You give love a bad name - Heartbreak High

-0.1-

The sun beat down on Missy's backyard as Madelyn lounged by the pool, margarita in hand. They were enjoying a lazy Sunday, soaking up the last summer warmth before the start of the new school year.

Missy, flipping through a Vogue magazine, sighed. "I can't believe in a week we have to go back to school and see all those dickheads," she muttered, her frustration evident.

Madelyn nodded in agreement, taking a sip of her margarita. "Yeah, I don't want to go back either," she replied, her voice tinged with reluctance. "I just want to stay in summer forever."

Missy glanced up from her magazine, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oi, did ya hear about the party Dustin's chuckin' tonight?" she asked, excitement bubbling in her voice.

Madelyn's ears perked up at the mention of the party. "Yeah, Ant told me about it," she admitted, a hint of longing in her voice. "I'd be keen as to go, but I can't. Got another one of those family dinners."

Missy frowned sympathetically. "Ah, that's a bummer," she said, disappointment evident in her voice. "Those family dinners are a bit of a drag, eh?" Madelyn nodded, her expression resigned.

"You're tellin' me," she replied. "They're the worst. It's just everyone goin' on about how crap I am at school, how my grades are rubbish, and how I only think about partyin'. They keep sayin' I need to be more like Maddie."

Missy reached out a comforting hand, her sympathy evident. "That's rough, mate," she said, her voice soft. "But don't let 'em get ya down. They're just jealous."

Madelyn managed a weak smile, grateful for her friend's support. "Thanks, Missy," she said, her voice tinged with gratitude.

Their conversation ending , they decided to take a refreshing dip in the pool. Setting aside their drinks, they made their way to the edge of the pool and slipped into the cool, crystal-clear water.

After their swim, Madelyn realized it was time to head home and get ready for the evening. "I hate to cut this short, but I should probably head back and get ready for tonight," she said.

Missy nodded. "No worries, Madelyn," she replied with a smile. "Have a ripper time at your family dinner." Madelyn returned the smile. "Cheers, Missy," she said sincerely. "And have a blast at Dusty's party."

With a final wave, Madelyn made her way out of the backyard and headed back home.

As Madelyn made her way home, she spotted her neighbour walking along the sidewalk, his easygoing demeanor and familiar grin instantly lifting her spirits. "Oi, Ant!" she called out, waving to catch his attention.

Ant turned, a grin spreading across his face as he spotted Madelyn. "G'day, Mads!" he greeted warmly, falling into step beside her.

As they walked, Ant glanced over at Madelyn. "So, how you doin'?" he asked.

Madelyn shrugged, a weary sigh escaping her lips. "Eh, same old, same old," she replied with a hint of frustration. "Just gearing up for another one of those fucking family dinners."

Ant nodded sympathetically, his brow furrowing in concentration as he tried to process her words. "Yeah, family dinners can be tough," he agreed, a hint of confusion in his voice. "But hey, at least there's food, right?"

Madelyn stifled a laugh, shaking her head affectionately at Ant's simple-mindedness. "Yeah, there's definitely food," she replied with a smile. "Thanks, Ant."

Ant reached into his pocket and pulled out a vial of alcohol, offering it to Madelyn. "Here," he said with a goofy grin. "In case things get too much for you tonight."

Madelyn couldn't help but chuckle. "You're the best," she said, taking the vial with a grateful smile. "So, what's up with you?"

Ant shrugged nonchalantly. "Ah, nothing much," he replied. "Just planning to hit up Dusty's party tonight. Should be a ripper."