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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Fellowship (among believers) (10/11/07)
Madi turned off her cell phone and plopped onto her bed. She grabbed a throw pillow and hurled it across the room toward the closed door. Burying her head in the belly of a child-sized stuffed panda, she sobbed.

This wasn't how it was supposed to end up. She'd been going out with Braden since her sophomore year and she was in love. The two of them had even started talking about getting married in a few years. Now, here they were, Madi a semester away from high school graduation, and it was over. She couldn't believe how naive she had been.

She'd been afraid to tell her parents what had happened, but was certain Braden would understand. He'd be surprised, and maybe a bit disappointed, but he'd definitely support her. They would get through it, together, somehow. She even assumed that when she called, he'd propose. His complete rejection of her had stung like nothing she'd ever experienced.

"I thought you were on the pill," he'd said. Where he got that idea, Madi hadn't a clue. "Sounds like you've got a problem. I've got big plans, Madi. I don't have time right now to take care of you, much less a kid. Sorry."

He'd hung up then. Madi hadn't the strength to call back.

She felt lonelier than she ever had. Madi could hear her parents out in the living room, but had no desire to be with them, nor was she in the mood for their questions. "I need to get out of here. If Braden acted like this, I can't even imagine what my parents will do."

Madi grabbed a duffel bag from her closet and threw in some toiletries, a change of clothes, and her cell phone. She opened the bay window beside her bed, popped out the screen, and slid out into the back yard. She crept along the side of the house, avoiding open windows or ducking below them, until she reached her car. She threw her stuff in the passenger seat and backed out of the driveway.

After driving a block, she pulled over. Where would she go? She had no desire to be alone. Looking at the dashboard clock, she smiled.

**

Madi pulled into the parking lot, noting that only a couple spots were occupied. The rest of the folks wouldn't be here for another half hour. She sloughed into the building and headed straight for Don's office, where she found him and his wife Amanda chatting.

He was facing the door as she approached. "Hey there, Madison. You're early." Don wrinkled his brow. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, Pastor Don," she cried. "I didn't know where else to go."

**

"Oh, Madi. You've got a problem there." Don stood up reluctantly and rubbed Madi on the back. "I hate this, but I need to get them started."

"We'll be right in, Don." Amanda grasped Madi's hand as she shooed her husband out the door.

"Okay - see you two in a bit. You know where to find me. I'll be praying, Madi." Dan walked out the door, closing it behind him.

Amanda led Madi to a couch where the two sat. "Madi, of all the places you could have gone, I am <b>so</b> glad you came here."

Madi sniffled. "You and Pastor Don and the youth group are family - more sometimes than my parents are."

Amanda looked at Madi thoughtfully. "Even so, you still need to tell your parents, you know."

She nodded. "I'm scared, though. Can't I wait?"

Amanda shrugged. "You know they need to be told. Would you rather they find out from someone else?"

Madi shook her head vigorously.

"Could happen, you know, especially if you go through with your plan to tell your friends in there tonight." Amanda put her arm around the girl. "How about we break the news to your friends first, get some prayer support, then you head home to talk to your parents?"

She nodded slowly, biting her lip.

The two stood and walked toward the all-purpose room. Don had just finished praying. He was standing with his back to the door, so the group saw Madi right away.

"Pastor Don, can I say something?" Madi's voice was scarcely above a whisper.

He nodded, backing away.

"I sinned big time, you guys. I'm pregnant, and I don't know what to do. Can you forgive me?"

The teens' wide eyes transformed slowly into looks of compassion, as the body of Christ embraced this despairing, but repentant, soul.
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This article has been read 1624 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
LINDA GERMAIN 
10/18/07
A must read for young teens! Nicely done.
Lynda Schultz 
10/19/07
This reminded me of my home church, a place where forgiveness is on the sign board, invisible to the naked eye, but very visible in the attitudes of the people. Good job.
Ann Renae Hair
10/19/07
This story makes me want to keep reading. I want to go with her to her parents and see how things work out! Good job.
Betty Castleberry
10/20/07
This held my attention. Couldn't wait to see she what she woulod do. I wish there was more. Well done.
Laury Hubrich 
10/20/07
This was a tear-jerker. Hope you finish your story and share it with us sometime:)
Laury
Amanda D'costa
10/21/07
Very apt for today's world. A nice write.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
10/22/07
Though this is a story too common in our world today, you reminded us very well of the value of Christian fellowship for all ages.
LauraLee Shaw
10/23/07
I cried. I dislike conflict so much, so I had a tension inside the whole time. I'm incredibly thankful you chose to end this on an up note. You drew me in with each sentence.
Joy Faire Stewart
10/23/07
Excellent example for a difficult situation. I was so glad the teen received sound advise.
Jan Ackerson
10/23/07
Really good writing! I like your title, too--a great hook.
Debbie Roome 
10/23/07
This is what happened to a friend of mine when I was younger...like Madi she approached her pastor first. Thank God for people who care. Encouraging story.
william price
10/23/07
Great voice. Your writing is very impressive once again. Its always a treat reading what the Lord gives you to share.
God bless.
Sharlyn Guthrie
10/23/07
How wonderful to have a youth group to turn to in times like this. She obviously sensed the kind of supportive response she would get. This is a superb example of fellowship.
Dee Yoder
10/24/07
Well, I knew I missed a few in Masters and this is one. So good and so sad. But the ending you wrote gives this story real hope. You really should think of sharing this with a teen group. I agree with the others who want to know more about this character!
Dianne Janak 
10/24/07
Great title and story. Loved what it teaches about true Christian fellowship, and hopefully healthy ones would respond to her this way. Thanks SO MUCH for writing this. Its a keeper and would make a good piece for the younger set. Dianne
Karen Wilber
10/24/07
I love how the verbs you use paint such an emotional picture. {I had to go back and reread to figure out why I got a knot in my stomach in the first few sentences.} Now I want to know what happens when she tells her parents...
Sara Harricharan
10/24/07
Oooh! Great one for Teens here! I love Madi's destination-and how they all supported her, even after all that she went through. Excellent job! ^_^
Kristen Hester
10/24/07
Excellent writing, as always. I'm glad her youth group offered Christian fellowship. Great job.
Loren T. Lowery
10/24/07
This is so real. Growing up, my youth group was indeed my second (and sometimes my first) family.

Well done!
George Parler 
10/24/07
Nothing to add that hasn't already been said many times over. But still I must add my own. Well done, well done, and . . . well done. Good job.
dub W
10/25/07
This is good...very good. I am going to copy this and give it to our Youth Director.
Ruth Mossing
10/25/07
This was a great and very
wise article, I have went
through some hard situations
with my Son, and Gran-Daughter,concerning these
same problems. Thanks for
the review of my Baptism
article and the good advice.