20 YEARS LATER
PORTLAND, OREGON
It was a normal day in the town of Portland, Oregon. Lots of people frolic in the forests, some of them are walking in the bright city lights on the pavement. For a certain group of people, they go into a library for an educational and life-learning adventure! The library in particular is the Authurfield Library where it has a wide selection of readings, magazines, and newspapers from around the world. An English class would have to do a research paper on how some individuals who did not-so-good things in the past who later went on to do good in their community. Meet Rhea Armah, she's donned in a replica of soccer star Amber Halligan's California Dragons jersey along with her jeans on her legs. In addition to that, she's an aspiring athlete who's very good at tennis and soccer. This her senior year in high school and she's struggling to find someone who would fit the theme of her assignment to which counts as a significant portion of her final grade in her class. "Don't know what to write, don't know which book to pick up. Couldn't find any good people to write about since most of them are taken already" muttered Rhea feeling disappointed and frustrated. "Are you looking for a story to write about?" asked an older woman who's also one of the most tenured librarians at the library. She's dressed in a navy blue buttoned down shirt along with a darker blue skirt with black sandals on her feet. Also, she has dark brown hair with light highlights on it as well along with glasses on her head. "Wait a minute, is that Amber Halligan's jersey, I've heard great things about her over the years." "Thanks for the complement but I don't know if Ms. Halligan has anything to do with what I'm looking for but I was wondering if you know of any resources about, how should I say it, reformed criminals or something." asked Rhea. "Tell you what, why don't I tell you a story about a young woman who's about your age who would probably fit in your criteria for your report. Maybe it might help out, maybe not but either way, I think there's going to be something that everyone should take out of." said the librarian. After some deliberation and realizing that she has nothing left to lose when it comes to her research, Rhea would entertain the librarian's offer. "A long, long time ago, there was a little girl who is very into sports, specifically soccer. She wanted to make friends, get good grades, and having a great time. However, she faced a lot of setbacks and roadblocks along her way in life. Sometimes, whenever she tries to get along with people, it didn't go into her favor causing a greasy and broken halt to her ambitions. At the time of her gloom, a brave man stepped up to lift her up from her darkness, matter of fact a well-known soccer player to be exact. As the years went on, the young girl grew up to be somebody that's (in)famous for her activities. She tried to do whatever it takes to get what she wanted: the soccer player's heart. Even if it means hurting the people around her, impersonating along with taking your best friend for granted, and even following the man. Ultimately, the young girl got what's coming to her and she had to be placed into solitude for many years while the world goes on." "That's one messed up young woman" said Rhea trying to digest what the librarian told her so far. "Well fortunately for you, her tale ain't finished. After her solitude, she returned to society for the first time in many years and her first mission was to right the wrongs that she had caused to her victim's family. Let's just say that it didn't work out and that's fine for her considering the circumstances. From there, she decided to reconnect with one of her former students who she had mentored as part of a prison program years back as well as finding herself a new job. In that time, she had to face things from the past that she isn't proud of as well as literally facing them. Eventually, she learned that one of the victim family members was ill and there were barely any resources to sustain her. The young woman would have to make a decision..."
PRESENT DAY
While Maddie was contemplating her decision, just then, the mischievous Sandra accidentally fell down one of the shelves while trying to pick out a produce for her consumption. "SANDRA!" exclaimed Beatrice as she rushed toward her daughter alongside Maddie who shares the same concern for her well-being. "Are you ok Sandra?" asked Maddie. "My arm hurts mommy.." replied Sandra to her mother. "Let me get some ice packs, while you call the doctor asap" told Maddie to Beatrice as she begins to make the phone call. Soon after, the Hayleys catch up to the rest of the crew tending to young Sandra. "What's going on here?" asked Janice surveying the commotion of Sandra's accidental fall. "Sandra got a little too curious with one of the 'higher end' produce and accidentally fell to the ground very hard. Probably a couple of bruises or something but she needs to get checked out to the doctor" replied Maddie. "I know a place where she can get checked up and ready to go" said Beatrice as she puts in the address of the Thomas Jones III Medical Facility in her GPS app on her phone. Shortly afterwards, Maddie, Beatrice, Janice, Sonia, and Sandra proceeded to get into Beatrice's van and headed directly to the medical facility. Inside the facility, it is a pretty busy environment where there's lots of patients and their families waiting for their turn to visit their respective doctor. "Looks like we have a full house around here sister." observed Dark Maddie popping up once more "You think?" scoffed Maddie. "In regards to the observations around here, I think you should pay attention to a very unique situation" said Dark Maddie as she pointed Maddie to a dejected and crying young boy. "I don't know if mom's going to get another kidney so she can live" said Richard feeling down while holding some extra cards given to him by his classmates from school. "It's been a trying couple of weeks for all of us and we've been trying to keep our heads up during the ordeal. But we haven't been getting any good matches for your mother. Like I said before and I'll say it again, we're trying our best to help keep her here on this Earth" said Dominic feeling empathy for his son who's also concerned for his mother's health likewise. After seeing Richard and his father Dominic Antol embrace after the brief conversation, it brought a pause to Maddie's thoughts and possible actions. "Well look at that, looks like that bitch is going to croak after all. That means you have another chance at getting Dominic all to yourself (and maybe that little munchkin over there too)." said Dark Maddie "I really don't know if I can pursue him at this point, I really feel for his family though and I think that he needs a mother as well." retorted Maddie contemplating letting Kelly pass on without a new kidney in her body. "Sandra Rodieger! you're next!" called one of the nurses. From then on, the crew headed to Sandra's doctor where they met and after a series of checkups, the doctor put on some treatment for Sandra for her injuries and told the crew that Sandra's going to have to take a step back from all of that horseplay. "You better listen to the doctor, no more mischievous activities youngster!" said Beatrice. "You better listen to your mother. When it's all said and done, she cares for you and your well being. What's more, she brought you here to get taken care of because she loves you." said Maddie to Sandra. "I will listen to you more Mom! I promise!" said Sandra as she embraces her mother in front of Maddie and the Hayleys. From then on, Maddie began to realize that Kelly Halligan and Dominic Antol brought Richard into the world and took great care of him over the years. After seeing what happened with Sandra and Maddie's former bully Beatrice, Maddie now feels that Dominic Antol, Kelly & Amber Halligan, and Richard Antol deserve to live in a family harmony that would last for generations and she only cared about her own little fantasy she cooked up of her and Dominic for years which had gotten her into so much trouble for herself and others. "If you excuse me, I gotta go to the bathroom really quick" said Maddie as she headed on out of Sandra's appointment. From there, she asked one of the medical staff where she can go for Kelly Halligan's kidney transplant and led Maddie to her destination. "Don't worry kid, your mother's going to pull through, I guarantee it. I took a lot from your family when I had pursued your father years before you existed especially your mother and your cousin. Right now, I'm about to make things right with you all" thought Maddie. When Maddie reached the sign-ups, the manager of the kidney transplant took Maddie's application and directed her to the testing room where she can find out whether or not her kidney's compatible with Kelly's body and blood type. "Looks like your kidney's a perfect match for the recipient" said the manager. "We'll let the Halligans know about the kidney match as soon as possible and we'll set you up for the transplant tomorrow. Be sure to exercise if you're not already doing it, eat a well-balanced healthy meal and feel free to talk to your loved ones if you have a chance" "Ok" said Maddie as she begins to catch up to the rest of the crew. After a long drive back to the cottage, the Hayleys are preparing to wind down their stay at the retreat other than Maddie who barely packed anything due to her scheduled appointment the next day. "How come you haven't packed up most of your stuff for tomorrow Maddie?" asked Janice. "Well, something has come up that might need us to stay an extra day here" replied Maddie. "It's not about Beatrice is it? I kinda get that she's a good person to hang around with but I think she needs to tend to her daughter...speaking of parents are you planning on donating your kidney tomorrow to Kelly?" asked Janice "What inquires you to ask me that question" retorted Maddie. "I came across an open journal detailing your plans of the week while your stuff is around the suitcase. Even though I should've closed your journal when it was open to which I apologize in advance" said Janice. "First of all, apology accepted, and second I plan on doing it because I feel that the Halligans deserve to have their aunt, wife, and mother still in their lives for years to come." replied Maddie. "What if the Halligans scorn you again after you try to do good for them once again. Look what happened the last time that happened, you got into a downward spiral both literally and metaphorically." said Janice feeling concerned for her friend. "Look, I'm not disagreeing with what you're saying. What I'm about to do would have a risk of being chewed on by them and spit out once more. I SURVIVED the heartbreak, the pain, and the hurt over the years due to my actions and theirs. I owe it to them after I what I did. If it means that they're gonna hate me for the rest of their lives then so be it. At the end of the day and as I've said and I'll say it again, Amber DESERVES to have her aunt in her life, the kid DESERVES to have his mother in his life and Dominic DESERVES to have a great woman in his life. I had lost a lot of people throughout the course of my life and right now I GAINED a good support system in you and your mother. By the looks of it, I gained the confidence I needed to do good work in this world." said Maddie feeling emotional about what's about to take place. "Glad you said your peace Maddie, good night" said Janice heading to let Sonia know about Maddie's plan and preparing for her slumber. "It's gonna be like that huh Maddie? You're willing to throw away possibly the ONLY chance you have at getting Dominic at the expense of your kidney?!" said Dark Maddie "If I'm going to live with one kidney for the rest of my life then so be it. I'm the only one that has the compatible kidney for Kelly that can save her from death." said Maddie "I hope you can understand my intentions sister, that I'm trying my best to clean up the mess I've made in the past." "You really are a very stubborn person Maddie, since you've been pursuing Dominic for a long time that has to be a unique trait of ya and I kinda respect that" said Dark Maddie. "Really appreciate the complement" said Maddie as she goes to sleep. The next morning, Maddie was dressed in an orange turtle neck long-sleeved shirt with jeans on her legs along with her white sneakers. She's also finishing up packing up her bags for her trip but first she makes a phone call for a ride to get to the medical facility for her appointment. "Who are you calling Maddie?" asked Janice finding Maddie. Janice is dressed into her work uniform along with her mother in preparation on their way back home. "I'm calling for a taxi to get to the medical facility. I'm not in the mood to argue about this" said Maddie. "Please put down your phone Maddie, we're volunteering to take you to your appointment. I've been thinking about what we've discussed last night and spoke with my mother and we feel that you needed some closure in regards to you and the Halligans." said Janice showing loyalty to her friend. "And as stated before, no matter what happens whether they love you or hate you after giving your kidney to Kelly, we'll still have your back ok Maddie?" said Sonia sharing the sentiment. "Well, thanks, I really appreciate it. With that respect, lets hit the road!" said Maddie as the crew embark on their mission to delivering the kidney to Kelly Halligan. And also, during the car trip, Maddie texted Beatrice to let her know that she's bringing in her ukulele that she gifted Maddie a while back to play a song in the operating room before surgery. Inside the medical facility, Richard and Dominic Antol is still in Kelly's room passionately waiting on some good news by the doctor. "Still trying my best to hold on after so long. I'm sorry that you have to see me like this guys" said Kelly feeling her tiredness of her body due to her failing organ. "No worries, we're here for you as always Kelly." replied Dominic. "Sorry I came by late, lots of traffic in the area due to some road construction" said Amber as she delivered her aunt a nice breakfast smoothie for her consumption. She's dressed in her red tracksuit fresh out of her day in the gym training. "Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy the smoothie, I think you'll enjoy it Aunt Kelly." "Thanks, you got me one of my favorites, haven't drink this particular smoothie in quite some time. How thoughtful of you Amber" said Kelly feeling joy. "I hope I'm not interrupting this moment but I got some good news. We found a donor who has a matching kidney for you Kelly, you'll be sent to the operating room momentarily." said the doctor delivering the good news. "Yayyy" said Richard after hearing the good news. "Looks like you'll be fighting another day then" said Dominic as he gives his wife and Richard's mother a great kiss on her cheek. "Thanks guys! I think I should make my way out to the operating room so I can get my new kidney." said Kelly. "I'll let Gibson know about the good news asap" said Dominic as Kelly begins to get wheeled out by the attendants. At the same time as the announcement to the Halligan-Antol family, Maddie and the Hayleys arrived to the facility just in time for Maddie to check in for the appointment. "Good luck Maddie, we'll be waiting for you when you're done." said Janice. "Thanks, and thanks for putting up with this extra 'stop' on our way from the retreat" said Maddie as she embraced the Hayleys one last time with two kidneys in her body. From there, the attendants took Maddie to her bed and proceeded to send her to the same room where Kelly Halligan who's already sedated at in preparation for the kidney transplant. It is also the first time that Maddie has seen Kelly Halligan in the flesh since the infamous Target book signing incident. With the courage, confidence, and respect that Maddie has gained throughout her challenges, Maddie proceeded to say the following to God in her prayer. "I know I'm probably the last person you'd expect to deliver the new kidney to Kelly. She's about to have a brand new kidney that's going to help her live for a much longer time on this earth. Before that happens, I have something that has been in my chest that wants to be out for so many years and that is: I'm sorry. A long, long time ago, I believed that she was in my way of my happiness of seeing and knowing her husband Dominic Antol. All I ever wanted was to be in love with him and also be great friends with her niece Amber Halligan along the way. And because of my own selfish ambitions, it poisoned the friendship I had with her niece and also, it poisoned me mentally. It was also my biggest mistake in keeping to pursue him even though he clearly wasn't interested in me. After all these years, it made me realize that I dealt with a lot of setbacks and failures in my life stemming from my childhood wasting time dwelling on them and only fixating on Dominic's career and his life in my later years. From that point, I went on following him with my cameras around my place, hurting those that came in my way masking my pain in the process. Later on, she foiled my grand scheme of burning her complex down and ruining her career which led me to jail. During my time there, I helped with their rehabilitation program The Straight Path for a number of years as a way for me to clean up the mess I'd made among others in prison. Furthermore during that time, I met someone who helped to give my life meaning for the first time in a very long time. In addition, I convinced my fellow prisoner to not do the same act I had attempted to do all these years ago. After my release from prison after 10 years, I realized it's not easy setting back into society since I still have lots of baggage that I carry with me and it has been eating me up literally and figuratively. After that, I learned from you Lord that I have an important mission to partake. And that is to try something different and to find some happiness in my life while helping others. I joined in the Hayleys retreat as a way for me to get away from my mistakes and I also learned that I can't run away from them. During the trip, I heard that Kelly was sick with a failing kidney in her body and I later realized that I owe Kelly, Amber, Dominic, and especially the late Riley Jones for the pain I caused them. I took a life and in a few moments, I'm going to keep Kelly from dying by giving her one of my kidneys. When I do this, Kelly's going to live a great life with her family for years to come and for Amber, I'm hoping that she'll go in peace without the burden of a destroyed friendship under her belt. With that in mind, I let go of my long-term baggage on my back that I have been carrying for years and put them somewhere behind me. Whether or not the Halligans forgive me, I just want to let you know Lord that I forgive Kelly Halligan, I forgive Amber Halligan, I forgive Dominic Antol, and I forgive myself of what I've done. In Jesus's name, Amen" After Maddie's prayer, she proceeded to bring out her ukulele to play an uplifting song hoping to raise both her and Kelly's spirits before the operation:
"Peace flows into me
As the tide to the pool by the shore;
It is mine forevermore,
It will not ebb like the sea.
I am the pool of blue
That worships the vivid sky;
My hopes were heaven-high,
They are all fulfilled in you.
I am the pool of gold
When sunset burns and dies,
You are my deepening skies;
Give me your stars to hold."
While Maddie is playing her talented song on her ukulele, her sound and voice can be heard in the hallways where Dominic is on his way back to meet his son Richard after getting him a candy bar. "I haven't heard those strokes from a ukulele in years and the last time was in one of my games. And also, that voice sounded familiar as well" thought Dominic while listening to Maddie's song. After the prayer and music, the surgery begins and as Maddie starts to get sedated for surgery, the last thing she sees was a vision of the late Riley Jones. "Way to go Maddie." said Riley "I'm glad you've finally let go." From then on, the surgeons proceeded to remove Maddie's fresh kidney and deliver it to Kelly to implement it into her body. The surgery is a success after hours of operation. Consequently, Maddie has ONE kidney in her body going forward and Kelly Halligan obtained a fresh new kidney donated by her now former nemesis. "Wake up Maddie, are you feeling ok?" asked the doctor "Feeling tired and kinda sore but I don't have any regrets doing the deed." said Maddie "You'll be feeling that way for a couple of weeks at least after donation." said the doctor "What about Kelly Halligan? Is she going to be ok?" asked a concerned Maddie "Her body's going to have some getting used to with her new kidney. Other than that, she's going to be alive and kicking." retorted the doctor. "Thanks for letting me know, where can I discharge?" said Maddie. "We'll fill out the paperwork first and go from there." replied the doctor as Maddie prepares to leave with the Hayleys in a couple of days. After letting the Hayleys know about her extended stay, they told her that they'll come back for her when she's ready and well enough to leave the premises. On Maddie's discharge day as she is on her way to meet the Hayleys, she ran into a very familiar face: Amber Halligan in the flesh wearing her red tracksuit coming out of her practice unaware of her aunt's good news regarding her new kidney. "What are you doing here Maddie? Haven't you caused enough pain for our lives already and what's more, you have no right to see any one of us." said Amber feeling unhappy with Maddie's presence. "Your aunt's going to be ok" said Maddie as she walks off the facility meeting the Hayleys. On her way to visit her aunt with her new kidney in her body, Amber came across a medical file that someone forgot in regards to the operation. Just then as she was reading it, she discovered Kelly's kidney donor: MADELINE ELIZABETH SAWYER! Amber was stunned and perplexed by that revelation throughout her entire trip to Kelly's room in the hospital. "Amber!" exclaimed the Halligan-Antol family as they embraced in the news that Kelly's going to be alive and kicking. "Looks like I'll live to fight another day guys! Even though I'm kinda sore right now but I should be back to work soon" said Kelly. "Just told Gibson the good news via text and I bet she's going to be happy seeing her business partner working together with her once again!" said Dominic "Glad Mommy's better!" said Richard happy that his mother's going to be healthy again. "Who's the hero?!" "Well, I came across the medical file I stumbled upon to on my way to the room and you won't believe who's the donor." said Amber "Who is it?" asked Kelly feeling grateful for the donor. "The donor is Madeline Sawyer, and I'm surprised she volunteered to donate her kidney to you at this point in our lives." said Amber. "I don't know if I told you guys already but I feel that Maddie's changed and I know you have every right to be skeptical of this. As I've said to your aunt in a conversation in the past, she saved me from another prisoner who tried to kill me and mentored the youth in the community. And also, maybe she wants to make up for what she did to us all these years ago by doing these activities. And come to think of it, she wouldn't have saved your life if you didn't hit her in the head with a skillet years ago." said Dominic. "I can't believe you're defending her after what she put us through but you have a point Dominic. Guessing I kinda smacked some sense into her." said Kelly with a sense of humor. Weeks go by as the respective rehabilitation take place for both parties. Kelly's body begins to adjust with her new kidney and works perfectly for her everyday duties in the workforce and in her household. As for Maddie, she has to temporarily use a cane to get around the assisted living place. "How are you feeling Maddie? Do you want to take a time out or something?" asked Janice. "I should be fine in regards to the cleaning." said Maddie. "Don't clean too much, you might need to rest soon and before you do that, there's some people that want to see you." said Sonia as she proceeds to the entrance. From there, Maddie sees to her surprise right in front of them, Amber & Kelly Halligan and Dominic and Richard Antol. "If you need me, I'll be at the common area. Same with Janice" said Sonia knowing that it's Maddie's confrontation with the Halligan-Antol family. "Can I help you?" asked Maddie. "First of all, are you willing to donate your own kidney to keep my aunt alive even though you caused pain to us in the past?" asked Amber. "I feel that I owe you all a lot after what had happened years ago. Even though all of you have moved on from that, I never truly did and it has been eating me up inside for a very long time. Trust me when I say this, I'd dealt with a very bad hand throughout my life and at the end of my teenage years, I had snapped and caused lots of calamity to you all. Years back I told you Amber that when I lost everything I had nothing left to live for. Nothing left to fight for. I learned later on in my life that I HAVE something to fight for in spite of those setbacks and its by helping others get through similar trials and tribulations that I have faced. And also, I feel that life is worth living even when the odds are against you. That's something that I should've learned a long time ago." said Maddie feeling passionate with her words while her eyes are watering having total care of the Halligan-Antol family's feelings. "I got something to say to you Madeline Sawyer, even though the things you've done to us and others can't be erased no matter how much you change, you're willing to do something about it by making up for what you've caused. Especially giving me another 50 years of my life. And for that, I thank you Madeline." said Kelly shaking Maddie's hand. "Come to think of it, I once read an article regarding a former prisoner working for another tech company mentioning a fellow prisoner recommended her to turn her life around after the incident with my husband during one of his seminars." "Well, you're talking to the fellow prisoner right now haha!" said Maddie confirming Kelly's suspicions. "And for you Maddie, I've been hearing some ukulele music that I haven't heard in many years and that voice too." said Dominic before he paused realizing that the young fan he took care of was a very young Maddie Sawyer! The same one who stalked Dominic, killed Riley, caused pain to the Halligans and later turned herself around in her life. "Guilty and like I said, my life sucked up until I met you and I didn't tell you this fact when I saw you at the soccer practice years ago because I didn't want to be viewed as a victim. I'm sorry for that too Dominic." said Maddie. "Apology accepted for that one and I'm glad you took responsibility for your actions and shortcomings." said Dominic. "And you know Maddie, you may be a very, very mysterious and bad person in the past. But you're still willing to keep my aunt alive in spite of our suspicions about you Maddie and we're sorry you had a very miserable life before you met all of us. Even though it doesn't excuse your criminal actions. Nonetheless, you served your time and made a difference in the community." said Amber "And we forgive you too Maddie" "Are you sure and are you positive about this" asked a concerned Maddie. "Two words: time served" said Amber as the pair embraced for the first time in a very long time. "Thank you Amber, thank you Kelly, thank you Dominic" said Maddie finally receiving closure after a decade of pain, misery, and redemption. "Why don't we get some homemade pizza to make, I'll let Janice and Ms. Hayley know asap!" suggested Maddie. During the pizza party, Maddie discussed and recounted the high school years between her and Amber, her crimes, prison sentence, and working with the Hayleys. She also discussed the fact that even though they can't change the past, they're able to make a better future by learning that sometimes, that even if people fall into the point of no return, they're able to make things right if they're willing to. What's more, after the reflection, those events no longer hurt Maddie, Amber, Kelly, and Dominic. After the pizza party, the Halligan-Antol family said their goodbyes to Maddie and the Hayleys. "Thanks for the hospitality and once again, thank you for saving my wife's life Maddie." said Dominic. "Thank you all for forgiving me even though I didn't deserve it. Best wishes to your adventures. As for you youngster, listen to your mother. She's lucky to have a great kid, niece, and father in your life. Take it from me, she's a brave one to have." said Maddie winking at Kelly to which Kelly smiled back at her.
TWENTY YEARS LATER
"That was a very good tale you told me." said Rhea after digesting the librarian's tale. "I'm glad you're able to get something out of it!" said the librarian. "Now that I have a lot of notes for my report, I'm curious as to whatever happened to the rest of you guys." said Rhea. "Well, as far as I know, Amber returned to her soccer team and played for the California Dragons for her entire career until she retired not too long ago. Dominic Antol became a mentor/coach for his former team and stops by schools for assemblies. He's expecting to get his Hall of Fame ring soon by the way. As for little Richard, he became a soccer prodigy with his parents' blessing and passed all of his classes with flying colors. He's currently playing for his college soccer team." said the librarian "As for Kelly, she and her business became a franchise helping out the community in many ways along with her partner Gibson." "That's nice and all but what about Maddie?" asked Rhea. "Well, you're talking to her right now silly! No seriously, I've been working with the Hayleys before I moved to Portland and during that time, I discovered a couple of my relatives who I haven't seen in a very long time who resides here but at the time visited California for one of our clients at the time. From there I reunited with them and wanting to spend time with them, I said my goodbyes to the Hayleys (I still speak with them from time to time) and moved here to continue my mission." said Maddie "That's a good way to look at it, I have a good feeling I'm going to pass my class." said Rhea. "Then I suggest you start writing then you lucky duck!" said Maddie as she dismisses Rhea after the long story she delivered to her. After her shift, Maddie picked up her stuff from her office and proceeded to head home to meet her husband and prison preacher Jack Tipton. As she went to their house Maddie was catching up with Janice over the phone talking about her latest adventure and as soon as she entered her house, a white dove perches on one of the bushes outside and flies away to its family...
END