13 reasons Why Not

chapter 36 - Ridgeview: part 2

Justin's POV

Hearing the words leave Monty's mouth, at first I thought I'd misheard his previous statement. Looking at Jess I soon realised I was wrong, seeing the shock and sadness in her eyes something came over me.

"What the hell Monty?"

My voice instantly causing him to pay attention, Monty looked half shocked and annoyed.

Jumping to my feet, he immediately replied to my question...

"You heard Foley, come on you know what she done with Bryce."

At that moment every memory of that night returned, at that moment he was Bryce. Remembering how stupid I was letting him in that room, what he did to Jess, what I let him do.

Staring at Monty, I could feel every muscle in my body tense up, I've never felt so angry...

Jess's POV

Before now I'd never seen Justin react like this, saying that I'd not felt as shocked in a long time. Frozen, at first I couldn't believe the words that left Monty's mouth, I didnt know someone could be that cruel...

Thinking about it I realised it was expected,

At that moment, seeing the smile on Monty's face now made sense, what he was doing to Justin. As shocked as I was I couldn't let him get the reaction he wanted, that's the last thing we need before next week, I just hope I can stop him...

Clays POV

Holding Hannah's hand as we walked through the pretty streets of Ridgeview, I began wondering what might have been. Hearing Hannah's stories of her childhood, the good times she once had. I couldn't help but think, what if her unfortunate events had never happened?

The story of her learning to ride her bike, playing with her friends in Kennedy park. These seemed like a million miles away from our reality, she seemed so happy.

Thinking about this I had mixed emotions about today, as hard as it might be all I've ever wanted is Hannah to be happy. Watching her now, realising all the pain she's endured. I knew that even if it meant I'd never met her, without these events she could have been happy.

Looking at how beautiful she is, every part of me prays that I make her happy, I hope that she knows she's loved.

Thinking of this, my mouth opened...

Hannah's POV

As me and Clay approached Ridgeview town I couldn't help but gaze at the setting I once called home. I'd forgotten how pretty it was, how many good memories it held from my childhood. I've now realised that although Ive had bad experiences here, they don't define me as a person. Saying this a special person had helped me, looking at Clay I knew his qualities have no limits.

Approaching Ridgeway cafe, my nerves had grown with the anticipation of what was about to happen. Knowing I'd done nothing wrong I asked myself, did Sarah know this? How would she react seeing me? Then again I never stopped it...

As we continued to walk hand in hand, I prepared myself for the worst outcome possible.

Suddenly from nowhere I felt my hand stop, looking at Clay he'd paused. Gazing at him, he looked deep in thought...

"Hannah..."

Pulling me closer Clays stare only become more intense, the more I looked at him the less I worried, the warmer I felt.

"Being here with you, seeing where you grew up. I loved hearing about you and your friends..."

Listening to clay, he sounded so thoughtful... his eyes were so honest.