lovely | thirteen reasons why

(30) hello, senior year

This was it. The last week of summer. Sheri was about to head to college where she would be saying goodbye for the last time. Libby was preparing for a busy final year as she juggles Tyler, cheer, and school all at once. Meanwhile, Tyler was terrified at the prospect of returning to school. Knowing who would be waiting for him was the biggest dread of his life. Because he really did feel like he was getting better, and he feared all of the progress he made over the summer would be lost the second he comes face to face with his monster. Why did he have to be so fucked up?

Sheri decided to make the rounds on everyone, including Clay. Despite how she feels about her decision on their last date, a part of her understands how complicated things will be with her gone and him remaining to clean up the messes she left behind when she graduated. There was so much left unsaid and she wanted him to at least know she wishes him well in what he's looking for. Because Clay Jensen deserved happiness after all this time, and come hell or high water he was going to get a good ending.

What she didn't know was that Libby had already planned for a surprise going away party for the girl who had quickly become a very close friend. She decided the best place to do it was in Clay and Justin's room/house, so she showed up unannounced to start setting up.

Clay was in annoyed disbelief while Justin found it amusing. "You could have asked to throw a party here beforehand."

She snorted. "Why? So you could make it all about Ani at the last minute?"

He turned to Justin. "Stop telling her shit about my personal life! That's not what happened."

Justin laughed. "It basically is. How does a guy fumble the bag that much?"

Clay rolled his eyes. "She wasn't asking me on a date."

"She was." Libby denied.

He glared. "And I'm not some player, but she was the one who said it wasn't a big deal. And Ani was excited about the movie. I wanted to be nice."

She shook her head. "Clay, she was obviously asking you on a date. And as a response you invited the girl you are so clearly crushing on to the movies without asking her first if it was okay. And don't try to deny that's the case! Justin wouldn't lie to me about something this fucking pathetic."

"Only if it's funny." He cut in.

Clay turned pink. "I didn't mean for it to come across like I was blowing Sheri off for Ani."

Justin snorted. "Really?"

"Shut up!" He snapped.

"It doesn't matter what you meant to happen!" She shouted over the boys. "What you did upset her. She likes you, Clay, and you made her feel second fiddle. If you don't like her back say that, but don't invite another girl on your date."

"Tyler was there!" He defended. "How was I supposed to know it was a real date?" This time, they both laughed. "Can you both stop? Unlike you two I've never had a serious relationship before! Hannah was a dead end and Skye never went anywhere. I don't know what it feel like to be desired."

She scoffed. "Do you know how many people have liked your oblivious ass? Too many to keep track! Yet you never learn. That's your superpower."

Justin laughed. "Horrible superpower, man. Sheri is hot and you're letting her go for someone we don't know even likes you."

He rolled his eyes. "Sheri is leaving, and she's too involved in my life. We know each other too much for anything to happen. But Ani could like me. And she's like a breath of fresh air."

Libby sighed. "Your fucking funeral. I can try and see if she likes you, but from the way she acts I think someone else might have caught her eye."

"Who?" Clay asked.