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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I sat in the dimly lit library, the heavy silence only broken by the occasional turning of a page or a quiet cough. My phone buzzed, and I checked the time again. Zach and Justin would be here any minute. I’d texted them earlier, telling them to meet me, but I hadn't explained much. My heart pounded as I ran through the plan in my head for the hundredth time.
The door creaked open, and Zach stepped in, followed closely by Justin. They both looked concerned, their eyes searching mine for answers.
Zach was the first to speak. “You said you wanted to talk?”
I nodded, standing up to face them. “I’ve changed my plan,” I announced, the weight of my decision making my voice sound steadier than I felt.
Zach let out a breath of relief. “Thank God. I was afraid of what you were about to do with Monty…”
I shook my head, cutting him off. “I’m not doing it with Monty anymore.”
Justin frowned, confused. “Then who?”
I took a deep breath. “I’m going to do this with Scott Reed.”
Justin’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Scott Reed?” His voice was laced with shock, as if the idea itself was ridiculous.
“Yes,” I confirmed, keeping my tone firm. “He knows everything, and we’re just going to act.”
“Val,” Justin said cautiously, “Are you sure about this?”
I crossed my arms and gave him a look. “Don’t you trust him?”
Zach shifted uncomfortably, weighing his words. “I know him… not that well, but better than Monty, at least.”
Justin chimed in, his voice more certain this time. “He’s a nice guy, Val. Better than a lot of us, honestly.”
A flicker of hope sparked inside me. “So, this will work then?”
Justin hesitated, glancing at Zach before speaking. “But what if Bryce finds out? Or worse, what if Bryce thinks it’s okay because it’s Scott? He wouldn’t let Monty near you, but he might not say anything about Scott.”
I bit my lip, considering that for a moment. “Well, if Scott and I pretend to be dating, Bryce won’t intervene. But what if Scott took me to the clubhouse?”
Justin’s expression turned serious. “Val, this is…”
Zach, who had been quietly thinking, finally spoke up. “It’ll work. But…” He paused, his brows furrowing. “It’s dangerous.”
“Why is that?” I asked, trying to keep my voice from shaking.
Justin leaned forward, concern etched on his face. “We can’t be sure who’ll be there, Val. Some of the other jocks might show up. It could create a lot of issues.”
