Clay sits in his car, waiting for Mia and Ani. But his eyes widen as he sees Police cars driving from the house. "What the fuck?" He whispers. He leans back in his seat and exhales. He hits his steering wheel, "Fuck!" He quietly yells as he drives up to the house. He stops his car and looks around, he sees the Sheriff and Mia's mom talking.

As the Sheriff walks away, he makes eye contact with Nora. "Mom!" Mia yells as she runs out of the house. Nora rips her eyes away from Clay's and looks at Mia. "Mia, what are you doing?" She asks.

"I want to come too." Mia states. Nora closes her eyes and shakes her head, "No, you can't you have school--"

"School can wait. This is my brother we're talking about." Mia says in a harsh whisper. Nora places her hands on her daughters cheeks and gives her a soft smile. "Out of everyone...you'll be the first to know, I promise. Just...keep your grades up, that's what you need to focus on." Nora states.

Mia wanted to keep arguing, she wanted to fight back. But she saw her mother's eyes and they were exhausted, her own eyes were the same way. Mia inhales and nods her head. "Okay, the first person?" Mia says making sure.

Nora nods her head as she looks into her daughters teary eyes. "The first person." She whispers. Mia exhales and hugs her mom tightly, blinking her tears away. Nora gets into the car and Mia watches as the car drives away. Mia catches sight of a familiar car, and sees the Sheriff walk away from that car.

Mia sees Clay in the drivers seat and they both make eye contact. She sees Ani get into the passenger seat and she wipes her eyes and walks back into the house. Clay looks back at the steering wheel confused, Mia didn't want to ride with him to school today? She always wanted to ride with him.

Clay tunes back in to hear Ani talking. "What happened?" He asks.

"They found a body. In the river." Ani states.

Clay's eyes widen, "Jesus! Bryce?" Clay asks quietly.

"Mrs. Walker is going to the morgue to do the ID." Ani explains.

"What about, Mia?" Clay asks quickly. Ani nods her head, "She wanted to go, but Mrs. Walker wants her to focus on school." Ani explains.

"Oh, God!" Clay exhales as he slightly shakes his head. "So, what? They think maybe...maybe it was an accident?" Clay asks.

Ani looks at him with her eye brows raised. "Do you think this many police cars turn up when it's an accident?" She questions him.

"M-Maybe he killed himself?" Clay says in a question, even though he was hoping it wasn't murder.

"Maybe..." Ani says nodding her head.

Clay closes his eyes, "They think it was murder." He whispers.

"They do."

"But kids don't kill kids, right? I mean, like school shootings and drugs and stuff, but not like that, not here." Clay says trying to convince himself.

"Didn't you want to kill him?" Ani asks as she shifts her body to face him.

Clay's eyes widen, "I didn't mean it!"

"Did you feel it?"

Silence develops between the two and Ani inhales. "We can't talk about this here. My mother could come outside." She states.

Clay nods his head as he feels his stomach turn. "I'm in trouble. Right, I'm in trouble."

"You came by here last week and you threatened to kill him and his mother heard you. And most likely your girlfriend as well. And now he's dead. I think we're in trouble." Ani says nodding her head.

"We are or I am?" Clay asks. Ani doesn't answer and she avoids eye contact.

Mia grabs her bag and slowly walks to the door. She touches the doorknob but stays in that position. 'What if Homecoming is the last time you see him?' Mia hears that malicious voice in the back of her head. She inhales and shakes her head she twists the doorknob and opens the door.

She walks to her car and unlocks it. 'Who would do such a thing? Kill your brother? Murder him--'

"Shut up!" Mia screams as she hits the steering wheel. Silence fills her car and she runs a hand through her hair and slowly breathes. "Don't unravel, not this time...everything's going to be okay..." She whispers to herself as she drives to school

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Mia bounces her leg as she sits in her class and doesn't take her eyes off of her phone. "Mia?" The teacher calls out. Mia doesn't answer and the class laughs quietly. "Mia, would you mind focusing on class--"

"I need a minute." Mia snaps.

The class's small chatter increases and the teacher looks around. "Miss Walker. Please get off of your--"

Mia's phone rings and she quickly answers it and walks out of the class with her bag. "Mom?" She squeaks as she places her shaky fingers on her bottom lip. "Mia...Oh Mia..." He mother says with a choked sob.

Mia heard it in her voice, that weight. It was the same kind of voice Clay had when he called her about Jeff, and it was the Same voice that Olivia had when she was telling Mia about Hannah. Mia shakes her head. "N-No...god...no..." Mia whispers as she feels her knees buckle. She leans against the lockers and slides to the ground.

"It was Bryce's body. I'm s-sorry...Bryce is..." Nora cries again and Mia feels the tears burn her eyes. "Dead..." Mia whispers. She covers her mouth and squeezes her eyes shut. She inhales and exhales quietly. 'Stay strong...'

"Wh-Where are you?" Mia whispers.

"I'm at the station right now and--"

"I'll be there in five minutes." Mia says standing up.

"No." Nora cuts her off. Mia leans her head against the locker, "Mom...please don't make me stay here..." Mia whispers as shakes her head.

"Mia, those people at your school need to see you strong. Show them they can't break you." Nora says.

Mia bites her lip, closes her eyes as tears fall down her face. "But they have. I'm broken mom, I can't change that." Mia says tiredly.

"Mia, please get back to class. Show them who you really are." Nora says. Mia feels an end of her mouth twitch. "Show them who I really am?" Mia questions her.

"Fine." She says coldly as she hangs up. Mia exhales as she wipes her face.

She readjusts her bag and walks back to her class. But she stops as she hears the PDA.

"May I have your attention, please? Moments ago, we received some extremely sad news from the Evergreen County Sheriff.  Former Liberty student Bryce Walker was found this morning and has been confirmed dead." Principal Bolan says over the PDA.

Mia feels her stomach turn as she hears those words. "Dead..." She whispers again. Her brother was dead.

"This is the only information we have this time, but we ask that you keep his family in your thoughts today. Crisis counseling services will be available for all students, and we encourage everyone who may need help to reach out."

Mia feels her breathing quicken, 'Family? It's only you and your mom. Can you really even count your dad?'

The bell rings and Mia looks around as the halls flood with kids. She feels so many eyes on her, she couldn't breathe. "Dead..." She whispers again.

Mia shoves through the crowd of kids and hears them whispering. "God, I don't know whether I should feel bad for her or relieved that he's gone?"

"How can she be here today at such a terrible time?"

"God I feel so bad for her."

"It's like whoever she gets close to dies."

Mia covers her mouth and runs down the hall. She vomits in the trashcan and silence surrounds her. She looks up and sees everyone looking at her. She wipes her mouth and walks to the bathroom. She washes her hands and rinses her mouth.

She looks at herself in the mirror. "Show them who I really am..." She whispers. She shakes her head, 'Who you really are? Please, no one's ready for that yet.'

Mia inhales and examines her red face and puffy eyes. The door opens and Mia turns and sees Jessica. They both look at each other for a while. Mia looks back at the mirror and grabs a paper towel to wipe her tears.

"Mia...I'm sorry for what happened to Bryce." Jessica says as she walks over to her. Mia chuckles softly, "You don't have to lie to me..." Mia says quietly. Jessica inhales, "Mia, I'm serious. I know that you and I haven't been on good terms lately--"

"And why is that. Exactly?" Mia questions as she looks at Jessica.

Jessica looks at the blonde girl, "I'm sorry for what happened, okay? I had to get them on my side." Jessica says trying to convince Mia.

Mia chuckles and wipes her tears, "I don't have time for this." Mia says walking away.

"Mia, wait--"

Mia stops and turns back to Jessica, "I was on your side...why couldn't that be enough?" Mia asks. Jessica was stunned and didn't know how to reply. Mia searches her eyes and scoffs, she turns back around and exits the bathroom.

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Mia looks in the mirror and lightly touches the cuts on her lip. She winces in pain. "I told you, you can't touch it." The voice says.

Mia rolls her eyes and opens the door to the bathroom. Clay looks up from his laptop and gives her a tight lipped smile. "Well, I can't help it. I like it." She says as she walks over to him.

Clay furrows his brows and smirks, "You like you're face being bruised and cut up?" He asks her a bit shocked.

Mia nods her head and sits on the bed next to him. "Huh." He says as he closes his laptop. Mia notices and knits her brows together. "Yeah...I think I look like a badass..." She says dragging her words out as she is curious about what he was hiding.

"Mia, that's crazy." He says with a chuckle. Mia looks into his eyes, "You mean...I'm crazy?" She asks with an eyebrow arched.

Clay's jaw tightens, "I-I did not say that!--"

"I know, but...it's fine. I know I am...crazy..." Mia says shrugging her shoulders. Clay sighs and turns his body to face her. "Everyone's a little crazy." He whispers.

Mia smiles softly and leans forward to kiss his lips. Clay sits up and kisses her back. Mia touches the back of his neck with one hand.

Clay touches Mia's waist and pulls her closer. Mia opens one eye and sees Clay slightly pushing his laptop away. Mia groans and separates from him. "Okay! What's going on?" She asks him.

Clay clears his throat, "Wh-What...are you talking about?" He asks.

Mia rolls her eyes, "I'm not stupid, Clay. I'm fine with us having our own business, but if you're this shit at keeping secrets then maybe you don't deserve to keep them." Mia says as she folds her arms.

Clay's tense body becomes slump and he grabs his laptop. Mia furrows her brows, "Oh..." Mia whispers as she looks at the laptop.

Her eyes widen but she wrinkles her nose, "Oh! God! Clay, I am so sorry...I didn't put it together." She says with her face heating up. Mia stands up from the bed, and Clay looks at her confused.

"Mia, what are you..." Clay looks down at the his laptop and his eyes widen. He sets it down and looks up at her red face. "Mia, I was not...I wasn't watching...No..." He says shaking his head.

Mia tilts her head, "Wait...then what were you--"

"I was...working on my writing. I write fan fiction." Clay confesses. Mia raises her brows, "You write, fan fiction?" Mia asks.

Clay nods his head and anxiously waits, until she laughs or makes fun of him. Mia nods her head and sits back down, "Cool." She says.

Clay looks at her, "Really?" He questions her. Mia smiles softly and nods her head.

"So...are you going to work on some now?" She asks.

Clay slightly shrugs his shoulders, "I mean...only if you want me to." He says to her.

Mia smiles, "Duh, of course! You can't leave your fans hanging." Mia lightly jabs him in the arm with her elbow.

"Go on. I'm still here." Mia says as she kisses his cheek. Clay smiles, "You're the best, you know that?" He raises his brows as he speaks with sincerity.

Mia tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I'm alright, I guess..."

Clay jabs his elbow in the side of her arm. "Hey, you are amazing."

Mia parks her car and walks into the house. She quietly sighs and closes the door. She stops walking as she hears chatter.

"Maybe, I thought we could be friends." Bryce states.

"But you know the world doesn't work that way. Your mother employs mine. Like, I have to be nice to you. Don't pout. It doesn't mean we can't be friendly."  Ani replies.

Mia feels her stomach turn, Ani was in the house? Alone with Bryce?

"We have to be honest about your situation."  Ani adds.

"And what do you think that is?" Bryce asks.

"I think...you're lonely, you lost your families trust. Your sister, mostly. And...I think you don't know who you can trust. I think you've hurt people and you're trying to change, but it's not easy 'cause it never is." Ani says factly.

"You know a lot." Bryce states. "So, it must be clear to you that I'm essentially fucked in this world." Bryce finishes.

Mia looks down at the ground and exhales. She wanted to go in there and interrupt them. She wanted to make sure that Ani was going to be okay. But, if Bryce was trying to change, she had to be patient...trust him.

Mia inhales and walks quietly up the stairs and to her room.

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Mia walks down the hall of school and spots her two friends. She smiles and walks over to them, she leans against the lockers and furrows her brows as she hears a certain word.

"Who's having awful sex?" Mia asks. Jessica and Ani look at the black haired girl and smile. "Me." Jessica answers.

Mia smirks at Jessica unenthusiastic 'Me'. "It's just. I thought that I was ready, but...you know, all the stuff that I should feel good about just...makes me feel nothing. And he tries so hard, I feel bad." Jessica explains.

Mia crosses her arms and inhales, "I mean, that's actually normal." Mia states. Jessica turns to Mia, "Did you go through the same thing?" She asks.

Mia raises her brows and blows air out of her mouth. "I actually still am..." She says as she touches her earlobe and scrunches her face in embarrassment. Jessica and Ani mouths hang open.

"Wait have you and Clay had--"

"No, no...we haven't I just...we've tried to do things. Then I freak out...well, not like screaming. But I just...I can't breathe and...I tell him that I have to go home or if we can wait." Mia groans and covers her eyes.

"I feel bad, because...even after John, I was with...Jeff but even with him I didn't...feel anything." Mia confesses with hesitance.

Jessica feels a pain in her chest as she knows what Mia is going through. "Maybe you guys should try figuring it out on your own first?" Ani says trying to give out ideas.

Mia and Jessica confusedly look at Ani. "What?" They both question. Jessica and Mia turn to each other and at the same time something clicks in their head. "Oh! You mean, like..." Jessica tries to hint at what she's trying to say without saying it.

"Masturbate." Ani and Mia say.

Jessica looks around, "Ssh! Jesus!" Jessica says.

Mia chuckles, "Please after what I've been through at this school, I think I'm done being embarrassed."  Mia chuckles.

Ani looks at Jessica and Mia, "So, I'm guessing you two have never..." Ani looks at the girls.

Mia shrugs her shoulders, "Of course not!/Once" Jessica and Mia say at the same time.

Jessica looks at Mia with wide eyes. Mia looks at Jessica cluelessly, "What? I was curious." She says simply.

Mia inches closer to Jessica, "It's very eye opening."

They all laugh and walk down the hall.

Mia opens the door slowly and walks into the cold house. She shivers and closes the door behind her. She looks at the chair and sighs, "Mom..." Mia says in a barely whisper.

Nora lifts her head up, her puffy eyes meet her daughter's. Mia drops her bag on the ground and engulfs her mom in a weak hug. She inhales and tries her best not to cry. She needed to stay strong for her mom.

Nora runs a hand through her daughter's hair and places her lips on top of her head, while shushing her quietly.

"Did they say anything else?" Mia asks as she lifts her head up and looks at her mom. Nora sniffs and shakes her head. "Not yet, no. Sadly."

Mia stands up and shakes her head, "This is ridiculous..." Mia shakes her head. She hears the door and she inhales. She walks over tot he door and opens the door.

She meets a pair of blue eyes and she inhales, "Clay...what are you doing here?" She asks quietly.

"Mia, I heard about--"

"Who's at the door?" Nora asks. Mia turns to her mom, "Oh, just Ani." Mia says. She turns to Clay, "Let's talk outside." She smiles.

Mia steps out of the house and closes the door, her smile dropping. She looks to the side and chuckles, "Ani actually is here..." She says with disappointment.

"Sorry to disappoint." Ani says.

Mia shakes her head, "Oh Ani, you disappointed me weeks ago." Mia says simply as she crosses her arms.

"Mia, I'm so sorr--"

"Stop." Mia says cutting him off.

"Wh-What?" He asks confused. Mia looks at him, "You aren't sorry, Clay. Bryce hurt so many people you cared about and...you just...don't start lying to me now." She says as she itches above her eyebrow.

"Bryce hurt you too, didn't he?" Ani questions her.

Mia looks over at her, "What?" Mia shoots back.

Ani shakes her head, "Nothing." She says.

"We have to ask you something. Do you know if Bryce ever had any girls over this summer?" Clay asks.

Mia looks at Clay as he asks her. "No, why?" She asks.

"Jessica, did you ever see Jessica here?" Ani asks.

Mia shakes her head, "No." Mia answers.

"Okay, do you know if they ever had sex?" Ani asks. Mia furrows her brows and covers her mouth. She laughs, "Oh my god." She says.

She un covers her mouth, "Are you two like, trying to figure out who killed my brother?" She asks.

Clay and Ani look at each other. "You are. Aw Jeez, listen. If my mom and I wanted the investigation to be screwed up we would've done it ourselves." Mia chuckles.

Clay slightly shrugs his shoulders, "I actually think we're doing a good job--"

"Well isn't that terrific! For a celebration you should give Ani a big old wet kiss on the mouth, oh wait..." Mia says sarcastically. Her expression drops and she goes back to the door, "Jessica and Bryce weren't sleeping together. That's so fucking stupid." She says with a scoff.

"She said she wanted to reclaim her power, rewrite her story. Remember?" Ani asks her. Mia turns back to Ani, "Of course I know that. But...you obviously weren't listening or paying attention if you think it was Bryce." Mia says running a hand through her hair.

"Then who?" Ani asks.

Mia chuckles and looks at Clay. "How about you two 'lovebirds' figure it out, huh?" She says with a pained smile.

Clay feels his chest tighten, "Mia, wait--"

" Sorry I don't have time to play detective with you, but I've got to go back in there and pretend to be strong. For my mother. Because she's doing the same for me!" Mia shouts. She covers her mouth and closes her eyes.

She opens them again, Ani and Clay see the tears in them. "I'll see you guys later..." Mia says quietly.

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"So hows was your first day?" Clay asks Justin.

"Uh, turns out I'm a fucking genius at making lattes. And Mia is a great fucking trainer." Justin states as he roots through the refrigerator. "Oh, how come you're all dressed up?" Justin asks.

"Because. I have a date." Clay states. Justin raises his brows, as he turns to Clay.

"I mean, Kind of...I think. I'm hanging out with Mia at night some place." Clay stammers.

Justin chuckles, "Shit! That's a date. I mean...you guys are technically dating now, right?" Justin asks.

Clay inhales and nods his head, "Yeah, I mean...we really haven't had a really official date yet, so...yeah..." Clay states.

"You ask her out?" Justin asks.

Clay nods his head, "Kind of...it was hard to tell. I asked her if she wanted to eat dinner...with me...and she said yes." Clay describes.

"Okay. Yeah, that counts. Okay, so, don't talk too much, cause you tend to get nervous and then just talk." Justin states harshly. Clay blinks, a little offended.

"Um, don't talk about other girls. And if she wants to sex with you in the Prius, I would say just...think about it first." Justin finishes shrugging his shoulders.

"But...you better treat her right." Justin points at him.

Clay slightly shakes his head, "I-If she wants to what?"

The waitress sits the sandwiches down in front of them and Mia gasps. "Oh cool!" She exclaims.

Clay smiles as he sees her eyes light up from the food in front of her. She grabs her sandwich and takes a bite of it. Mia closes her eyes and nods her head, "The only thing that could be better than a good burger is a good sandwich." Mia says as she eats.

Clay swallows his food. "I am so sorry about that place." He apologizes.

Mia looks at him and swallows her food. "It's fine Clay, it happens all the time." Mia shrugs her shoulders.

Clay shakes his head, "It shouldn't." He states. Mia smiles softly, "Yeah, well...some people just, don't like to know the person. They just base them off of their family members." Mia shrugs her shoulders.

"You're not Bryce." Clay says.

Mia nods her head, "Thanks." Mia says sincerely. They both stare into each other's and Mia inhales, "But let's not talk about Bryce." Mia states.

"How's your..." Mia looks around and leans in closer to him. "Fan fiction, going?" She asks quietly. Clay chuckles, "It's going..." He says as he bites into his sandwich.

Mia squints her eyes, "You're not going to tell me what you're planning next, are you?" She questions him. Clay raises his brows. Mia pouts her lips, "Clay. Cliff hangers are the worst, you can't do this to me!" She says with exaggeration.

Clay laughs, "Sorry. Patience is key." He says zen like.

Mia rolls her eyes playfully and takes a bite out of her sandwich. She looks at Clay as he eats. He feels eyes on his face and he turns to face her.

Mia tilts her head and she smiles. "What?" He chuckles.

Mia shakes her head slightly, "It seems like you're more into that sandwich than you are into me." Mia states.

Clay chuckles and shakes his head, "There's no way that's true." He says. Mia stops chewing and Clay feels his face heat up and Mia smiles softly and continues chewing again.

"Well...I love this sandwich...probably a bit more than you." Mia says as she takes another bite. Clay chuckles, "Shut up." He mumbles with a chuckle. She laughs.

Mia inhales and looks at Clay, "Is this a date?" She asks bluntly. Clay coughs on his food and Mia's eyes widen. "Oh."

He hits his chest lightly. "I-I-I mean--"

"Clay? Mia?" They both look up and see Tyler.

"Ty? What...what are doing here? Where's Justin?" Mia asks him worriedly.

"He never showed." Tyler answers her. "I just came by to see if maybe he was working, and it was me who mixed things up, but um--"

"Wait, so you're just by yourself?" Clay asks.

"Yeah. Why should I just go home?" He asks.

Mia smiles softly and shakes her head. "Of course not. You can join us." Mia states.

"I mean, cause it kind of feels like you two are...on a date, or...something." Tyler states.

Clay looks at Mia and shakes her head. "Nope. Definitely not a date." Clay states. Mia feels her chest tighten and she inhales and smiles.

Tyler sits down and Mia pushes him the part of the sandwich she didn't eat. Tyler looks at the sandwich and at her.

Mia shrugs her shoulder, "I didn't poison it." Mia says as she snickers. Tyler reaches for the sandwich and takes a bite out of it.

Mia smiles softly and pushes down her worries as she drinks some of her water.