Chapter 4

Vada found Hannah in one of the tables outside. She wasn't alone this time; Clay was sitting next to her.

She studied the pair for a moment; it seemed as if they were having a very intimate conversation that Vada wasn't supposed to be a part of. Clay was looking at Hannah in an 'I want to be more than friends' type of way, but the brunette was completely oblivious to it. Vada walked back inside the school, figuring it would be best to speak to Hannah later.

The redhead immediately regretted that decision. Bryce and his goons had taken over the school halls. Why are athletes always treated like Gods in high schools? All they do is play games and show off. That is nothing spectacular about that.

She'd only been at Liberty for two days and already disliked Bryce. His comment about Jeff had pissed her off more than anything else. Vada hoped neither he or his girlfriend had heard about it.

When the lead jock noticed her presence, he looked at her up and down, as if she were a sundae. Vada wanted to scratch his eyes out. I need to get out of his hallway before I kick his ass.

She went back outside, thinking about what she was going to cook for dinner tonight. The money her father had given her was running out, and Vada didn't want to call him to ask for more. She needed to get a job soon.

Hannah and Clay were nowhere to be seen this time. Vada sighed and sat by herself in the nearest empty table. She thought about the horrible things that other girls had written about Hannah in the bathroom, and how awful things must be for her. It was easy for Vada to sympathize with Hannah, especially after how things had ended for her at her previous school. I hope no one ever finds out about that.

Vada dreaded the moment gym class began. There was nothing more humiliating than having to run around in shorts and a tight shirt. But the worst part of all was when the teacher divided them into groups to play volleyball.

She ended up in a team with five other girls. One of them was Jessica, whom she had seen yesterday in her English class. Another one introduced herself as Sheri, whose friendliness eased Vada's nerves a bit. The other three didn't even bother speaking to her.

There was one particular girl from the rival team that was giving Vada the death glare. Please don't tell me that this is Jeff's girlfriend.

Vada spent the majority of the game hiding behind Jessica and Sheri; the stars of the team. She felt stupid and wanted to contribute in some way before the game ended, even if she ended up making a fool of herself. When the ball headed her way, she hit it as hard as she could, so it would return to the opposing team's side of the net. Luckily for her, none of the rival players managed to get to it in time, and the ball hit the floor, earning points for Vada's team. They had now officially won.

"Way to go, new girl!" Jessica complimented her. Sheri gave Vada a soft pat on the back, and even her other teammates looked pleased. Vada was just happy it was over.

She changed in the locker room as quickly as she could. It was embarrassing having to remove her clothes in public, and she was eager to leave.

"Hey, you!" The girl that had been glaring at her earlier spoke, walking towards Vada.

Oh, this doesn't look good. "Yes?"

"Jeff is my boyfriend, okay? I don't care if you leave close to his house. You're not getting into his car ever again, you hear me?"

Vada couldn't stop herself from laughing. Talk about overreacting. "And who are you to tell me what to do? If he offers me a ride again, I'll gladly accept. It's not my fault that he's so approachable."

"Shut up!" Leah shot back. "If you talk to him again, you're going to be in big trouble!"

Jessica, Sheri, and the rest of the girls watched the exchange silently, and Vada was grateful the teacher wasn't in the locker room with them. Not that she was planning on hurting Leah in any way. Unless she hurts me first.

"Like I said. If he talks to me, I'll talk to him." Vada said calmly. "Jealousy doesn't look good on anyone, so I suggest you calm down." Wouldn't want him to break up with you.

Leah didn't seem to have a comeback for that. She turned around and returned to her locker. "She hangs out with Hannah Baker, so she must be a slut just like her." Vada heard her say.

"Don't listen to her." Sheri's voice startled the redhead. "She's always been paranoid about another girl stealing Jeff from her. He's a very popular and nice guy, so he gets a lot of attention."

"Well, she should express her concerns to her boyfriend, not me." Vada pointed out. "I just got here. I'm not trying to do anything."

"Just ignore her, okay?" Sheri advised her. "Things can be intense at this school, so it's better to keep a low profile."

Vada raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you a cheerleader, though? That's hardly low profile."

Sheri chuckled. "I guess you're right. But please be careful."

"Thanks." Vada didn't know why Sheri was so concerned for her. That Leah girl didn't look intimidating at all. I could take her in a fight. But maybe Sheri's worries were because of the rumor mill that could end up affecting Vada. Hannah was already a victim of it, and perhaps Vada was next. Pfft, who cares what those kids say?

Lunch was the moment Vada had been waiting for. Here was her chance to speak to Hannah about the writing in the bathroom walls. "Hey, can I tell you something?"

"Sure." The brunette replied.

"I saw some really nasty things written about you in the bathroom. I just want to let you know I'll stick with you no matter what, okay? I know we just met yesterday, but you're my favorite person here, and I enjoy talking to you. So... friends?"

The look on Hannah's face was priceless. Her cheeks were tainted pink, and her eyes were wide open. Vada was sure the girl was holding back tears, so she squeezed her hand gently.

Hannah gave her an affectionate smile in return. "Of course." She confirmed. "Friends."

And hopefully best friends... only time will tell...

Author's note: I know having two girls fight over a guy is cliché, but I'll try to make it bearable. Thanks for reading!