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"Madigan... Mr. Madigan... Jack!" A shrill voice called out across the classroom. It's owner stood at the front of the room, watching one sandy haired boy in particular. She sighed exasperatedly as the boy's head fell forwards, smacking off the desk. He sat up straight, looking to the front of the room while the other kids laughed. Shaking her head, the teacher repeated her question. "Jack, were you listening to a word I just said?"
Jack's cheeks burned with embarrassment as he ducked his head into the sleeves of his oversized jacket. His long sandy bangs fell into his eyes as he shifted uncomfortably. "No ma'am," he said quietly. His teacher rolled her eyes, expecting this sort of answer. After all, Jack spent more time daydreaming with his head caught up in fantasies and movies than in the real world.
"As I was saying, Mr. Madigan..." She started, shooting Jack a pointed look. He had the decency to flush once more at this reminder of his behavior. "I want each of you to go home today and find the meanings of your names. Bonus if anyone has an interesting story as to why you were named as you are." The bell rang then, and the students leapt from their desk, eager to leave the building. "Mr. Madigan, please stay after class."
The other students snickered as they began to file out of the room, eager to get home after a long day of school. Jack sighed and grabbed his bag, slowly moving to the front of the room. When he reached the front of the room, he stopped on front of the teacher's desk, shuffling slightly. He scuffed his shoe off the ground, too embarrassed to meet his teacher's eye.
"Jack," she began before stopping, unsure of where to truly begin. "What's going on? This is the fourth time you've fallen asleep in class this week and it's only Tuesday!" She told him exasperatedly. True, Jack did have a tendency to daydream, but never outright sleep."Your grade on yesterday's test was dismal. What's wrong Jack?" She asked finally,
"I'm sorry ma'am. I just... I haven't been getting a ton of sleep lately. I promise I'll do better," Jack said earnestly. The teacher studied him for a moment before sighing.
"Is this about your mother, Jack?" The teacher asked, getting straight to the point. Jack looked away, cheeks flaming, and she knew she had hit the mark. She didn't continue or press the subject since the death of Jack's mother was still sensitive to him- only having happened earlier this year.
"I won't say anything to your father..." The teacher began, and Jack looked relieved. His father was under enough stress as it was! He didn't need Jack to add to if! "As long as you make sure to complete tonight's assignment Jack. Make sure you find the meanings for all your names. And if you have an interesting story, be sure to bring it in."
"T-thank you ma'am!" Jack cried earnestly, grinning. "I won't disappoint you!" He cried as he grabbed his bag and fled from the room. He ran out of the school building and into the city streets, eager to get home and make up for his slack as of late.
A/N: So, this is an idea I got from watching the movie Last Action Hero last night. Basically, this is years later when Danny has his own son and names him after Jack Slater, his idol. This will be a short story that will be split up into three, maybe four chapters. If you read this, please review. I doubt there's much of a fan base for this movie to begin with so please let me know what you think about it!