Hannah Wells: Loyal Best Friend and Voice of Caution in The Score

Overview

Hannah Wells is Allie Hayes’s best friend and a steady presence throughout The Score (the third book in Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series). Living with her boyfriend Garrett Graham, she offers Allie a safe haven and sharp emotional counsel. Hannah balances fierce loyalty with a protective wariness, especially when Allie’s choices challenge her usual judgment. Her role in the story is that of a grounded confidante who both enables Allie’s independence and questions her decisions.

Plot Role

Hannah first appears in the opening chapters as the friend who rescues Allie from an unwanted visit by her ex Sean. She arranges for Allie to stay at her boyfriend’s house — the very place where Allie will later cross paths with Dean Di Laurentis. Hannah’s phone calls become a lifeline for Allie, and her side of the conversation reveals her willingness to drop everything for her best friend.

As the story progresses, Hannah serves as the voice of reason. She questions whether Allie is diving into a rebound, expresses disbelief at Dean’s sudden commitment, and ultimately demands an explanation when Allie confirms their relationship. Later, Dean systematically seeks Hannah’s forgiveness after his self-destructive spiral, and she grants it only after he proves his devotion to Allie.

Motivations and Traits Shown Through Actions

Hannah’s primary motivation is protecting Allie from emotional harm. She provides housing without hesitation, listens to Allie vent about Sean, and challenges her when she suspects self-deception. When Allie mentions pursuing a fling with Dean, Hannah responds with swift skepticism, pointing out that Allie’s past attempts at casual encounters failed because she craves emotional connection. This exchange — “You hated it” — shows Hannah’s deep understanding of Allie’s personality.

Her protectiveness is never controlling. She offers advice but ultimately steps back, trusting Allie to make her own choices. After Allie reveals she is “his girl,” Hannah presses for details but later tells her to “see where it goes.” This balance of caution and support reveals Hannah’s maturity: she does not impose her fears but keeps checking in.

Hannah also demonstrates patience and fairness. When Dean apologizes to her after his meltdown, she listens for an hour as he lists everything he loves about Allie. Her willingness to be “mollified” shows that she values genuine change over grudges.

Chronological Arc

Hannah’s arc follows Allie’s emotional journey:

• Early in the novel (Chapters 1-2): Hannah helps Allie escape Sean by offering Garrett’s house. She is a reassuring voice on the phone, even though she is away for the weekend.
• Mid-novel (Chapter 6): While running lines together, Hannah gently asks if Allie regrets the breakup. She worries when Allie mentions a fling and steers her away from repeating past mistakes.
• Climax of the relationship (Chapter 25): The morning after Sean’s drunken confrontation, Hannah and Garrett confront Dean and Allie. Hannah is visibly troubled but listens as Allie insists she likes Dean for more than sex.
• Resolution (Chapter 33): Dean apologizes directly to Hannah. She forgives him after he recites his feelings for Allie. Her acceptance signals that she trusts him with her best friend.

Relationships

With Allie Hayes

The bond is the emotional core of Hannah’s character. They share comfortable silences, inside jokes, and honest conversations. Hannah knows Allie’s history, her fears about her father’s MS, and her tendency to sacrifice her own happiness. In turn, Allie confides in Hannah even when embarrassed. Their friendship is reciprocal; Hannah also relies on Allie for support, joking about telemarketers to lighten the mood during rehearsals.

With Garrett Graham

Hannah’s boyfriend Garrett is often in the background, but their relationship provides a model of healthy partnership. They present a united front when questioning Dean. Garrett’s teasing (“Wellsy thinks mine are too soft”) shows playful affection, and Hannah’s easy command of their shared space (sending him out for girl talk) underscores mutual respect.

With Dean Di Laurentis

Hannah’s initial stance toward Dean is wary. She knows his reputation as a “player” and fears Allie will get hurt. After the relationship becomes public, she eyes Dean with suspicion and fires pointed questions. Her eventual forgiveness comes only after Dean’s thorough apology tour, demonstrating that she values actions over words. By the novel’s end, she accepts Dean as part of Allie’s life.

Key Decisions and Consequences

• Decision to offer Allie a place to stay — This direct action sets the stage for Allie’s first night with Dean. The consequence is that Allie gains a new perspective away from Sean, but also begins a complicated relationship that Hannah later worries about.
• Decision to voice concern about Dean — Hannah asks Allie if she is sure it’s not a rebound. This challenges Allie to examine her feelings, ultimately leading Allie to articulate why Dean matters beyond sex.
• Decision to forgive Dean — Hannah chooses to move past her anger when Dean shows genuine remorse. This allows the group dynamic to heal and reinforces the theme of personal growth and redemption.

Theme and Symbol Connections

Hannah is a living example of the novel’s central conflict between casual expectations and deeper feelings. She represents the kind of stable, communicative friendship that the romance between Allie and Dean must eventually emulate. She also embodies the theme of communication and jealousy: her open dialogues with Allie prevent misunderstandings and provide clarity where romance might cloud judgment.

On a symbolic level, Hannah is a “home” for Allie — a person who offers shelter not only in a physical sense but also as an emotional anchor. Her role as a best friend who cares without overstepping mirrors the healthy interdependence that Allie ultimately learns to embrace.

Book-Specific Questions and Answers

1. How does Hannah first help Allie when Sean comes to her dorm?
   Hannah is on a weekend trip with Garrett. When Allie panics about Sean’s uninvited visit, Hannah immediately offers to turn the car around. Garrett then suggests Allie stay at his place. Hannah coordinates with Logan to warn Dean and Tucker, ensuring Allie has a safe place.

2. Why is Hannah skeptical when Allie mentions a fling with Dean?
   Because she knows Allie’s history. She points out that Allie “hated” past attempts at casual dating. Hannah understands that Allie cannot separate sex from emotional attachment, so a fling with a known player seems destined to hurt her.

3. What is Hannah’s reaction when Allie confirms she and Dean are together?
   She is “flabbergasted.” She asks “How is that even possible?” and later, during girl talk, probes whether it is a rebound. After Allie explains that she likes Dean for who he is, Hannah tells her to “see where it goes,” though her eyes remain troubled.

4. How does Dean earn Hannah’s forgiveness after getting kicked off the team?
   Dean visits her and spends an entire hour reciting everything he loves about Allie and promising to win her back. Hannah is “mollified” by his sincerity. He also apologizes to his teammates, Coach Ellis, the youth hockey team, and others, showing his commitment to change.

5. How does Hannah’s concern reflect the novel’s themes?
   Her caution highlights the theme of casual sex versus commitment. She fears that Allie’s involvement with Dean, a serial womanizer, will prevent Allie from finding a stable partner. Her eventual acceptance mirrors the novel’s message that people can grow and redeem themselves.

For further insights, explore the main book page, themes of personal growth and redemption, and the ending explained. You can also browse general questions and answers about the story.