lacuna = thirteen reasons why

Eleven

Chapter Eleven:

Edited: ✔️

"You know who talked to me today?" Ophelia leaped next to Clay, matching his pace as they walked on the sidewalk away from Liberty High. The day had finally come to a close, she was thrilled to be going home.

"Who?"

"Bryce." She snorted, "Don't know what he wants, though. He's an asshole."

Clay's head snapped towards Ophelia, his eyes widened as he pulled her to a stop. "You stay away from him. You need— please don't talk to him."

"Okay, jeez." She chuckled, "He's already on the people to avoid list anyways."

"Am I on that list?" He questioned, trying to hide the way he just freaked out.

"No but sometimes I want to put you on it."

"Wow, thanks."

Ophelia smiled, attention floating around. Speak of the devil, she thought as her eyes landed on Bryce and Justin. They were leaning against a tree by the nearest bus stop, she could have sworn they were pointing in her direction. She glanced at Clay, to see if he noticed but it seemed he didn't even clue in to them being so close. She looked over again and huffed as the two teenagers made their way over.

"Shit." She mumbled, grabbing Clay's hand and dragging him faster up the street. They crossed the road and headed towards Clay's house since it was closer. "Why is Bryce and Justin following us?"

"I don't know." She whispered, "So we keep walking."

"Yo, Ophelia!" Bryce's voice called out, "Hey—"

"What do you want?" Clay questioned coming to a stop, inching in front of her.

"Woah, hey, I just wanted to talk to Woods."

Ophelia rolled her eyes, meeting his gaze. "You act just like her, you know."

"Screw off." Ophelia spat, she turned and grabbed ahold of Clay's arm as they took off back down the street.

Bryce snickered, "I've got to say though, you should have landed on that list, Woods. From this point of view your ass looks way better."

She scoffed, "I'm going to punch him."

"No you're not." Clay mumbled, "I am."

Ophelia sighed, "He's on the tapes, isn't he?"

"Yes."

"How bad?"

"The worst."

"I'm so going to punch him."

Clay pursed his lips, "Don't listen to him. Don't even talk to him, Lia. It's serious."

"I can tell." She watched his facial expression relax, "I've never talked to him before, so why would I start now?"

"He gets in your head! That's what happened with Hannah— just promise me you'll avoid him, alright? If he tries anything, you tell me. I'm not losing you, Ophelia."

She blinked slowly, this meant more to him than she first thought. He wasn't joking around anymore. "I promise."

*~*~*

The café was quieter than usually, only a few employees were left besides herself, Tony and Clay. Skye, a girl from school worked here. Ophelia had always wanted to talk to the girl but never had enough courage, especially when Hannah advised her to steer clear.

"So." Tony began, playing with the straw from his glass of water. "How are you holding up, Ophelia?"

"I'm okay, I guess."

"Look." Clay interrupted, pushing his coffee out of his way. "Just for tonight can we not talk about Hannah? Can we just try to have a fun night, only the three of us?"

Tony nodded, "I'm sick of seeing you two so depressed. I'm in."

Ophelia agreed, "Yeah, I could use some distractions. But when we get back, you're telling me the whole truth. You hear me, Clay Jensen?"

Tony snorted, "You hear her?"

"Yes." He nodded standing up, "Now c'mon. Let's go."