lovely | thirteen reasons why

(9) end of the beginning

Libby had a rough night of sleeping. Her hardwood floor will do that.

Jess couldn't bare the idea of someone sleeping next to her so Libby volunteered her bed. While it might have been an uncomfortable sleep, it was better than the alternative. She did not want Jess to go home last night where Justin or worse Bryce could try to spin this situation. Justin was not gonna fuck with her anymore.

Though Libby will admit, Justin did seem broken last night, less paranoid and more guilt-ridden. She wanted to feel for the guy. Truly, she did. But everything he's pulled mixed with the motivation behind it all covering up a rape does not make it easy.

Justin does feel regret. He's probably felt regret since that night. But that doesn't change his actions after. And the path to redemption is gonna be long and hard for him indeed.

Once Jess had gone to sleep, she had been texting Tyler for the remainder of the night. While they had some action it doesn't give much in the grand scheme of things. Tyler was very supportive of her decision, because now they had another on their side. Perhaps even two now that Justin spilled everything. But Libby wasn't quite sure. About either of them.

Jess was nowhere close to the recovery phase with going through such a traumatic event. Libby doubted she'd be ready to prosecute the man. And Justin.......he was not stable. She couldn't trust him yet. Both need time, and so they will have it.

Libby started quietly cleaning up her room as she gazed at the time. She still had an hour to get to Liberty. Plenty of time as she waited for Jess to wake up.

She didn't have to wait long as Jess slowly opened her eyes with a weak smile. "Good morning."

Libby sighed. "You don't have to smile, you know? You don't have to pretend you're okay."

She sighs. "I also don't wanna be Hannah. Dumping all my problems on you and turning that into our friendship."

She shook her head. "That's not what you're doing. I didn't have a problem being Hannah's shoulder until that was all she called me for. I'm the one extending a hand to you. Please don't deal with this alone because you're worried about annoying me."

She took a shaky breath. "I don't know how to feel. I feel angry and scared and gross and just... wrong. I knew something wasn't right! I wanted to believe my boyfriend was being honest with me, that Justin would never do anything to hurt me, but he did. So fucking bad! And now I don't even-" She broke down.

Libby rushed over, but Jess put her hands up before she could hold her. Libby nodded and sat next to her in comfort. "I know you're scared right now, but I promise you that those that care about you will not stop fighting for you. And there's so many of us that do. I know you don't wanna fight right now, I know you're still processing everything, but when you're ready we will protect you. I will protect you with everything I have."

Jess cracked a small smile. "Does that mean I've been added to your list? With Clay and Tyler?"

Libby nodded. "Yep! Welcome to the club! I'll hold someone at gun point to keep you safe." That made her laugh. Just a little bit, but she'll take it. "Are you coming to school today?"

She bit her lip as she tensed up. "I can't. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. But I can't do it. I can't face any of them!"

Libby shushed her calmly. "It's okay. I'm honestly so happy you're giving yourself this space."

She started to calm down. "Are you going?"

She sighed. "I have to." Jess nodded in understanding. "Where will you go?"