The Wrong Student: The Crossroads of Maddie Sawyer

The Wrong Student Crossroads: Act 1

It is a beautiful day on the shores of Venice Beach, California. The warm air commences across the area during the summer season. Dozens of citizens are frolicking the warm waters some in their bathing suits and others in their summer clothing of t shirts, skirts, shorts, flip flops, sneakers, and jeans to name a few. Walking on the barely damp sands of the beach is a pair consisting of Riley Joseph Jones and Madeline Elizabeth Sawyer. Riley with his jet black wavy hair decked out in his red and yellow Hawaiian shirt that's unbuttoned from his neck and a short white pants that exposes his tanned legs. Maddie with her long brunette locks and is also slightly paler than Riley is decked out in her gray colored Hibiscus patterned white dress that reaches to the top of her kneecaps. Both Riley and Maddie are barefoot on the sands of Venice Beach which allows both of their feet to be submerged into the warm and damp sand. "That was an excellent idea of having us explore Venice Beach this afternoon!" said Riley joyfully "Glad you enjoyed it, wanted to do something a little special for your birthday weekend" said Maddie "I know that you haven't been to a beach in ages and I think that I helped put an end to your little beach hiatus". "Well, now that you put it that way, at least we get to have some time to ourselves ahead of our final exams coming up as well as the upcoming soccer meet." said Riley "And I want you to know that you did this Maddie..." "Thank you, I really appreciate it Riley" said Maddie as she begins to embrace Riley by hugging him and vice versa in Riley's case. Just as they hugged, Maddie felt a damp area on the lower part of her stomach. Maddie would discover its the crimson liquid coming out of Riley. "You did this Maddie..." said Riley as he began to bleed out. As soon as Maddie blinked her eyes, she got transported along with Riley's corpse to her apartment which is also the site of Riley's murder. From there, Maddie was dressed in a dark hooded sweatshirt, dark blue jeans, and dark gloves holding her infamous knife. "NO, NO!!!" screamed Maddie as she tossed the knife to the side and grabbed Riley's corpse while holding his bloody wound. "You did this Maddie..." said a voice that sounded similar to Maddie's voice in the background. Immediately after, Maddie woke up from her daily rest in her prison cell at the beginning of Sunday morning. Maddie got up from her barely soft bed and onto the hard concrete ground of her cell. Behind her bed, is a small 'window' that has parallel bars attached to it that exposes the sunlight in her room. She is decked in a short sleeved orange jumpsuit along with light orange socks on her feet as well as long unkempt brown hair on Maddie's head. "RISE AND SHINE PRISONERS! AFTER YOU GET CLEANED UP, REPORT TO THE CAFETERIA FOR BREAKFAST!" said the loudspeakers in the prison. "Oh my gosh, I'm almost late for my duties!" said Maddie frantically. Soon after, Maddie got herself ready for her daily duties as soon as she cleaned and dressed herself up for the day. In the cafeteria, she has on her plate a turkey sandwich with a bread, turkey, peppers, lettuce, and cheese to complete the package. That particular combination reminded Maddie of a time that her old cellmate Patricia Wyman (who had since gotten her act together back in society and is now living with a new boyfriend) gave her a similar sandwich when Maddie attempted to starve herself to death. "Brings me back some memories" Maddie said to herself as she got seated next to her Straight Path co workers Sasha Brown and Samantha Santoro. Both of Maddie's coworkers are wearing (just like the rest of the prisoners) orange short sleeved jumpsuits with orange shoes and slippers. The notable difference is that Sasha has tanned skin and has short blonde hair on her head whereas Samantha is paler than her and has long dark red hair locks on her head as well as horn-rimmed glasses. Sasha and Samantha got sent to prison as a result of their intense partying in their neighborhood that caused dozens of damage as well as injuries to their neighbors and associates. "Anything new going on with our student sessions? I think its that time of year again when some of our students went from rotten caterpillars to clean, beautiful butterflies" said Sasha proudly. "That's an excellent analogy, ties in to graduation coming up and to answer your question I met a young lady who's into basketball and if you think of it that way, we're like some sort of sisters since both of us are athletes who fell in love with their coach. Even though I played soccer and she played basketball." said Maddie. "And later on, I learned that she's graduating real soon according to her letter she sent me. For obvious reasons I can't make it there in person to see her walk the stage...." "I see" said Samantha "I just happen to be reading a newspaper that involves one of our students named Sidney Michaels I believe, he's a good writer as well as an interviewer. I remember speaking with him when he got into trouble for spitting on people and you too Maddie when you saw him" Samantha would then pull up a copy of the article for Maddie and Sasha to read. From then, Maddie would read every word that Sidney has said to his guest and to her surprise, the guest in question is someone that Maddie was familiar with: Amber Marie Halligan. As Maddie would learn, Amber had already finished up her high school commitments and went on to California University for at least a couple of years and received her Bachleor's Degree. Later on, she continued to pursue her soccer pursuits with both Dominic and Kelly Antol (nee Halligan, they got married shortly after Amber graduated college and joining the California Amazons womens' soccer club) and helped her team win a series of games. From time to time, she also hosted a soccer/fitness program called 'Kick it with Amber!'. After reading the entire interview conducted by Sidney, Maddie would learn that Amber still resents Maddie for what she did to her several years ago when she bounded her up in her home while threatening to burn up her home along with Kelly and Dominic. Inside of Maddie, she's happy that Amber was able to follow her dreams but sad and resentful that Kelly is able to marry her former soccer coach when the dust settles. From then on, Maddie became petrified. "Are you ok Maddie?" asked Sasha "I'm fine Sasha, its just something that's been bothering me for a long time" said Maddie feeling helpless and regretful. Just then on TV, there was yet another interview with Amber Halligan. During the interview, Amber would recap her current activities in the soccer field along with her teammates while barely touching on the infamous interview with one of Maddie's students. Shortly after the interview: "When Amber puts it that way, she doesn't care if Maddie can make children happy or heck, even if she cures freaking cancer and save millions of lives she still put Amber, her aunt Kelly, her business and even the legendary DOMINIC ANTOL through hell" said one of the irate commentators. "You reap what you sow..." "I think its time for me to go to work guys, I'll catch you later" said Maddie feeling hit by the words from the TV screen "You sure, you're fine for work today Maddie? We have a slight feeling that its still eating up inside of you" said Samantha feeling concerned for her Straight Path coworker. "I'll be fine" said Maddie forcing a smile on her face. Maddie's prison duties each day besides her Straight Path program includes troubleshooting the prison's computers/cameras if they malfunction for the guards, cleaning up various areas and assisting her fellow prisoners who are struggling with their class assignments just to name a few. In addition, Maddie would help out with the cabling and organization of the equipment of the prison's Sunday Church service. In a notable instance after finishing up setting up for the sermon that is to be delivered by Dr. Frederick J. Richardson, Maddie decided to sit through most of the sermon. "How many of you all have experienced love in your lives?" asked the preacher who is dressed in a blue suit and yellow tie. Soon after, a group of prisoners raised their hands in unison including Maddie. "Now how many of you all have love someone so very much that you would do anything for him/her/them?" More prisoners had raised their hand. "Well, I don't know if you guys have read or listened to this story or not but King David faced a similar feeling a long, long, long time ago. You see, David loved Bathsheba very much that he would do anything to get her. Including hurting other people..." As the preacher speaks his piece about King David and Bathsheba, Maddie began to fall asleep as a result of her rigorous duties in prison as well as her stress. During a power point presentation illustrating the story of King David and Bathsheba, Maddie saw images of herself, Dominic Antol, Kelly Halligan, and Amber Halligan that would represent King David, Bathsheba, Uriah, and the prophet Nathan respectively. Lady Madeline witnessed a strong and handsome man returning from his bath and she summoned Dom Nic to her palace to spend some time with her in spite of him being in love with Kel. As time went on, an enemy group would storm Lady Madeline's palace and knowing that Kel is an obstacle for her happiness with Dom Nic, she sent Kel on the battlegrounds for her army in the front lines. As a result, Kel is killed during battle and soon after, Lady Madeline would marry Dom Nic and all went according to plan. Until the prophet Am showed up in Lady Madeline's quarters. From there, she told Lady Madeline a tale about a rich woman taking the only sheep a poor woman has had in her possession even though the rich woman has plenty of her own flock. From there, Lady Madeline realizes that SHE IS THE RICH WOMAN. After the realization, Lady Madeline would be arrested and tried for murder of Kel...."Nooooo!" screamed Maddie as she woke up from her latest nightmare "Are you alright?, the service has concluded" said the concerned Dr. Richardson after helping to wake Maddie up at least a half hour post sermon. "I understand not everybody is a fan of the message that I deliver and that's ok. What matters is is that the message needed to be spread because sometimes sooner or later, it might apply to you as well in your everyday life." "Lets just say I had a rough morning Pastor Richardson" said Maddie "Even though I don't know your life among others, I have a feeling you've been through a lot in your life that landed you into prison. You're not the only one who's facing those demons and challenges in their lives. I hope that someday you can do something about it Maddie" said Dr. Richardson "Thanks for the insight, I should get back to my cell, I have a long feeling its going to be another long day for me tomorrow and the years to come" said Maddie. There's going to be some dark clouds on her horizon on Madeline Sawyer's path. Some would be natural disasters and others might be some tough lessons that she has to learn. After some supper, Maddie cleaned herself up in the bathroom and as she finished up cleaning her face in her cell she overheard a voice that sounded similar to hers once again. "That was one Sunday School service that deserves to be in the record books my friend" "Who's there?!" said Maddie frightened "Behind you silly" said the voice and after Maddie turned around, she saw a reflection of herself in her last high school years. She has on a black sleeveless sports shirt along with her blue sleeveless undershirt as well as black soccer shorts. On the figure's head, her hair color is brunette and tied into a pony tail. "Is it me or I'm literally looking at myself when I was younger" said Maddie curiously. "You know something bud, we're the only ones in this cell and I've been reading and pondering your 'apology' letter claiming that your precious love for Dominic is just another sick fantasy that you made up on your noggin. Because deep down inside, nobody CARED for you when you got humiliated and disrespected in grade school as well as not having any friends in your social circle. NEWS FLASH: your feelings for Dominic are REAL..." "And guess what, Dominic is living a happy life with his wife Kelly and Amber is living her life the right way" said Maddie interrupting the reflection inside her "Basically, you're defending the whore instead of not giving up on your love? Lets face it, its still there whether you like or not and your Straight Path program, spending time with Jesus and not to mention your 'friendship' with Janice. They're just band aids. Bravo Maddie. Bravo." said Inner Maddie "You know what come to think of it, as long as I'm in prison, we won't get to hurt anyone else and everyone would get to live their happy lives. Like I'm said as long as Dominic is happy, I'm happy and you should get used to it" said Maddie "Good choice of words. Hope is just a meaningless concept and we'll see each other again soon...." said Inner Maddie as she disappears from Maddie's vision.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SOCCER STAR AMBER HALLIGAN

Hey everyone, Sporty Craft Kids' reporter Sidney Michaels here! Show of hands, how many of you guys like soccer? How many of you have heard of its athletes Mia Hamm, Pele, David Beckham, Lionel Messi? I think there's one that you should be on the look out for on your TVs or at your local stadium. Young upstart Amber Marie Halligan! She's been in the game since childhood throughout different cities and towns more specifically from NY to CA. Prior to making it big, she had a very, very unique high school experience and she was able to overcome the challenges of high school to play for the California Amazons women's soccer club. Without further ado, I chat with the prodigy soccer player herself about the wonders of soccer!

Sidney Michaels: Wow Amber, what a pleasant surprise for me to interview you this afternoon!

Amber Halligan: I know right, pretty cool huh? *chuckles*

SM: Yea, how's the season going for you so far?

AH: Going well, my teammates and I played our hearts out every game and we often take our time mastering the movements of our opponents and ourselves. Even though we may lose a game or two, we still have a lot of fun doing what we do on the field.

SM: That's good, lets get to business: Was it difficult to play soccer sometimes?

AH: Totally! I had to get up early in the morning to do my training drills across my backyard around the house. On some occasions, my aunt Kelly cheers me on whenever I score a goal. My aunt's trying her best to be an 'unofficial' cheerleader for me. At first I kicked the soccer balls all across the neighborhood and I had to retrieve them all before my neighbors noticed. Plus I got some cardio put in which is a bonus by the way. One of the main difficulties of playing soccer is that there's a chance that I might get seriously hurt. I don't know if you've heard of fellow soccer player Dominic Antol, but he had to retire due to an injury in one of his games. Then again, everything is a risk and you don't know what might happen in your life.

SM: That's a pretty insightful and philosophical way to put it my friend. When you're a kid, who did you look up to?

AH: Well its a good question Sid. I watched/studied Mia Hamm, Pele, and of course Dominic Antol's games and they proved to me and their fans that anything is possible when you put in the work. Not only these athletes but my parents and teachers also. They wanted me to do my best in school and athletics.

SM: Speaking of school, any good memories? Bad memories?

AH: In grade school, I helped to organize a retirement party for my English teacher Mr. Hunter along with my fellow classmates and friends. I suggested them to write down their favorite memories and drawings of him and which they did. Plus I pitched in to help pay for the pizza and cake in which Mr. Hunter enjoyed. In my high school years, it was going well until one of my classmates well, lets just say that she overstepped her boundaries of Dominic...

SM: Wait, so you're saying that DOMINIC ANTOL is your COACH???

AH: Yeppers, he was the coach of my high school for a time and as I was saying, how can I put it, she's basically a BIG bully in which she hurt a lot of people in my day. Just like any other bad guys on TV/Movies, she goes to jail.

SM: First off, that's cool that you had a coach like Dominic to be your soccer coach in high school and second, are you referring to Ms. Maddie?

*pause*





AH: Yes I was Sid.

SM: Ms. Maddie told me about what happened in high school with you guys during the Straight Path program my teacher and my dad put me in (I used to spit on random people not too long ago just for fun and I was also a bad kid myself) And some bullies feel bad about what they did to the students. Which brings me to another question: would you forgive Maddie for her mistakes if she's changed? Even though I don't condone her bad activities.

AH: AT LEAST YOU DIDN'T KILL SOMEONE AND THREATEN SOMEONE WITH FIRE!.....why don't we move on to the next question please? (Note: Amber and Kelly Halligan didn't read the apology letter from Maddie that was published online as seen in "Maddie's straight path")

SM:...I am really, really sorry Amber

AH: That's ok, Its been one of the most painful moments of my life and sometimes, saying sorry doesn't erase what someone did because what's done is done. Maddie has to face and live with the consequences of her actions. You know what, I think that's my time for me to go to practice. I hope you have a nice day Sid and stay out of trouble youngster!

SM: Thank you for your time.

END ACT 1