt. I need you to be here... with me.
Tony gets closer to Tyler.
Tyler Down: NO, DON'T TOUCH ME!
Tony Padilla: Okay!
Tyler Down: DON'T FUCKING TOUCH ME!
Tony Padilla: Okay, Tyler! I'm not. I'm over here. You're good. But I'm gonna need you to take off the backpack and take off the belt and walk away from them.
Tyler takes off his backpack and gun belt and sets it on the ground.
Tony Padilla: Now walk towards me.
Before Tyler can take a step, Clay & Hannah arrive as Tyler gets scared.
Tony Padilla: It's just Clay & Hannah. It's just Clay & Hannah, see? I told you we were going to meet up with them in the car. Right. Okay.
Clay parks the car as we look at poor Tyler. I could not get Tyler's bruises out of my mind. We both get out of Tyler's car as Tony comes to us.
Tony Padilla: I can't believe you brought her with you.
Clay Jensen: You try debating her.
Hannah Baker: How is he?
Tony Padilla: He doesn't want to be touched. So don't try to get close or else he'll yell at you.
Clay Jensen: Hey, Tyler. How you doing?
Tyler looks zoned out.
Clay Jensen: Shall we get you home?
Tyler Down: Oh, my God... My parents...
Oh, god. He didn't.
Hannah Baker: Tyler... What did you do?
Tyler doesn't say anything. He just stands there all shook up. Tony carefully grabs Tyler's backpack & belt that was on the ground. Tony opens up his backpack...
Hannah Baker: Holy shit! Are those pipe bombs?
Tony Padilla: Yeah, and more guns and ammo.
Clay Jensen: Jesus.
We take Tyler's backpack and take it to the trunk of his car where we find a bag. Tony puts everything in the bag and he takes it to the trunk on his Mustang.
Tony Padilla: Okay, Tyler. We're gonna drive you home. We're gonna go inside with you. Whatever happens, it's gonna... It's gonna be okay.
Now I'm really scared. What if Tyler did kill his parents and we find their bodies? What do we do with Tyler if he did do it? Tyler rides with Tony in the Mustang while me & Clay drive in Tyler's car. We all go to Tyler's house as we walk him to the front door. Tyler begins to check his pockets.
Tyler Down: I don't have my keys.
Clay Jensen: Oh, right... Here.
Clay hands over his keys as Tyler unlocks the door and we all enter his house. We follow Tyler as he walks towards the kitchen
Mrs. Down: (Gasps) Tyler! Oh, Tyler. You're okay. Oh! We were so worried.
Thank god! Tyler didn't do anything to his parents. She was so worried about hm that she hugs him. Then she notices the bruises.
Mrs. Down: What happened to your head?
Clay Jensen: (Stammers) He fell earlier.
Hannah Baker: Yeah. We thought we would get him home safe.
Mrs. Down: Oh, you're Hannah Baker.
Hannah Baker: You heard about me.
Mrs. Down: Yes, Tyler told us what he did to you. He is very sorry for his actions.
Hannah Baker: I know. I ran into him yesterday at school and he apologized.
Mrs. Down: School? You're back at Liberty?
Hannah Baker: Yes. Me & my parents met with Principal Bolan. I come back on Monday.
Mrs. Down: Got to say, I'm surprised you would go back there after what happened. Speaking of, we got the text and then you weren't in your room. We didn't even know you'd gone to the dance.
Clay Jensen: Sorry, Mrs. Down. There was a text?
Mrs. Down: About the shooter. We got the text that the dance was being evacuated. We couldn't find you. Your father is down there now. Um, do your parents know that you're okay?
Tony Padilla: Yes.
Clay Jensen: I should check in.
Hannah Baker: Me too.
I take out my phone to check with my dad.
Mrs. Down: Okay, well, they must want you home but you're welcome to spend the night.
My dad hasn't texted or called me. I sent him a text about what happened at the dance and that I wasn't there when it happened and that I'm at Tyler Down's house with Clay & Tony. I texted my mom the same thing, don't want her to get worried. I put my phone away and notice that Tyler was gone and Clay was walking to his room. I follow Clay as we both enter Tyler's room and see Tyler sitting next to his desk as he's holding on to a letter.
Tyler Down: If they'd have found this... Do we... tear it up?
Tyler hands the letter over to Clay.
Tyler Down: I just... I never thought I'd see my mom again.
I just look at Tyler and I see myself. I thought the same thing when I tried taking my own life. We put Tyler to bed as we sit there and watch over him as we wonder, why?
Hanna Baker: I can't believe he was gonna shoot everyone.
Clay Jensen: But why tonight? He just got back. I heard he was better. Did something happen?
Hannah Baker: Do you not see those bruises, Clay?
Tony Padilla: Where did the bruises come from?
Exactly. Where did those Bruises come from? Who would want to hurt Tyler this bad?
Clay Jensen: We have to get him help.
Hannah Baker: But if anyone finds out why...
Tony Padilla: Then we're all fucked.
Clay Jensen: So...
Tony Padilla: So we'll figure it out. We saved him, he's our responsibility.
Clay Jensen: (Swallows) Thanks for... getting into this with me. Both of you. Especially you, Tony. You're a good friend.
Hannah Baker: You really are.
Tony Padilla: It's my blessing and my curse.
After a little while, we left. We go into Tony's car and leave. Tony drives me home to drop me off. Clay walks me home as my dad comes out.
Andy Baker: Thank god, you're all right.
He gives me a warm hug.
Hannah Baker: You got my text.
Andy Baker: I did. Thank you for taking care of her, Clay.
My dad let's go of my hug.
Clay Jensen: Anytime. We didn't know about it until we got to Tyler's house when his mom told us.
Hannah Baker: I texted mom about it, too. Don't want her getting all worried.
I say my goodnights to both Clay & Tony. Clay goes back into Tony's Mustang as they drive off to get rid of Tyler's weapons. We all agreed to meet at Monet's tomorrow.
Sunday, April 21
I haven't told my parents what happened because "I wasn't there when it happened". I told them that I was gonna meet with my friends to find out what happened. Clay & Justin came to pick me up as we go to Monet's. When we got there, Jessica was already there waiting for us. She gets up and we hug each other glad that we're both safe. We sat on a table as both Justin & Jessica tell us what happened after we left.
Justin Foley: I went right up to that little punk kid, Cyrus. I was sure he was the one who called. And I grabbed him and I started going off and then, Zach, like, ran up and was like, "It was me. I called the cops. Tyler should go to jail." And so I told him if Tyler goes to jail now, so does Tony, and so does Clay, so does Hannah, at least.
Clay Jensen: And that stopped him?
Jessica Davis: That's when the cops started coming through the front and they shut the music down and started getting everyone on the ground.
Hannah Baker: And what happened next?
Justin Foley: Me and Jess were right by Zach, so I was like, "You get to decide now if you take down Clay, Hannah, & Tony, and probably me and Jess with Tyler, and fuck up this school even more, or if we get out of this."
Clay's phone began vibrating as he checks it out.
Clay Jensen: Well... everyone's coming. I'm buying.
Hananh Baker: I need to go to the little girls room.
Jessica Davis: You need help?
Hannah Baker: Thanks, but I got it.
Clay & Hannah both get up at the same time. Clay goes to get everyone's order while Hannah heads for the restrooms, leaving Justin & Jessica alone at the table after the moment they've had last night.
Justin Foley: It's really good to see you today.
Jessica Davis: Oh, no. No! What happened last night was a one-time thing and it's never happening again, understand?
Justin Foley: Jess, shit... I'm sorry.
Jessica Davis: I don't need your apology. And stop giving me that fucking puppy dog eye look. It does not work on me and it never actually did.
Justin Foley: I'm sorry.
Jessica Davis: If you apologize again, I will cut you.
Alex Standall: Why are you cutting him?
Alex arrives to Monet's as he walks in.
Jessica Davis: Um... Because he's evil. Good morning.
Alex Standall: Hey.
Minutes after Alex arrived, Cyrus, Mackenzie, Toby, Eric, Chad, & Zach then arrived.
Justin Foley: We went over to roll his car into a parking place.
Hannah Baker: They'd figured they could hide it with other cars.
Jessica Davis: But the keys were still in it... Tyler didn't plan on coming back to it.
Clay Jensen: So, I drove it away, with Hannah.
Cyrus: Jesus. That's balls.
Zach Dempsey: It was fucking stupid, going out there, stepping in front of a gun like that, acting like a fucking hero or something and you put Hannah in harms way.
Hannah Baker: Zach, I wanted to go. I wanted to help Tyler. And you called the cops after Clay told you not to.
Clay Jensen: We passed the cops on our way out. Think about that timing! If I hadn't done something, kids would be dead!
Zach Dempsey: We don't know that. All you did was give Tyler another chance.
Justin Foley: Exactly.
Zach Dempsey: Another chance to do it again. What if no one stops him next time?
Clay Jensen: We make sure there isn't a next time.
Zach Dempsey: That's insane, Clay! He needs serious help.
Clay Jensen: We can get him help. But if we tell anyone what he did, then he's expelled at least and probably in jail, and probably tried as an adult. So, he's in juvie until he's 21, and then they send him to prison and then what happens to him?
Zach Dempsey: No... This is bullshit. I'm out.
Jessica Davis: Zach...
Hannah Baker: Come on.
Zach Dempsey: I won't tell, I won't say anything, but it's just not my job to take care of that psychopath.
Zach just walks out as he wants nothing to do with Tyler. He never did liked Tyler. Jess told me that after Clay sent that picture of Tyler out, he wanted in whatever they were planning against Clay. Zach threatened to break his arm in 2. Tony didn't come because he's keeping a eye on Tyler. Clay & I spent the entire day together as we head on to the bench on the hill.
Clay Jensen: Sorry that our first date ended in our school almost getting shot up.
Hannah Baker: Not your fault, Helmet. What do you think happened to him?
Clay Jensen: I don't know. Nothing good. He did make enemies when he hung out with Cyrus.
Hannah Baker: The Jocks.
Clay nods his head.
Clay Jensen: Are you nervous, about tomorrow?
Hannah Baker: (Sighs) At first, I thought that everyone will be staring at me after everything that happened. But after what happened last night... maybe it takes pressure of me.
Clay Jensen: Are you nervous?
Hannah Baker: I am. Not because I'm coming back, but for Tyler.
Clay grabs hold of my hand. I turn to look at him and I smile at him.
Hannah Baker: I'm glad that I'm with you.
I close my eyes as I lean in to kiss him on the lips. I open my eyes and all of a sudden, I'm kissing Bryce Walker.
Hannah freaks out as she falls off the bench and onto the ground.
Clay Jensen: Hannah! Are you alright?
Suddenly, Bryce was gone and Clay was back. Clay gets off the bench and kneels down next to me.
Clay Jensen: Hey. Hey. Look at me!
I look at him in the eyes. I calm down as I breath in and out.
Clay Jensen: What happened?
Hannah Baker: Sorry. I... I opened my eyes and... you were Bryce.
Clay Jensen: Hannah, I'm not Bryce. I would never hurt you. I would never hurt you.
Hannah Baker: I know. I know.
Clay helps me up as I just hug him. I don't know just what happened. I don't know why. I just hope it doesn't happen again.
Monday, April 22
Today's the day. The day I return to Liberty High. I sit at the dinning table for with my dad, Valerie, & Bridgette as we're eating our breakfast. I told my dad & Valerie about what happened last Saturday at Spring Fling, it was just a false alarm. They bought it. Clay & Justin came to pick me up for school. I'm not gonna lie, I am nervous to return to Liberty. When we arrived, we wait in the front as we wait for Tony who is giving Tyler a ride to school. There were some eyes on me, but for the rest... they've must've been thinking about Spring Fling. Tony & Tyler finally arrive as we all walk into school together. We walk in the hallway as Monty and some jocks are passing by.
Monty de la Cruz: Hey, Tyler. What's up?
Tyler freezes and begins to freak out.
Tyler Down: (Stammering) I can't... I can't do this. I've got to go.
Tony Padilla: Fuck that guy. He's not gonna hurt you. No one's gonna push you around anymore.
Hannah Baker: Tyler, we're here for you.
Tyler Down: I can't.
Clay Jensen: Tyler, it's okay.
Clay puts his hand on Tyler's shoulder to assure him but Tyler quickly brushes away. He doesn't want anyone touching him, just like Tony said.
Hannah Baker: Tyler, calm down.
Tony Padilla: Okay. Tyler, I need you to listen to me, okay? Focus on your breathing. Hey. Breathe as deep as you can.
Tyler begins exhaling deeply and it's helping. Alex comes out of from a classroom.
Clay Jensen: Look, you have first with Alex, right? Stick with Alex, he'll walk you to second. Me, Justin, & Hannah will meet you at lunch.
Tyler Down: Okay. Okay.
Tyler slowly walks to Alex as they enter their classroom.
Tony Padilla: Something happened to that kid. He's not right.
Hannah Baker: You think Monty...
Justin Foley: Well, Monty, Bryce, Jamie Garrison, the kid gets it from fucking everywhere. There's no way this is gonna work.
Clay Jensen: It has to.
Justin Foley: Are you guys sure you got all his guns?
Tony Padilla: Yeah, we're sure.
Hannah Baker: You guys go ahead. I have to go meet the new counselor.
Clay Jensen: Want me to walk you?
Hannah Baker: Yes, please.
Clay walks me to the office as Justin & Tony head for class. Once we get to the office, I tell Clay to go to class so he won't be late. I enter the office as I'm greeted by Miss Douglas.
Miss Douglas: Hannah, welcome back.
Hannah Baker: Hello, Miss Douglas. It's great to see you again
Miss Douglas: And it's great to see you. Alive and well.
Hannah Baker: I'm here to see Dr. Singh
Miss Douglas: Ok, I'll let her know you're here.
I have a seat on a chair next to a girl.
Hannah Baker: Hi.
Ani Achola: Hello. I'm Ani.
She takes her hand out as I shake it.
Hannah Baker: Well, you already know who I am.
Ani Achola: I don't, actually. I'm new here.
Hannah Baker: Oh, sorry about that. My name is Hannah. You from England?
Ani Achoala: By way of Kenya.
Hannah Baker: Oh, wow. Well then, welcome to Liberty High.
This is great. This girl is new, which means that she hasn't heard about me, yet. No doubt someone will tell her about me.
Hannah Baker: So what brings you to Evergreen County?
Ani Achola: My mother is a home health care aide. We move around a lot. Right now she's caring for a rich old man who's senile, and also a racist.
Hannah Baker: Oh, that must suck.
Ani Achola: Yeah. The good thing is that she's working for the old man's daughter who's real nice.
Priya Singh: Hannah Baker.
I see Dr. Singh coming out of her office as she's ready for me.
Hannah Baker: Hey, we should hang out later on.
Ani Achola: Sure, I'd like that.
Hannah Baker: See you later.
Ani Achola: Bye.
I really like her. She didn't even asked about my crutches. Can't wait to hang out with her. I bet Jessica would like her.
As Hannah enters Dr. Singh's office, Courtney enters the school's office as she was up called to give Ani a tour around Liberty. Only problem is that Courtney has a meeting with recruiters from Wellesley College. So she thought of the idea of bringing up Clay so he can give the tour instead. As Courtney meets Ani, Hannah meets with Dr. Singh.
Priya Singh: I'm Dr. Priya Singh. I'm the new counselor here at Liberty.
Hannah Baker: Have to say, it's pretty weird being here.
It really is. The last time I was here, Porter told me to move on and I went home to kill myself. I haven't seen or heard from him since I woke up.
Priya Singh: I am aware of what transpired between you and my predecessor. And I am aware of what you did.
Oh, crap. I hope she means my attempt instead of Spring Fling.
Priya Singh: Your attempt.
Phew.
Hannah Baker: Right.
Priya Singh: How is your recovery going?
Hannah Baker: Well, my legs are almost fully healed. My doctor told me another week of physical therapy and I no longer have to use these crutches. I've been doing P.T. with Alex Standall who's going through the same thing. We've been helping each other out.
Priya Singh: That's good to hear. And your wrists?
I look at my wrist which is covered up with my sleeves.
Hannah Baker: In my mind, it still stings. But I'm doing better and my friends are helping me out.
Priya Singh: That is good to hear. Let's discuss your schedule. You'll have the same schedule you've had including Mrs. Bradley's Communication Class.
Hannah Baker: I want to continue taking that class. I think it could help me.
Priya Singh: That is good to hear. As you might be aware, Bryce Walker is no longer a student here.
Hannah Baker: I know, he transferred to Hillcrest.
Priya Singh: So you won't have to worry about him. We'll also make sure that no one bothers you.
Hannah Baker: Thank you, Dr. Singh.
Priya Singh: However, because you were in a coma and you were basically pulled from Liberty due to your parents lawsuit, you did missed out on 6 months of school. If you want to graduate with your class and friends next year, you're gonna have to attend summer school.
I knew it. There goes my plans to go stay with mom in New York.
While Hannah continues meeting with Dr. Singh, Clay was called to the office. Thinking that he may have been busted for Tyler, he nervously goes to the office where Courtney was waiting for him.
Courtney Crimsen: Hey, Clay.
Clay Jensen: Hey, Courtney.
Courtney Crimsen: Sorry to pull you out of class.
Clay Jensen: I thought it was Principal Bolan.
Courtney Crimsen: I just used one of his slips. It's our turn for the new student tour. I have an appointment in the careers center and the Wellesley recruiter's only here for a day. So, can you take it?
Clay Jensen: Uhh...
Courtney Crimsen: Thank you! Thank you.
Courtney turns around say bye to Ani.
Courtney Crimsen: Ani, it was nice to meet you.
Ani Achola: You too. Bye.
Courtney Crimsen: Goodbye. Thank you, Clay.
Courtney leaves the office, leaving Clay confused.
Clay Jensen: You gotta be fucking kidding me?
Ani Achola: I don't really need a tour.
The last time Clay gave a tour was with the foreign exchanged students 6 months ago, it did not go so well for Clay. Ani introduces herself to Clay as he introduces himself to her. They both leave the office as Clay gives her the tour.
Clay Jensen: This is the trophy case. And we actually have many more academic decathlon and robotics trophies, but they're kept in the math and science wing, which is in a different building to keep the main student body from being infected by something like actual knowledge. To your left is the classroom of the ironically named Mr. Champion, who stares at girls' breasts while he's talking to them. These are posters for the drama club. We actually have the most low-key drama club anywhere. They're totally not annoying people at all. The drawback being their plays are super boring, but really nice people. Library's out that way. It's a pretty typical library as high school libraries go, which means underfunded and thoroughly devoid of any book that could be remotely controversial.
They arrive to Clay's locker.
Clay Jensen: This is my locker, which I sometimes use to stick my head into and scream.
Luke Holliday is walking through the hallways with someone as he pushes him to the lockers, which angered Clay.
Clay Jensen: What the fuck? Hey, leave him the fuck alone!
Clay goes to Luke and pushes him away from the boy as Ani gets startled.
Clay Jensen: Hey, I need you to step off and leave him alone, got it?
Luke Holliday: Dude, that's my brother.
Clay now feels like an idiot, but then he doesn't.
Clay Jensen: Oh. Um... Well, so the fuck what? You should still leave him alone. Brothers should take care of each other.
Clay walks away from Luke.
Ani Achola: I told him no coffee before the tour, but...
Ani just walks away and catches up to Clay as the tour continues. They go outside as they reach the quad.
Clay Jensen: They call this the back quad, even though there's no front quad and back quad sounds like "backwad," which sounds either like a wedgie or a roll of fat that shows when your shirt rides up. Football and soccer field down there, baseball field out there. Clearly the nicest parts of the school, because athletes are our heroes and deserving of everything they want, including the ability to sexually assault girls and never suffer any sort of consequences, because why should they?
Clay realizes that he's off topic as he looks at Ani who's face doesn't look amused.
Clay Jensen: Um... Sorry. Cafeteria over there. I bring my lunch. That's not a commentary on the cafeteria food, that's just a nugget from my life.
Ani Achola: Wow. I've been to, like, 5 high schools in 3 years, and that is by far the worst tour I've ever been given. The absolute worst.
Clay Jensen: (Sighs) I'm sorry. It's kind of a weird time here.
Ani Achola: That's quite all right. It's also, like, my favorite tour ever.
Clay Jensen: Well... thanks.
Hannah was finished talking with Dr. Singh. Hannah went to her first class which was math. None of her friends were in that class as the other students look at her and don't know whether they should say something to her or not. No one bothered her during class, but all Hannah could think about was Tyler. It's now lunch time. Clay meets up with Tyler as they both have lunch together. As they're sitting next to each other eating their lunch, Ani comes up to them with her lunch tray.
Ani Achola: Hey. You don't mind if I join, do you?
Clay & Tyler just look at her with a confused look on their faces. Tyler has no idea who this girl is as he's wondering how she knows Clay.
Ani Achola: I feel like you're obligated to be nice to me, at least for the rest of the day.
Clay Jensen: Because you're new?
Ani Achola: Or because on my tour you assaulted a guy.
Tyler looks at Clay when Ani said that.
Clay Jensen: Ah... sure, have a seat.
Ani takes a seat across from Clay & Tyler.
Ani Achola: Hi. Ani.
Tyler Down: Tyler.
Ani Achola: It's a pleasure, Tyler. So, tell me about Clay. He internalizes, doesn't he?
Tyler Down: Oh. I mean, I don't...
Clay Jensen: You literally just met me. How would you know that?
Hannah Baker: Ani.
Hannah comes in as she makes her way to their table.
Ani Achola: Hannah, hey.
Clay Jensen: You guys know each other?
Hannah Baker: We've met in the office while I was waiting for Dr. Singh. We got to talking when Dr. Singh called me in
Ani Achola: We had a nice chat.
Hannah sits next to Ani as she takes out her lunch that Valerie made for her.
Hannah Baker: So I see that you've met my boyfriend, Clay. And our friend, Tyler Down.
Ani Achola: Oh, I had no idea that Clay is your boyfriend. He gave me a tour around Liberty.
Tyler Down: She said that Clay assaulted someone?
Hannah Baker: You did what?
Clay Jensen: I saw Luke pushed someone into the lockers, but it was his little brother who he was messing with.
Hannah Baker: Come on, Clay.
Clay Jensen: Sorry, but after what happened with The Clubhouse, I don't trust any jock.
Ani Achola: What happened at The Clubhouse?
Hannah Baker: You don't want to know.
Justin Foley: Hey.
Justin now joins them for lunch as he sits next to Hannah.
Clay Jensen: Justin, Ani. Ani, Justin.
Ani Achola: Pleasure.
Justin Foley: Hey.
Hannah takes a bite out of her sandwich...
Ani Achola: You know, for a sour puss, you have loads of friends.
And almost chokes as she begins to laugh at what Ani just said.
Hannah Baker: (Laughing) A sour puss? Good one.
Clay Jensen: Tyler is my friend. Hannah is my girlfriend. Justin lives with me and my family.
Justin Foley: They're adopting me.
Ani Achola: Oh, that's fantastic. Clay believes brothers should take care of each other.
Hannah Baker: Did he now?
Clay Jensen: I need... ketchup.
Hannah Baker: Awwww, Clay feels embarrassed now.
Clay gets up and goes to get some ketchup.
Justin Foley: So, he might seem like an uptight asshole at first, maybe even for a while, but... he's a really good guy, so just give him some time. He's worth it.
Hannah Baker: Take Justin's word for it. Clay really is a good guy.
Ani Achola: How much time?
Justin Foley: Hmm. For me, it took, like, 8 years, but...
Hannah Baker: As for me, it took, like, 10 minutes after I met him.
We all get aquinted with Ani. When Clay came back, Ani tells us how she & her mother moved from Kenya to England when she was 4. 10 Years later, they came to America. She tells us how her life has been since she's always the new girl at school with every patient that her mother takes on. Always moving around, just like Jess.
After lunch, Ani begins looking for her next class which is robotics. As she's looking for her next classroom, she stumbes upon the recreation room where a meeting of the student counsil is going on as Jessica is fighting to do something about the athletes at the school, since that is where all the problems and drama of Liberty High start. It begins an argument between Jessica and both the girls & boys athletes as Courtney shuts them up by slamming a large book to a table. Courtney & the student counsil can't do anything about it and tells Jessica that if she wants to do something about it, then she should run for Student Body President. Ani entered the room during the argument and sat down and was listening to what Jessica was saying. Ani tells Jessica that she should do it and that she's primed to explode as she sees something in her and that she should actually run. Ani even offers to be her campaign manager. After hearing what Ani said, Jessica accepts and decides to run for Student Body President.
School has come to an end. I meet up with Clay, Tony, Justin, Alex, & Tyler to see how their day was as we make our way out.
Alex Standall: So how was your first day back?
Hannah Baker: Went without a hitch. And we also made a new friend.
Tony Padilla: New friend?
Justin Foley: Her name is Ani. She's from England.
Hannah Baker: And Clay gave her a tour.
Tony Padilla: Hope it went better than the tour you gave the exchange students last fall.
Hannah Baker: Does pushing Luke Holliday count as better?
Justin Foley: You pushed Luke?
Clay Jensen: I saw him pushed some kid, but he was just messing with his brother.
Hannah Baker: And according to Ani, Clay believes brothers should take care of each other.
Tony Padilla: Awwww.
Hannah Baker: That's what I said. But enough about Clay being a good brother, how was your day Tyler?
Tyler Down: (Stammering) It was good.
Justin Foley: No one messed with you, right?
Tyler shakes his head.
Alex Standall: First period went well. You have to talk to Cyrus about his next class.
Jessica comes running out from the building as she joins her friends.
Jessica Davis: Hey, guys. I have something to tell you.
Alex Standall: What is it?
Jessica Davis: I've decided to run for Student Body President.
Hannah Baker: Holy shit, really?
Jessica Davis: Yeah.
Clay Jensen: Wow, that's great.
Justin Foley: What made you decide to run?
Jessica Davis: Well, I went to meet with student council to do something about what the jocks have done with this school and can't actually do anything about it. Courtney suggeted that I should run but I didn't take it serious. Until this girl came up to me and said that I should do it.
Alex Standall: What girl?
Jessica Davis: Never seen her before. I think she's from England.
Hannah Baker: That's great, you've met Ani.
Jessica Davis: You've met her, too?
Clay Jensen: Gave her a tour around school.
Hannah Baker: Meet her in the office.
Tyler Down: At lunch.
Justin Foley: Same, lunch.
Tony Padilla: Sounds like she was everywhere.
Hannah Baker: Alex, I can't wait for you to meet her.
Alex Standall: Sounds great.
Jessica Davis: Wait, can we go back to the part where Clay gave her a tour? After what happened the last time you gave a tour.
Clay Jensen: I wasn't in my right mind.
Hannah Baker: Ani will tell you all about it.
Jessica Davis: Oh, I can't wait. I'll ask her tomorrow when we meet for campaign strategy.
Jessica seems really excited to run for Student Body President, all thanks to Ani. Something tells me that we're really gonna like this girl.
Ani arrives to the home of Harrison Chatham, the grandfather of Bryce Walker. Nora Walker is divorcing her husband Barry and has moved in with her father. Ani's mother is Harrison's nurse so they're staying in the guest house. Ani arrives to the Chatham house when she see Bryce sitting at the dinning table, crying.
Ani Achola: Um... hello?
Bryce was startled.
Bryce Walker: Hi.
Ani Achola: Can I help you with something?
Bryce Walker: I'm just waiting for my mom to get home.
Ani Achola: Your mum is Mrs. Walker?
Bryce Walker: My mom is Mrs. Walker, yeah.
Ani Achola: Oh. (Laughs)
Bryce Walker: (Laughs) Wow. And if I may, who are you?
Ani Achola: Sorry. Ani. My mum is your grandfather's nurse.
Bryce Walker: Ani. It's nice to meet you.
Ani Achola: Nice to meet you...
Bryce Walker: Bryce.
Ani Achola: Bryce.
Bryce Walker: My mother never mentioned me?
Ani Achola: Oh, no. No. I'm sure she did. We've only been here a week or so.
Bryce Walker: Yeah. Got it.
After school, Bryce came home and found his house was all packed up. Barry Walker bought a new house with his new girlfriend. Bryce's stuff was packed with a letter from his father telling him to live with his mother & grandfather. Neither Bryce nor Nora were pleased with the living arrangement for Bryce since this was all so sudden. Bryce has officially moved in to the Chatham House
Tuesday, April 23
The next morning at school, Clay set up a meeting for us to meet in the rec room during school. Everyone who knew about Tyler all came. Me, Clay, Tony, Justin, Jessica, Alex, Cyrus, Mackenzie, Eric, Tobey, & Chad. Clay came up with a plan to help out Tyler.
Clay Jensen: I set up a schedule. Who picks him up in the morning, who takes him between what classes, after school, nightly check-ins. If we spread it around, it's not that bad. I'll text you the URL. It's password protected.
Jessica Davis: There's, like, the insanity of us doing this at all, and then there's the insanity of, "Oh, my God, you built a website."
Hannah Baker: Only you, Helmet, would think of creating a website.
Clay Jensen: I didn't build it per se, it's really just storage space.
Hannah Baker: So it's a Power Point presentation?
Alex Standall: That's a lot of coordination. My brain injury hurts.
Hannah Baker: I feel the same way.
Cyrus: How long do we have to do this?
Justin Foley: Until he gets better.
Jessica Davis: So... forever.
Justin Foley: People do get better.
Hannah Baker: They really do.
I smile at everyone as they smile back at me.
Clay Jensen: I guess we get to summer and see how he is. And maybe senior year it'll all be fine.
8 Months Later
My name is Amorowat Anysia Achola. You can call me Ani. I'm a senior at Liberty High School. My mum's a home health care worker. We just got to Evergreen last spring, April. I just started at Liberty in April. About 8 months ago. Yeah, I'm the new girl. Do I like Liberty? Sure. It's an... interesting place. Stuff happens at Liberty High School, you know? I'm guessing that's why I'm here. You think I know something about what happened? Well, I do. I'm sure you got pieces from other people. I can help you put them together. It's all about Homecoming night. Everyone was there. Well, not everyone. They all had their reasons for wanting to kill Bryce. At the end of the night, 1 of them would've followed through.