lovely | thirteen reasons why

(36) jess and justin

Libby had been texting Clay back and forth since she woke up. Tyler's arms were still wrapped tight around her waist as he was still asleep. She would occasionally rub up and down his back out of a need to touch him. The sun was coming up and illuminating his beautiful face perfectly. Sometimes she felt like crying she was so in love. But back to Clay. He was pissed off at everyone because Ani fucked Bryce, Laine hired Vasquez in the wake of his accusation, and Justin and Matt were siding with her. He was scared, rightfully so he was being accused of a crime he didn't commit.

She knew in her heart that if the Walker's wanted to get to Clay, they would have to get through an entire army worth of teenagers. After everything Clay did for her this past year alone, she owed it to stand by him now.

She was so entranced by her baby's peaceful figure and her brother's meltdown that she didn't register the door opening until it swung open. Ms. Down was standing outside of it with her arms crossed. "Libby, we need to have a chat. With both of you about this."

Libby sighed. She knew this was coming as she lightly pushed Tyler awake. He stirred but jolted up when he saw his mom staring right at his girlfriend. "I can explain-"

She shook her head. "You can do so in the living room, sweetheart."

The two started putting proper clothes on as she tried to cheer him up. "I mean, we had to have known this would end up happening eventually. Them finding out. What? Would I just be living under their roof for the rest of senior year? I honestly think they had an idea this was happening for a while now, just didn't say anything. I mean, they flat out told me of their suspicions a few times. And if they forbid me from staying over anymore, I think we're in a better position now than before. I believe you'll be alright without me now. But I will miss this. It was fun while it lasted." And she gave him a kiss on the cheek as she passed him.

Tyler was terrified. He knew she was just trying to make him feel better, but the thought of his Libby not being with him anymore was a living nightmare. She was his peace and his parents were threatening that. Why? What was the big issue here? She was his girlfriend and they were in love. They should be allowed to sleep in the same bed.

The two of them sat on the couch as his parents stared at them with disappointment. "You're telling us the day after we discovered you were doing this, you still decided to hide her in our house? What's gotten into you? You both have been lying to us for months!" They were very upset.

His dad shook his head. "We just want to know why you decided to hide this from us. Why you would do it in the first place?"

Libby swallowed hard. "I didn't mean for this to grow into such a big secret. But I refuse to apologize for staying over with him. Helping him sleep."

Ms. Down sighed. "We always appreciate when you come around, Libby. And we love how much you have done for our son. But we're sorry, these sleepovers have to be at an end."

That snapped Tyler straight out of his fear. "No! You can't!"

His mother sighed. "Tyler-"

He didn't give her the chance. "No! You aren't taking her away from me! I need her to sleep! I need her! She is staying here!"

His father was caught off guard by his attitude. "Tyler! Do not speak to your mother that way!"

She shook her head. "You know what? I think the two of you spending some time apart is what's needed. From what I gather here, you have become far too codependent on her for your stability and that makes me very concerned for your well-being. I'm sorry, sweetheart. She has to go."

Tyler was hyperventilating as Libby reached out for him. She held him for a few seconds as he tried to get his words out. "It's not codependency! I don't spend all my time with her. But when I go to sleep I need her there. She chases away the nightmares. She brings me back. I-I can't lose that. Mom, dad, please don't do this. I'll do anything you want! Whatever you want from me it's yours. Just don't make her leave!"