Hidden Truths - Season One

Chapter One: The Aftermath

Hey, it's Hannah. Hannah Baker. That's right, don't adjust your... whatever device you're listening to this on.....

"That list got it right, Hannah."

"It's a shadow over the moon. Growing slowly."

"Hey, I thought you were easy!"

"Is this okay?"

"More than okay."

"I don't want you in here!"

The way I see it, there are two possibilities...

"I just want it to stop..."

"Oh my god! HANNAH!"

"Call 911! Quick!"

"We have a teenager, Baker, Hannah, age 16, two lacerations on her wrists, we have reason to believe they were self-inflicted!"

"One teen, Jensen, Clay was on the scene, and patched her wounds prior to EMTs arriving. Parents Olivia and Andy Baker are devastated, but hopeful their daughter will make a full recovery."

"Patient stabilized, but we recommend a medically induced coma while her injuries heal..."

Air Force Academy Hospital, just outside of the town of Crestmont

Colorado Springs

Clay Jensen sat in the waiting room of the ICU of the nearby Air Force Academy Hospital. Normally, Hannah would have been taken to the Crestmont Aurora Health Care center, but so dire was her situation that she was instead admitted to the closer institution. Clay was thankful that the people here seemed to have more humanity than most doctors he'd seen recently. He still felt as though he was trapped in a waking dream on the verge of becoming a nightmare. And whether or not it would turn out that way hinged on one thing: Hannah Baker awakening.

Jessica Davis sat in the chair next to Clay, eyes downcast, feeling grateful, perhaps for the first time, that her father worked in the Air Force, and thus his name carried some weight. Without it, she wasn't sure Hannah would be alive. Still, neither teen could escape the part they had each played, whether directly or not, for Hannah's current situation. Not long after bringing her to the hospital, Tony had arrived with a walkman, and a set of tapes. Clay and Jessica had listened to all thirteen sides, each detailing the reasons for Hannah's attempt. And the part they played in it.

Jessica felt hurt, angry, and betrayed. Hurt that she had caused Hannah such pain. Anger at herself for not seeing the signs, and for pushing someone she had once considered a sister to such a low point.

And betrayal by her boyfriend Justin Foley, who had concealed what Bryce Walker had done to her.

Of course, she was a little mad at Hannah for also concealing this, but the more she thought about it, given the context, she understood why Hannah had said nothing. She had been forced to hide, and witness the despicable act of the jock violating Jessica as she slept.

In her position, I'd have been just as scared, she thought.

Clay knew Hannah had told him on his tape that he had done nothing wrong. That didn't mean he agreed with that sentiment. He had seen what she was going through, had seen that she needed someone, anyone to talk to. And he had said nothing. Had done nothing, but sit and stare from the sidelines because he was too afraid to tell her how he felt. And as a result, he had nearly lost her forever.

Jessica and Clay glanced at each other, and came to an unspoken agreement. As soon as Hannah awoke, they would do their best to make amends. Jessica wanted her friend back. Clay wanted to finally tell Hannah how he felt, and promise to never leave her on the sidelines again.