lovely | thirteen reasons why

(19) the tapes get leaked

Libby walked into school like a woman on a mission. Today was Clay's day to testify, she had to find a way to fix Mortimer's stupid mistake before Giles found out and punished him, and it was Alex's birthday. All the reason to keep herself busy. And she loved it that way.

She arrived to school early with Zach to put up the banner as Jess led Alex through the long way. All of them worked together to make this surprise happen, and it made Libby so happy. They were being kids in high school. Normalcy, what she always wanted.

She stood on the ladder as Zach held it steady. "Remind me why you're doing this?"

She rolled her eyes. "Because I called dibs. Also it's easier to run away if Bryce sees you hanging up a banner that says Happy Birthday, Alex on it."

His face hardened. "You've been talking to Clay too much. He makes an enemy out of everyone."

Libby shook her head. "I don't think he's being entirely unreasonable with the fact you are still friends with someone you know raped two people. One of which being your summer hookup."

He swatted his head around. "Would you keep your voice down! Look, I play baseball with him, I can't just avoid that! What do you want me to do, quit the team?"

She shook her head. "You don't have to be friends with them to be a team player. Jeff was the best team player you had and he was friends with none of you. He didn't like how you treated nerds like Clay. Or women. I don't think you do either."

Zach found it hard to argue with that, but thankfully didn't have to as his girlfriend came at the best moment.

"I brought confetti poppers! Sharp noises aren't bad for him, right?" Val asked in concern.

Zach laughed as he wrapped his arms around her, nearly hiding the girl. "You are so cute."

Val pouted. "I feel bad I haven't talked to Alex that much. He seems way nicer than the other guys. No offense to your friends."

Libby snorted. "Full offense. Why do you think I stopped hanging out with that crowd. Trust me, Val, you're better off staying away."

Val sighed. "I don't wanna be mean to Chloe by disrespecting her boyfriend, and Monty is my best friend's brother. I can handle them. For my Zachy." Libby fake gagged at the two as she continued hanging the banner.

The signal was alerted as Clay jogged up ahead, so Libby quickly got rid of the ladder as Alex and Jess rounded the corner. "Surprise!" Val popped the confetti and started spreading it around the hall.

What surprised Alex more was getting a hug from Val. "Happy birthday, Alex! 18 is a big one and you deserve all the fun for it!"

Alex put on a smile. "Oh, thanks, Val. I guess."

Her smile faltered. "I did too much again."

Alex's awkwardness faded instantly. "Not at all. I love your energy, it's contagious." Her smile returned and everybody rejoiced.

But that joy was ruined as the idiot brigade came barreling into the hall. "Nice banner, Alex. Is your mommy bringing in cupcakes for the whole class?" Bryce wrapped his arm around Alex as Libby stalked forward.

She crossed her arms. "Don't get envious cause your friends wouldn't do this for you, Brycey."

Bryce smirked. "Aw, wittle baby Awex needs big strong Wibby to change his diaper?"

Monty laughed. "He already needs help crossing the street. Needs his friends to hold his hand."

Scott laughed. "Maybe his mommy will get him a new cane." She stared at him in shock. Well, that was unlike him.