Valentina Anderson tried to end her life on the same day as Hannah Baker, but survived to face a world unraveling with secrets. She never imagined her life would be defined by loss. First, it was Jeff Atkins, the love of her life, tragically taken i...
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The next day, I texted Jessica and asked her to meet me at Monet’s. Clay came with me, a silent but steady presence by my side as we waited. When Jessica arrived, she sat down, her eyes already filled with a heavy sadness.
“Thank you for meeting me here,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, though the weight of everything hung between us.
Jessica’s eyes softened with sympathy. “I’m sorry for Jeff... and your baby, Val. I really am.”
I nodded, my throat tightening. “I... I heard the other tapes.”
Jessica’s gaze drifted to Clay before she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. “He was the only one who tried to tell me the truth,” she said, looking at Clay with something like gratitude.
“I know what Bryce did to you,” I said quietly. “And to Hannah.”
Jessica’s eyes met mine, her expression unreadable. Clay reached into his bag and placed the box of tapes on the table in front of her.
“I’ll burn these,” Clay said, his voice firm. “I’ll light them on fire and let them burn until they’re... I don’t know, melted plastic and ash. It’s your call.”
I glanced at Jessica, seeing the weight of the decision pressing down on her. “But if you want to fight... if you want him to pay for what he did, these tapes can help.”
Clay nodded. “They’re proof.”
Jessica’s voice trembled with frustration. “You want me to tell the whole goddamn world what happened to me?”
I leaned forward, speaking gently but with purpose. “I want you to do what you want to do. Whatever’s going to make this better for you—if anything can. But I’m not gonna lie. I want him to pay for what he did.”
Jessica’s eyes filled with doubt. “Will he, though? I mean... have you listened to the last tape? You know what happens when girls try to get help?”
“I listened,” I said softly. “That’s why I wanted to ask you before we do anything more.”
Jessica’s face paled. “I’d have to tell the police. I’d have to tell my dad.”
“Yeah,” I admitted, understanding the weight of that decision.
“I don’t think I can do that,” she whispered, her voice thick with fear and shame.
“I’m not pushing you, Jessica,” I assured her. “We just want you to know, we’re with you in this. No matter what.”
Jessica looked at me, her voice bitter. “Isn’t he your cousin?”
I felt a surge of anger rise in my chest. “He’s a rapist, Jess. He’s just a fucking rapist.”
But she shook her head, conflicted and broken. I took a deep breath, calming myself.
