A Parasitic Paradise

Chapter 2

Maddy walks out into the hall after class is over with a sense of accomplishment, she can hear the students behind her talking "that girl is awesome I never thought that someone could be so cool on their first day of school." the other one replies "yeah I wouldn't mind being friends with her" Maddy smiles and she keeps walking towards the next class as the two students behind her turn into one of the open rooms next to a long section of lockers.

"MADDY!!!" she hears someone shout, "MADDY WAIT UP!" It's Jaxson, she can tell by the crazy tone in his voice he's about to give her a load of crap over the skit she just amazed everyone away with it by herself.

"Dude you were awesome up there, where in the world did you learn to act like that!" Jaxson asks when he finally catches up to her. Maddy stops in the middle of the hallway and looks at him. "well as YOU can see I'm a pretty big deal." Maddy giggles. "I'm kidding. Over the last few years of moving around I have learned how to act like quite a few different people." Maddy continues walking down the hall and Jaxson joins her.

"well I'm intrigued please do tell more" Jaxson puts his hands up to his face as to pretend like he's in shock. "first day here and your already better than all the juniors in that class." Jaxson knocks her arms with his elbow.

"Well you see Mr. Barrett when you move all over the damn world, hold on I think I gotta go this way." Maddy stops and looks at the map trying to figure out where her next class is. "Um, let’s see, room 209 is down the next hall it looks like" She says as she heads toward the office area once more, Jaxson snatchs the map and her class schedule this time.

"OK look I don't know how this has happened considering I'm a senior and you’re a junior, but it looks to me as if you copied my class list just so you can be near me again, another coincidence." Jaxson joked.

"Hah I think not sir. it wasn't until this morning that I knew you even existed. so therefore, that is not possible." Maddy said rocking on her heals, then turned to continue walking. Ha he thinks he's slick.

"Well Maddison, it seems to me like we're going to get along just fine." Jaxson said knocking her in the arm with his elbow "You are kind of cool ya know!"

smiling at Maddy.

"Like I said I’m kind of a big deal" she teased him back. "Anyways we're similar in different situations." she chuckled.

"This is the hall," he pointed out to her, and then shoved her that way "I just hope I don’t have to sit by you. Don't want to be shown up again."

"hah" Maddy shot a look at him "you're lucky I went easy on you"

"JAXSON! What in the actual HELL!" he quickly turned on his heals followed by Maddy to see the Cheerleader standing behind them with her hand on her hips. Jaxson bowed his head in shame. "WHAT! What now Jordan!" ah ha so she does have a name...Jordan. sounds preppy. suits her. Maddy smirked thinking.

"what are you smiling about freak." Jordan said death staring at Maddy.

"Well..." Maddy started

"NO! Don't even talk to me, you’re just a waste of air anyways!" Jordan snapped at Maddy. "who exactly are you anyways? and why do you think it’s OK to walk with other girl's boyfriends." she said walking towards Maddison clutching her books.

"JORDAN! SHUT THE HELL UP!" Jaxson raised his voice, noticing that everyone in the halls and gotten quiet and was staring he continued in a lower tone "you have no right to degrade someone. Especially someone you don't know and does not know you. so back off." he huffed, and stood in front of Maddy.

"Oh, so you’re going to protect freaks now huh! you don’t even know this girl either Jaxson, she could be some psycho killer, home wrecking back stabbing bimbo." she remarked taking a few more steps in his direction, clenching her books even tighter. "lord knows! and anyway she looks like a hobo." Maddy looked down at her clothing, wow, do I really look that bad?

"Jordan Enough, seriously. stop being petty and go to class we will finish this later. I can’t be late again got it!" he snapped. turning and walking back towards his next class.

"what the hell ever Jaxson! you're just as stupid as she is!" She hollered back at him, Jaxson flipped her off and kept walking, Maddy just stood there in disbelief that this girl could be so mean, and she's seen mean, this is just cruel. She stared at the cheerleader, "you my dear should learn to not talk." she spoke softly to Jordan.

"and you my dear shout shut the..."

"Jordan, not another word! Get to class now!" Mr. Lee said from behind Maddy, touching he lightly on the arm to reassure her that he's there. Jordan stomped off like a toddler losing a battle with his mother.

Maddy turned around to see Mr. Lee dressed in a lab coat, and chuckled.

"What are you wearing?" she asked.

"Well you see my darling, I happen to also be the science teacher! Acting class is a hobby, science is a profession." He smiled kindly, "may I assist you to your next class?" he held out his arm to her, Maddison taking it. it seriously feels like I have known this teacher forever. like he's one of those long-lost friends. crazy right?

"Why certainty" She replied chipper as ever. "Thank you."

"Not a problem my dear. and i am ever so sorry abou that cheerleader, she isn’t quite so cheery if you understand. You see she suffers from what I call constant PMS. also known as total b***h from where I am from" He remarked as they walked towards room 209. Maddison giggled aloud " and where exactly are you from good sir?" she said in a similar English accent as his. "Well that was quite good! you're definitely going to ace my acting class!" He said with a bright smile and sarcastic yet kind tone. "I am from the great city of Derby, England. There everything is pristine and pleasant, here there are just so many rude individuals."

They stopped short of the class room, Mr. Lee turning to face Maddy "Room 209 I presume is your next class?" he asked.

"you are correct!" Maddy proclaimed.

"ah I see, as is mine." They walked into the classroom together.

"Have a seat everyone class is about to begin," Mr. Lee said aloud. "we have a new student joining us today!." he pointed over to Maddy. "everyone I would like you to give a kind, warm welcome to Maddison Bryne!" Maddy waved reluctantly at the class. "Hey guys!" she said embarrassed.

"Maddy you can take a seat by Mr. Barret, you two seem like a good fit as science partners." oh god I knew it, and here comes the harassment.

"Ah Ha Maddy!" Jaxson smiled and pointed his fingers like Fonzie, Maddy roller her eyes. "OH god you again!" she said walking over towards the conjoined desks.

"hah yep Me again.” He knocked her in the arm with his elbow. Why does he always have to do that, it freaking hurts. she thought rubbing her arm. She sat on the edge of her chair furthest from Jaxson, without hesitation he grabbed the back of it and slid it closer to him.

"ha you think your slick, not this time!" he joked.

"Alright class, let’s get started, today were going to learn Forensics!"

He got excited and waved his hands in the air like a child! "My personal favorite!"

the class rumbled with excitement, this seems like it’s going to be fun, I might actually enjoy this class and I usually hate science. Maddy thought to herself as Mr. Lee began to explain the lesson to them. Alright class pull out your notebooks and let’s get started."

He got into his desk and pulled out several dry erase markers and erasers, and laid them out on top of his podium. Grabbing the black marker, he said "Forensic science is an umbrella term that has various areas under it. When a crime is committed and the forensic team is called in, there are many experts who cover their specialized fields. Although all these people could be considered forensic scientists, they have specific areas that they work in. I would like you to name off a few commonly known forensic terms"

"Evidence" the Kid in the blue sweater shouted out from the back of the class

"Good Jake, Yes Evidence" He said as he wrote the word up on the giant white board behind him. "What is evidence?" He turned back, a girl wearing a black hoodie with the number 3 on the back of it sitting in front of Maddison raised her hand, "Yes, Katie!" He pointed and called on her.

"What is: the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid, for 200 Please" she said giggling

"Very good!" He replied, "Now what are the types of evidence?" he asked as her drew a small indented line underneath the word.

"Finger prints, blood, DNA" Jaxson shouted "bullet casings, signs of a struggle, texts. really anything that indicates who could have had a part in the crime!"

"wow, did not expect you to shout them all out Mr. Barret" Mr. Lee said with a cocky smile. "but certainly, you are correct," He wrote a few of the things Jaxson said underneath the word evidence.

"So, we know that evidence is the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid. Also, it can be pretty much anything but now I want to talk about the types, we know the kinds of evidence but did you know there are types, let me explain..."

He began talking, "PSSSST" Maddy could hear from behind her so she turned around. There was a girl in a bright pink sweater with large geeky glasses staring at her "Are you the new girl that showed everyone up in homeroom this morning?" She whispered to Maddy, "because if so, you are awesome!" she said a little louder, Maddison blushed and shook her head as she turned back around to Jaxson in her face. She jumped "Oh GOD!"

Mr. Lee Stopped "Everything alright back there Miss. Bryne?"

"yes, I’m sorry." She said embarrassed "I thought I saw a spider, I’m so sorry. you can continue"

She looked down at her book.

"right ok, as I was saying," He continued "turn to page 256"

Maddy scrolled to the page when a note slid into her book. Look over here it said with an arrow pointed toward Jaxson. She looked up, and mouthed WHAT? widening her eyes to make the emphasis known to him.

"looks to me like you have an admirer" He whispered and pointed behind them. "That’s Anna, she a little bonkers" He made the twirling motion next to his head with his hand, and smiled. Maddison just shook her head. no, I think you’re crazy She thought to herself. "Maddison, Madds, psst look at me!" She could hear Jaxson whisper from right next to her, so she leaned over.

"Jaxson, what is it" she whispered back.

"I'm really sorry about the psycho cheerleader. Jordan is a super b***h. We're not dating she just thinks we are." Jaxson said to Maddison, she rolled her eyes. "Jax you don’t have to explain things to me I barely know you."

"Madds come on man, I thought we were hitting it off? Besides your like the coolest ever," he said sarcastically.

"Oh, is that so..." Maddison batted her eyes at him pretending to be enthused "Dude for real?"

"YES!!" He said a little louder than expected.

"JAXSON! Do I need to stop so you and Miss. Bryne can finish your conversation?" Mr. Lee looked ticked. "Please don't interrupt me again, I am trying to explain the importance of evidence up here!" He put his hands on his hips and pressed his lips together. "NOW! as I was saying copy the board into your notes, and tonight’s homework is studying the types of evidence and the kinds of things that categorize​ as evidence. Also, for you MR. Barret you must write me a 350 essay as to why your conversation could not wait ‘til after class."

"OH GOD!!!! Seriously Mr. Lee?" Jaxson Sighed knowing that he was definably not going to be able to explain this reason.

"Yes Jaxson, you are not getting out of this because you’re a football player who has practice." Mr. Lee snarked and chuckled.

DING! DING! "well that’s the bell I will see you all tomorrow. Make sure you bring your books! and your homework." Mr. Lee Shouted over the Hussle and bustle of the class as they gathered their stuff up. He walked up to Maddison, "Do I need to separate you two already?" He said looking at both of them concerned.

"No, Mr. Lee I’m sorry." Maddison said embarrassed.

"alright then, tomorrow please talk before or after, that is all." He turned and walked back towards his desk and plopped down in his seat. "Go, go, get out of here." He shooed them away.

Maddison turned to grab her bag when Jaxson snatched it up.

"Oh!! you see if you want this back you're going to have to agree to help me write this paper. As well as hand over your schedule and map so I can figure out where we have to go next cause, go figure, I know your class is going to be the same as mine seeing how I know you copied MY schedule."

"Jax you are an ass!" She jerked her backpack out of his hands, "As a matter of fact I don’t think we have the same class this time, unless you're a girl, it says girls PE"

"Oh, looks like I’m a guy and I have Algebra! so maybe you didn’t copy my class list!" He laughed. "I can still walk with you if you want?" he said to Maddy hoping she would say yes.

"um, that’s probably not a good idea," she said pointing down the hall, "she looks pissed I’ll see ya around!" Maddy said as she quickly turned down the hallway to her left.

"Wait! NO! Please!!" Jax shouted after her.

"JAXSON!" Jordan shouted at him! "How dare you! you're a trader, you're going to choose this new Skank."

“She is not a skank!" Jax cut her off, "she is new here and I was trying to help!"

"Well, she is a boyfriend stealing skank to me!" Jordan continued to shout.

"Jordan shut the hell up, we're not even dating so she’s not a ""BOYFRIEND STEALING SKANK"" He air quoted and turned to follow Maddy even though he was sure she had made it to PE without his help.

"So, what you're just gonna follow your new fling to class like a sad puppy dog?" Jordan snarked after Jax, "Fine you know what we're over!"

Without hesitation or tuning around Jax threw his hands in the air and yelled "hallelujah!"

Jordan stormed off pouting like she was the sad puppy dog.

Jax spotted Maddy standing in the middle of the hall, "MADDY!! Dude how you gonna leave me hanging like that?" He said walking up to her. She seemed to be in a daze just standing there looking at her map.

"Jax i'm not trying to cause drama, that’s not the reason I am at this school ok dude." she rebutted as she turned to face him.

"whoa, tude much..." he put his hand on her arms. "Maddy look, there is no drama Jordan is just a b***h, ignore her and you'll be golden, now let’s get you to PE my class is literally two doors down from the gym. It’s your first day and I know we just met but I’m not gonna let you get lost." He kind of laughed as he pushed her down the hall a little way. Maddy stopped, refusing to move like a stubborn mule.

"Jax what’s with all the random sweetness? This morning you were the dumb jock now you’re the caring senior?" he kept trying to push her a little further down the hall,

"come on Maddy! We have to get to class" He gave her one more push, "oh Kay, oh Kay, I get it man!" she kept walking, "but seriously what’s up with that Jordan girl?"

"She was my girlfriend last year, but she cheated on me last summer with a point guard on the basketball team for Oil Dale." he shook his head. "So, this morning when I saw her I acted like things were cool so I could shove all the crap I had stuffed in my back pack into her locker and break up with her." Maddy stopped and looked at him. "dude come on we have to keep moving."

"ok, but seriously she cheated," Maddy looked up at him "she cheated? On you? why? you like seriously amazing, I know I’ve only know you for like 30 seconds but you cool as hell man!"

DING DING!

"oh s**t, were late, I’ll take you to PE come on!" The ran down the hall to the gym,

"Wait! Wait Coach Harp! I have Maddy here I was trying to show her the way!" Jaxson screams at the coach closing the doors from down the hall. They stop at the door, “Coach this is Maddison, she is new at this school." Jax says, "Maddy this is coach Harp, he is by far the best coach ever!" he smirks.

"Yea, yea Jax you just better be ready for football this year, were going all the way!" coach high fives him. "Go grab a pass off my desk I’ll sign it. lord knows how grumpy Mrs. Danish can be the first thing in the morning." Jaxson runs into his office, "So you’re Maddy?” The coach reached out his hand, "Yes I am" she returned, "well it’s nice to meet you, stick with that Jax, kid and you’ll have a great year!”

Jax came back out of the coach’s office, "You talking crap coach?"

"Oh, you know it buddy, now get to class!" He hollers

"Yes! Coach sir!" Jax salutes him and runs off "See ya later Maddy!"

She waves bye "See ya" as she turns to the coach, "Alright let’s do this!"

"That’s the spirit Maddy!” He puts his arm around her shoulders and directs her to class.

"Alright, alright, everyone this is Maddy!" He says waving his arms in the air to get the girls attention! As the girls turn to face coach Maddy sees her, JORDAN! well this is fantastic! Maddy crosses her arms. "Coach, this is the new girl, or you can call her Jax stealer!" she laughed. Her stupid friends next to her laughed with her and then she waved her hand as if to stop her posse, and walked towards Maddy. "well, well, so I have a class with you, a physical class," she put her hands together "this is going to be a blast."

"That’s enough," the coach said stepping in between the girls, "Jordan go back over there, I’m watching you! Leave Maddy alone, or you won’t be cheering this season you got it!" Coach pointed at her, Maddy sighed.

"Coach it’s all good I got this!" Maddy said. Jordan sneered at Maddy,

"Of course, you do Maddy, of course you do!" coach replied, shaking his head.

"Alright girls let’s get started! I want you to do 10 minutes of stretching, and I’ll be right back. Jordan you stay over on your side of the court don’t forget I have cameras everywhere for reasons like this!" Coach said as he walked towards his office. Jordan shook her head and said "gotcha coach!" eyeing Maddy the whole time. Maddy walked over to another girl in the class and asked, "Is Jordan always like this?" the short brown-haired girl looked up at Maddy and said

"You have no idea! This is the cherry on top of the suicide sundae."

Maddy laughed, "You have got to be kidding me!"

"no Ma'am! Hey I’m Abby by the way" she reached her hand out to Maddy, Maddy pulled her up off the floor. "Maddy, nice to meet you. Don’t know exactly what you did to Jordan but it seems to me like she has it out for you. stick with me you'll be safe, she's my sister, I'm older by 9 months! she's terrified of me."

Maddy relaxed a bit, "Well that’s awesome, so you must be a senior too then?"

"Oh, you think she’s senior?" Abby laughed, Maddy nodded "oh sweets no she’s just a sophomore! she got held back pretty funny actually!"

"well I just thought since she was dating Jaxson that she was a senior? guess I was wrong!" Maddy said wondering what in the world Jax saw in her considering all this new info she's not smart. she must be good in bed cause she's not that pretty. Maddy laughed out loud on accident.

"What?" Abby asked, looking at Maddy a little concerned for her sanity.

"I was just thinking, and it made me laugh I’m sorry." Maddy said as she blushed.

"oh, let me guess, you were wondering why in the world Jax dated her, she's not that smart, not that pretty so she must be good in bed right?" ha-ha, Abby laughed. "don’t worry I’ve been wondering the same thing!"

Maddy looked at her. "damn your good, that’s exactly what I was thinking you're good!" reaching down for her toes.

"yea, they only dated for a little while, I think he did it to piss me off because I turned him down so many times freshman year!" Abby said as she sat back down on the floor reaching for her toes.

"oh, so Jax was interested in you?" Maddy asked as Abby looked back up at her.

"yea, all freshman year, he tried so hard to get me to go on a date with him. I kept turning him down, finally in the beginning of sophomore year he gave up. You see I’m not here to create a rep or find the love of my life, ha, I’m actually here for school to get good grades and get into college! I actually care!" she smirked, Maddy smiled back

"I like it! good call, yep I’m definably going to stick with you!" Maddy said as pulled her arm behind her head, Abby reached up and poked her in the ribs

"ouch asshole!" Maddy said as she fell to the ground, Abby laughed. "it got you down here didn’t it!" Abby kept laughing.

"all you had to do is ask, goodness!" Maddy kept rubbing her rib.

"oh, Maddy don’t be such a sissy, anyways so what brought you to ocean side?"

"OKAY CLASS, LAPS!" the coach said as he came out of his office, he blew his whistle.

"damn it man I can’t run!" Maddy said to Abby, "no worries, I can’t either. I’m PE challenged, but super book smart!" Abby said to Maddy as they started to slowly jog across the gym to the stairs.

"so, I guess you don’t want to tell me about what bought you here?" Abby asked a little winded already.

"what makes you think that?" Maddy said looking over at her as they ran up the stairs towards the track. Abby stopped "dude I can’t run upstairs walk with me!" Maddy stopped at the top.

"alright, see asking wasn’t so hard." she put her hands on her hips.

"Shut up!" Abby said as she got to the top, punching Maddy in the arm.

"damn it Abby, you’re mean!" Maddy shouted as Abby started walking up the second set of stairs

"I’m not mean you're just a sissy!" she said back as Maddy caught up with her.

"alright so, I’m going to tell you but it stays between us alright?" Maddy said to Abby smiling slightly. "you’re like the only person I need to know this!"

Abby stopped, "Your parents are bounty hunters looking for a mass bank robber in LA?"

Maddy laughed, "DO WHAT?" she got to the top of the stairs looking at Abby all crazy like.

"oh god no! My mom's in the peace corps, and my dad’s a dead beat!" Maddy laughed.

Abby looked at her side ways and took off running backwards. "That’s what I can’t tell anyone"

Maddy started running after her "yes!" she shouted back at her.

"What’s so wrong with that?" she said tuning around as Maddy caught up with her.

"I don’t know. I just don’t want it getting out. it might sound like I’m a softie! Anyways my family is all messed up! you know daddy issues and mommy's crazy!" Maddy said back to her out of breath. “can we slow down, I thought you said you can’t run?"

"I can’t but for some reason your parental issues make me want to get away from you, ha"

Abby said laughing. Maddy stopped dead in her tracks, Abby turned around "dude I’m kidding! Come on keep up!" Maddy took off again, relieved that Abby was only kidding.

Maddy kept running silently next to Abby from some time, when out of nowhere she saw Jax standing at the top of the stairs talking to Jordan, maddy took of running faster.

“Maddy wait the hell up!" Abby shouted after her and took off to catch up.

Maddy turned and started running backwards, "come on keep up slow poke" Maddy tuned back around and kept running, Abby got up next to her and said "dude what was that about?"

Maddy made a b-line for the bathrooms dragging Abby with her over to the side of the track.

"Dude seriously, what is wrong with you?" Maddy stopped and stared at Abby.

"Ok look," she pointed over to the top if the stairs at Jax and Jordan. "I have no idea what’s going on with them!" Abby remarked. "they have constantly been fighting."

"I know what’s going on, Jax told me after 2nd period on our way here. Jordan cheated on him with the point guard for Oil Dale this past summer!"

"DO WHAT!" Abby screamed! "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY!"

"Wow, I’m sorry I didn’t know that would make you mad I thought you didn’t like Jaxson! I didn’t know Jordan cheating on him would bother you, I’m sorry!" Maddy said backing away from Abby, like she was about to explode!

"Oh no I’m not mad about that screw Jaxson, who did you say she cheated on him with?!"

"Some point guard from Old Dale, what’s wrong!" Maddy said as Abby started to run off towards Jordan. "Abby, wait!" said shouted running after her. "Tell me what’s up!" Maddy stopped in front of her.

"GET OUT OF MY WAY MADDY!" she said as she pushed her aside and ran towards Jordan, slamming her into the ground!

“what the hell, Abby!” Jordan shouted trying to block the blows Abby was throwing at her. "You’re a freaking w***e!" Abby screamed at Jordan as Jaxson was trying to pull her off "Let me go Jaxson, you stupid little b***h!" she screamed at Jordan trying to swing at her.

"whoa! calm down Abby!" Jaxson said

"Jordan I’m gonna freaking kill you!" Abby screamed

"BREAK IT UP!" coach shouted from the bottom of the second set, as he started walking up "what the heck is going on here, I told Jordan to stay away from Maddy I didn’t think I was gonna have a problem with you Abby!" coach said disappointed, "what is going on!?"

"SHE IS A w***e!" Abby yelled at the top of her lung with Jaxson still holding her back.

"what the hell are you talking about Abby what the hell happened!" Jordan said staring at Maddy, Maddy just standing there having no idea what to do! "We were just talking about you and Jaxson and all of sudden she got ticked and ran over here" Maddy said just as confused as everyone else.

"Jordan slept with my freaking Boyfriend! You Slept with Brad!! I’m so going to kill you!" Abby said still trying to fright off Jax to get to Jordan.

"what the hell did you say to her!" Jax said as he looked at Maddy.