Saving Madison

Chapter One

Madison's p.o.v »»    

  Six months earlier:

My vision is blurred by the thick fog that surrounds me along with the tears that gush from my eyes, cascading down my cheeks. My throat burns from all my choked sobs and screams of internal anguish, and my body shakes violently inside the wooden canoe. I grip my phone tightly, holding it up in front of me- the only light source in the ominous lake.

This was my last cry for help. I called everyone, well, almost everyone on my contact list, hoping- no, praying that someone would talk me out of this. I had reached the final name on the list, the name I was dreading. His name stared back at me on the illuminated screen in bold, black letters almost as if it was mocking me.

Don't do it, the voice in my head screamed.

But this time, I ignored it.

I dialed Tyler's phone number and waited impatiently for him to answer. After six rings, the line went straight to his voicemail, Hey, you've reached Tyler. You know what to do at the beep. Sighing exasperatedly, I knew what this meant. Without a second thought, I threw my smartphone into the dirty, blue water, watching it sink to the bottom.

I was taking a big risk being out here in the deepest part of the lake, knowing very well I can't swim. This is how I was going to end it; This is how I was going to die. I peered over the edge of the small boat, looking into the shallow, musky water. Standing up inside the canoe, I squeeze my eyes shut. I can feel my heart thumping rapidly against my ribcage.

My eyes snap open at the sound of laughter to my right and in the distance, I can make out two figures. However, I can't tell who exactly they are. It's probably nobody, I thought.

I look back, down at the water beneath me. That's when I knew there's no going back.

I sway from side to side, making the canoe rock slowly against the calm waters.

I shift a little more weight to the left, and I tip over.

My body crashes against the water, submerging me instantaneously. I open my mouth from the sudden impact- water fills my lungs.

My lungs burn and it feels like my heart is in my mouth, but I remind myself to stay calm. It's only a matter of minutes before I slip away forever.

I was drowning.

In these last seconds of life, every instinct in my body tells me to fight, but I choose to ignore it. I don't fight it, I never want to fight it; I want to accept it. Accept the inevitability of my death.

Right here, in this lake, I am dead.

Madison Taylor is no more.

I am no more.

Present day: 6 months forward

My eyelids are closed, but a bright, white light manages to peek through from above me. The steady beeping of a monitor in the distance awakens me.

Going against my body's better judgement, I peel my eyelids open, wincing at the unexpected vibrant light that loomed over me. I groan, struggling to sit up.

"Madison," a familiar, but exhausted voice gasps.

I slap my hand over my eyes, shielding them from the beaming glow on the ceiling, "The light," I mumble softly, "It's too bright."

I hear quick footsteps to the left of me and the lights shut off. I remove my hand from my face and look straight up at the pale blue ceiling, "Where am I?" I whispered to myself. I glance to my side, my stomach dropping at the sight of my mother.

When I realized what was happening, I instantly sat up, pinching myself repeatedly, "What happened? Didn't I drown?" I asked, refusing to look at my mom.

This must be a dream; a sick, twisted dream.

The side of my bed sinks from my mother's weight as she leans forward, cautiously tucking a lock of my red hair behind my ear. I watch her movements like a hawk.

"Sweetheart, you're alive, that's all that matters," She said, looking at me with adoration.

I look away, not able to face her.

"Yes," I lie through my teeth, "It's a miracle."

My mother nodded not sensing my sarcasm, "Listen honey, there are some things you should know-" My mother started, but was interjected by my father barging into the hospital room. I watched him wheel his way over to the side of my hospital bed.

When he was closer, I could clearly see the tears in his eyes, "It really is you," He said, his voice cracking slightly.

When I saw the bags under his eyes and his full head of grey hair, I couldn't stop the tears that began to form in the brim of my eyes.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for any of this to happen." I weeped, soaking his air force jacket. He rubbed my back comfortingly and mumbled incoherent words in my ear, "Nobody is ever going to hurt you again, Maddie." He promised, using my childhood nickname.

I pulled away gently, tears still free falling from my puffy, red eyes.

I glanced back up at my mom and took a really good look at her this time. Her normal red lipstick was replaced with her bare, cracked lips; her typical low, tight bun was now a wild, untamed bird nest; Also, her usual work clothes were now oversized t-shirts and sweatpants.

I didn't recognize this woman at all.

I reached out and held her hand with pleading eyes, "Let's go home, mom, please."

I was already grabbing the clothes off the nightstand and walking towards the bathroom, but my mother stopped me.

"No, Madison, there's something you really need to know." She urged, gripping my shoulder.

I looked at her with a puzzled look, "Well, what is it?"

She sighs and looks like she's about to throw up all over the tiled floor, "Maddie, died, but you're back now..." She explained, pausing to look at my face, "And you've been dead for six months." She breathed out.

Now, it's my turn to want to throw up, "How is that possible?" I whispered, dumbfounded.

My mother scratched her left ear -a habit shes' developed right before she's going to lie, "You know what? You need to rest right now, the doctors are working tirelessly for a logical explanation." She said, ushering me back to the uncomfortable, springy bed.

Before she slips out of the room, I pull her wrist towards me, preventing her from going anywhere, "Wait," I said, "Who pulled me out of the lake?"

My mother inhales sharply and I see my father's back stiffen, I look at my mom with an expected look, "Well?" I persist with my eyebrows raised.

"Tyler," She responds, "Tyler Hastings pulled you out."