Aftermath

"I'm not there yet!"
 This page contains ***major spoilers*** for the series. If you're not caught up, stay back! Av's not gonna be too thrilled if you react to spoilers prematurely...

## Aftermath

### Director

Potato Flakin

***Aftermath*** is the sixth chapter of *Two-Sided*.

## Synopsis

Lonely, low on willpower, and feeling depressed with minimal clarity, Daniela feels only half-complete. But when two prominent figures notice her appear in Pineshadow again, her life takes an unexpected turn.

## Transcript

It was nearly three months in prison, and despite my medication making me not as manic as I used to be, I still felt sad and hyperactive. I had become more interested in prison activities, and thus, I was scolded less. It made me feel much better than I did before.

Soon, I was informed by a prison manager that I would be released in one week, in mid-June. Apprehension built in my stomach. I wanted to go out and enjoy the world again, feel the lovely Washington air and have a real life again, but I was also nervous thinking about interacting with others. With some motivation, I asked if I could call my mother, which I was given permission for.

Walking to the phone room, I sat down and dialed my mother's number. She picked up in an instant. "What do you want, Daniela? I have friends over."

"Hi, mom. I'm going to be released in one week."

"Oh..."

Rex seemed to be upset about the news, and I began to feel gloomy. I was her daughter, but I had learned a lot. I wanted to apologize and make things right.

"Mom, are you okay?"

"*No*! You think I *want* a crazy, murderous daughter who ruined a school event, tried to kill people, and inflicts pain on herself for pleasure? You were the **reason I lost my job**!"

"But you resigned yourself because you felt guilty! That's what you told me!"

"The moment you stabbed Winter was the moment you lost your right to be my daughter. We're done here." Rex then hung up on me, and I put my head down, wrapped in my arms. My mother had just brutally disowned me - now, I felt lost more than ever.

Where would I find the clarity that I needed?

Retaining the feelings of depression, I remained very quiet through the last week of my time in prison, eating the tasteless food, pondering to myself outside, just wanting someone to understand.

Finally, a different guard informed me that it was time to go. He led me out of my cell and outside the correctional center, where Rex was waiting, looking away from me.

"It's nice to see you again, mom," I said, hugging her gratefully. She didn't respond to me, and instead, took me to her car. The car ride back home was quiet, and I looked out the window, seeing Pineshadow pass by me in a blur. A tear fell from one eye, staining the fuzz making up the car ground, and it made the shape of a broken heart.

Getting out of the car, I yawned, despite it being mid-day. I felt so tired that I collapsed back onto my bed, wrapping myself in my favorite Washington State University blanket snugly. Hours later, Rex shook me awake.

"Dani! It's time for dinner!"

"*Dinner*?" I questioned, rubbing the grit out of my eyes. Looking out the window, the sun was setting, and I gasped. "Ah! I'm coming!"

And for two weeks after that, I would have a very irregular sleeping pattern. I'd be sleeping through some nights, then not, then being tired throughout the day, and so on.

On the Saturday following those two weeks, I got up, deciding to go to a place where I could spend some time alone and think - Pinelake Park. I'd gone to it many times.

After eating a quick breakfast, I told Rex. "I'm going out."

"To where, young lady?"

"The park."

"You'd think I'd let a scheming child go out there alone? What are you going to do, terrorize children?"

Startled by my mom's comment, I backed up. "Mom, I promise I'm not like that anymore!"

"How should I know? You were devious and manipulative, so you're probably just manipulating me now!"

I could feel the anger burning up inside of me. Rex couldn't even see that I was *nowhere* close to the person I once was, nor could she see the panic.

"*Can't you see the panic inside*? I know I'm making you *uneasy*. I *know* that you *don't want me here*. I know you don't pity me. But there's a reason I was so violent towards you and everyone... So please just give me a chance! And I'll tell you *everything*!"

Rex, surprised by my words, sat in a chair and put on a pair of glasses. "I-I'm so sorry, Dani. You can tell me anything."

I grabbed a leather satchel that hung near the door, then reached inside, gently picking up a small greenish-blue container. Rex gasped, taking it from my hand and reading the label. She placed a hand over her mouth, then looked at me directly in the eyes. "Dani... You have bipolar disorder?"

I nodded, sitting down and taking the satchel into my hands. "I do. And I didn't want to tell you out of fear that you would think I was a demon for having it. The thing is, I'm scared everyone will reject me because I sometimes can't control my emotions. I don't want that to happen because I want to *prove* to others that I've changed... Mom, I just wish you would see that."

Rex turned away from me, looking out the window, then looking back toward me again. "Dani... I'm so sorry. I should be the one apologizing - because I'm a horrible mother to you. It's hard having to raise one child alone, but trying to keep you in line... I *failed*. I should have done more to stop you, and I shouldn't have disowned you. Now I see that you're being really honest with me and that you're not lying - I have faith in you to put things right. Take this as my apology."

"You mean that?" I questioned.

"I do. Every single word." Rex then hugged me tightly. "I understand if you don't like me anymore."

"Are you kidding me? I *need* you, mom. We're a family, and family sticks together to the very end, right?"

"Of course. You can go to the park now."

Smiling, I thanked her and dashed out of the house with my medicine and satchel. Reaching the park, I sat down by a tree near a patch of tall grass, and pulled out a small sketchpad and pen. Before I became a raging monster, I had actually enjoyed making some art, so I got started on drawing again, letting my thoughts take me away.

When I was done, I saw what I had drawn - a character art of me acting like a freak. Horrified, I hid the sketch in my satchel and groaned. The past was the *last* thing I wanted plaguing me. A wave of depression hit me again, and I laid on the ground, unwilling to do anything.

As I did, however, I suddenly detected two voices - two familiar voices - and my jaw dropped in shock. Hiding behind the tree, I caught of a glimpse of two people I thought I wouldn't see for a long time.

*The girls were Winter and Amira, and they were happier than ever.*

Jealousy marred my heart. Creeping towards the tall grass, I sat there, wanting to hear what they were saying.

"So, did you put on the sweater and gloves at the same time? Did you encounter the fashion police? Were they scary?" Asked Winter in a joking manner. She had a look of comedy on her face.

"I did, and nope, I never even witnessed them. Back off, po-po, for *I* am the bearer of the green-striped sweater and the *Coraline* gloves."

My eyes widened. I remembered that green-striped sweater - it was a birthday gift for Winter. Now, to me, it appeared she had given it to Amira as a present. The two were obviously friends, and meanwhile, I had none. Frustrated, I laid down in the grass, continuing to listen in.

"Grandmama Dahlia really loves you, Winter. For everything. She honestly thinks you, Evie, and Mya are the most heroic people now, especially for going up against someone as cold as Shetani. You saved me from the depths of the worst, and I'll always thank you for that."

"Remember our first midnight meeting, Ira? How *electric* it was?"

"Yep." Amira then sighed dreamily. I grew even more jealous by the minute. Amira seemed to have formed a really deep bond with Winter, and seemed to have gone through some dark times. I wanted someone as good as her to confide in.

Seeing a nearby dandelion, I plucked it, placing it on my chest. I made a quiet wish to myself as I blew away the puffs.

*I want someone to love.*

The sun's rays did nothing to ease my depression. I closed my eyes sadly, everything just fading to black.

Without warning, the inner demon that always bothered me spoke up loudly. "*You think laying in the grass being all cute will get you anywhere*?"

"No! Just leave me alone! Let me figure out my life!"

"*Psh*! Your life is far from figured out, you depressed loser. What happened to the strong, no-nonsense, intimidating you? Stop being so pathetic!"

"Stop!" I pleaded. But it was already beginning to break into me. I became a ball on the ground, and at once, past memories shot through my head like lightning.

The masochism, sadism, bullying, targeting. The pain I inflicted on others. The blood and marks on myself. The times I wanted to kill Winter. The manic episodes in prison. All of it was the fire, sparked by one seemingly innocent thought that turned out to be the gasoline. That fire consumed me, made me in pain, made me insane, turned me crazed.

I couldn't keep it all in anymore, not when it was this intense. "***LET ME GO***!" I screamed loudly, crying to myself and feeling salty tears drip down my face. Too late, I'd realized that I'd drawn attention to myself. Birds flew away from the surrounding trees, and I knew then that my voice was loud enough to reach Amira and Winter.

"Did you hear that?" Winter asked Amira. She nodded. "Yeah. And it sounds like it came from the tall grass. Come on!" I heard their footsteps approach me, and I panicked.

*No, no, please don't come near me. I don't want you to see me... Please...* That thought was fruitless, as moments later, they saw me. Amira jumped backwards in shock, while Winter's surprised look faded to aggression and hate. She drew her knife, leapt forward, and picked me up by the gray shirt collar. The knife blade was at my throat.

"Drop the act and explain why you're here, you *freak*!" Winter told me. Amira now stood beside her, determination in her eyes.

Scared, I put my hands up, more tears dripping down my face. I didn't want to fight with them, not having the confidence to speak up or try to break free. It all seemed hopeless.

"*Explain*!" Winter roared. "Don't make me send you to hell, Daniela. You know what you did. You *aren't* welcome here."

"Better have a good reason," Amira added.

"Just kill me, Winter. I know I'm unwanted by everyone in Pineshadow anyway. I don't deserve to live, nor do I deserve a second chance. Just get it over with so I don't have to be depressed anymore!" I cried.

"Depressed? You, *depressed*? Cut it out already. I know you're faking it!"

"Winter! I know! You hate my guts, and you have *every reason* to! I hate myself for what I've done, honest, and to be fair, I'd be better off dead..."

Puzzled, Winter drew her knife back slightly, her brows furrowed. "So this isn't some devious plot where you fake being sad just to kill me?"

"*I don't want to kill you*!" I snapped. "I just want someone to understand me! I just want a *friend*!"

"I don't think she's faking this, Win," Amira told her. "She would have definitely done something by now if she did."

Winter glanced at her, then at me. Her ice-blue eyes had a softer look in them, mixed with suspicion and confusion. "Okay..." She helped me up, taking my hand, and causing me to blush a small bit. "You don't seem to be lying, so let's hear what you have to tell us. But let me tell you, if you hurt me - or *her* - you're not living for one second longer."

Not caring about her threat, I sat down by the edge of the playground, downtrodden and still feeling hopeless and unmotivated. "I know you don't want me anywhere near you two. And for good reason. Amira, I left you to die in the snow, and that's probably the worst thing that's ever happened to you. Winter, I had a whole vendetta against you and nearly killed you twice. I nearly killed your friends. I was the worst person you'd ever met."

Surprised at my honesty, they looked on in shock as I continued on.

"I know what you're going to say - I'm a villain at heart, I don't deserve redemption or a second chance. But I'm different than the two of you - because I have *bipolar disorder*. I'm mentally ill, and sometimes, I don't have control over how I act. I don't have the life I want to have, and I feel burdened by my condition *and* by the inner demons - my past and the regret that's built up inside of me for what I did. No one really ever talked to me in prison, and my mother... Well... She seems to understand me more, but I don't think she can ever fully trust me." I sniff a bit. "And it's hard because I just need to talk to someone, yet everyone I've talked to has rejected me! I just want someone who can appreciate me for being mentally ill and for being short-tempered! Someone who can see past me! I just want someone who loves me..."

"Oh my," Winter whispered in amazement. I went on, more tears splashing to the ground. "I thought it was a good thing to be a bisexual person at first, but.. Every time I see this cute boy or girl, I start getting all nervous and become a *tomato*. My sexuality only ends up humiliating me in the end. And Winter, oh... I know it's my fault now for what happened. I should have never made you come out in front of your father like that. I ruined your life, I permanently scarred you, I permanently *traumatized you*! I know you won't forgive me, but I'm *sorry*! I'm so sorry!" I ended up hugging her tightly, and she didn't react, appearing to take in what I was saying.

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my back, and someone gently tugged me - Amira. She had a sympathetic look on her face. "You know... I have an idea. Winter, you're okay with what I'm about to suggest, right?"

Winter nodded.

"Alright," Amira said. "Daniela, follow me. I have something to show you." Gripping my hand, she took me into the Piney Woods, and it wasn't long before she led me to a puddle in an open area. The sun's rays shone down on me once again.

"It's a... Puddle?" Confused, I scratched my head.

"Look into it, Daniela." Looking down at the puddle, I saw my reflection looking back at me, the buntail, gray shirt, and amber eyes having a look of confusion.

"Now what do you see?" Amira inquired.

"A monster who craves her own pain for pleasure, lusts for the pain of others, someone who wants murder, a manic, insane person who doesn't deserve everything her life has gotten her, a person who doesn't enjoy her bisexuality, a freak. Just a monstrous *freak!"*

"Well, when I look at this reflection, I see someone who's a beautiful bisexual person on the inside. I see a person who's working to get rid of her past, for it is not with her today. I see a wonderful young teenage girl, someone with a huge, soft heart, and someone who's willing to make amends... That's you to me." Stunned, I turned to face Amira.

"You see that in me?"

"Of course, because I can relate to you, Daniela. All my life, I've felt neglected by my family. But then my aunt arrived to care for me, and... Well... Shetani broke me."

Gasping, I ran toward her. Shetani was that principal I'd heard about on the news who died after falling from a cliff. "The crazy school principal lady is... **Your aunt**?"

"She was. She turned me into her slave and manipulated me into believing nonsense. She tormented me with chains and whips, beatings and punishments, and openly insulted me because I'm a biracial lesbian. But someone saw past my secrets, someone who I love with all my life now." Understanding filled in me as she guided me toward Winter, who was smiling at us nearby. I realized then that Winter and Amira weren't just friends, they were in love with each other.

"Together, we, Evie, and Mya stopped Shetani. She sacrificed herself for me, stood up to her parents, and allowed her grandmother to apologize and take her in. Recalling that now, I think I can give you a second chance, Daniela."

"You two... Really would?"

"No scars or demons can hurt you now, Dani," Winter told me. She stepped closer to me, placing her hands on my shoulders. "I have something to tell you too. Don't change a thing about yourself now. The world can change its heart. There are *no scars* to the beautiful person you now are, no better you than the *you that you are*. It will take time for others to understand - but you've proven to us that you have what it takes to become a better person."

Now crying tears of joy, I hugged Winter tightly. The ex-girlfriend who I had worked to torment, and the person who had influenced my life, had just forgiven me.

"You know, Shetani was way worse than you were. Trust me. You'll probably be relieved to hear that." I smiled gratefully, knowing that there was a person worse than I was. A spark shot through my heart, and it made me excited. Being in Winter's space felt so amazing, and now that I had a person to confide in, I felt like *flying*.

Suddenly, I lost control of myself and kissed her directly on the lips. She shoved me away, shock in her eyes, and I jumped back. My entire face flushed pink, and I facepalmed, frustrated with myself. "Oh, for fudge's sake, Dani! Why did you have to ruin everything by letting your bi side crack through you again! God... I'm so sorry... I don't know what came over me."

"I'm not mad," Winter stated, and much to my shock, she startled giggling. "Mya did the same thing to Evie. Accidents happen."

"And now they're in love!" Amira piped up, having a daydream-esque look on her face.

My mouth hung open. Evie and Mya were great friends; I hadn't expected them to fall for each other, especially from an accidental kiss on Mya's part. But they were happy together, and so were Amira and Winter. Feeling that positive energy in my heart made me jump up into the air, then roll on the ground giggling with my two new friends. The depression evaporated off of me, bit by bit. Winter was right all along - there were no scars to my beautiful.

## Cast

* **Eden Riegel** as Daniela
* **Nora Dunn** as Rex
* **Mae Whitman** as Winter
* **Elizabeth Daily** as Amira

## Trivia

* This chapter marks the first time that Daniela appears as a redeemed character.
* This chapter reveals that:
	+ Rex nearly disowned Daniela, but after seeing her being honest, she chose to be more loving.
	+ The time is set shortly after the events of Season 2.
* When Daniela argues with Rex, she references the lyrics of the Dodie song *6/10*.
* As Daniela struggles to fight her inner demon, she mentions a gasoline fire that made her into a villain, calling herself crazed and in pain. This is a reference to *Gasoline* by Halsey.
* When Winter lifts Daniela's spirits, she tells her that she is perfect, and that there are no scars to the person she is. This is a nod to the Alessia Cara song *Scars to Your Beautiful*.