lovely | thirteen reasons why

(24) bringing back tyler

There are moments in life where one has to come to grips with their own reality. Who they are as a person and what that means for their future. If they even have one. Sometimes these existential questions come in small doses, other times in larger bursts that lead to nothing good. But one thing was for certain, the road is hard for those who deny who they truly are.

And these nonsense thoughts were running through Libby's mind as the clock was literally ticking on her survival. The sirens were getting closer as she stared blankly at Clay, Jess, and Justin.

What just happened? She really hoped she was dreaming and she did not just stop her boyfriend from shooting up the school. She had no idea where this could have possibly come from. He just got back from the program. Was-was it because of her?

She shook those thoughts away. It wasn't her fault. It couldn't be. She tried to think of what could have been going through his mind. She recalled he was limping as he walked closer to Clay. To the school. Did something happen to him? She wasn't at school on Friday. Did something happen to him? The thought filled her body with dread as the urge to be with him again was soaring. She really wished she had gotten in that car with Tony.

But she couldn't. There was stuff she needed to do here.

Libby turned to Jess and Justin. "Get back inside. Tell everybody who knew about Tyler to say this was a false alarm. That there was no shooter and they were mistaken. Make sure they all get the message."

Clay asked. "Who called the cops?"

"Zach." Justin admitted.

Libby growled. "I broke his phone."

"He used Val's." Jess pointed out.

She shook her head. "It doesn't matter! Just make sure he follows the story. And if he tries to resist, remind him that Clay, Tony, and I will go down with Tyler." As the pair ran back inside, she turned to Clay. "Let's go."

His eyes widened. "H-how?"

She rolled his eyes. "Ty's car, idiot." He nodded and the two siblings got into Tyler's car, which still had the keys inside and the lights on.

Clay got in the driver's seat as Libby pulled out her phone. "What are you doing?"

She sighed. "I'm calling my father. He said Tyler was under Clarke protection now. Let's see how far that stretches." It only rang once before Giles picked up. "Hello, father. I'm ready to follow your rules. Join your ranks."

He sighed. "What do you want?"

She sighed. "I need a Clarke favor."

Giles smirked. "You've just begun and you're already asking things from me? Very bold."

Libby rolled her eyes. "I don't have a choice. I need your help now."

He was intrigued. Very intrigued. Her voice sounded desperate and tired. "I thought you were at a dance tonight. What could you possibly need?"

She decided to be blunt. "Covering up a crime. And getting rid of guns." She noticed Clay start to freak out as police cars zoomed past them. "Stop looking so scared! Clay, keep your face neutral and remain calm. Don't draw attention to us."

He took several deep breaths as he looked at the gun they took from Tyler sitting in the back.

Giles was livid. "What did you do?"

She shook her head. "Not me. I need your help with Tyler. Nobody saw anything. Well, the people who did are on our side and will keep the secret. But the important part is nobody got hurt and nobody is dead."