Petunia [Luke Hemmings]

02: garden parties

Madi and I put on our dresses and got ready, then walked down the stairs and I got out a bowl with water, just like my mom told me to.

I fix my hair in front of the mirror one last time, as the doorbell rings and me and Madi open the door, smiling at my parents' guests. As far as I know this guy is a business partner of my parents. His wife is standing right next to him.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Anthony. Come on in." I say and shake their hands.

"Hello Florence, how are you?" Mrs. Anthony asks smiling.

"I'm fine. What about you?"

"Me too. And who is that wonderful young lady?" He questions, looking at Madi.

"That's my best friend Madison."

"Nice to meet you." Madi greets them and shakes their hands as well.

"You too." Mrs. Anthony relies.

"My parents are waiting in the garden." I tell them and they walk past us a moment later.

I turn to face Madi and roll my eyes. "I hate this. All those fake smiles, while I wish that I could punch everyone of them in the face."

"Calm down killer. This has just begun." She laughs.

I let out a sound, similar to a growl as the next person rings.

➪

After the first thirty people arrive my mom tells us to go to the garden and that she and Dad will greet the guests at the door from now on. I let out a relieved sigh at that and my mom of course shot me a glare.

Madi and I are standing in the garden next to the bushes that separates our garden from our neighbours'. Not everyone is there yet and there is still plenty of space behind our house.

I have a champagne glass in my hand, but instead of alcohol it is filled with orange juice. Madi next to me is drinking water, since she says that the orange juice tastes too sour for her. To be honest, I can't relate. I love fresh, sour orange juice. I mean, what is the point in drinking healthy fruit juice, when it consists of 90% sugar?

The guests of my parents are standing all over the place, sipping their precious wine and champagne like it was water.

"I totally get why you hate these parties. Most of these people look like they escaped some 80s tv show. Fucking snobs. How can they even drink so much of that disgusting stuff right there. I mean you know that I am not the biggest fan of alcohol anyways, but champagne is the most disgusting stuff my tongue has ever tasted." Madi states and takes a sip of her water

I shrug and cross my arms in front of my chest, my glass still in my right hand, trying not to spill my drink. "Those people are at least thirty years older than us and their bank account is ten times bigger than an average american family's ones. Champagne is their status symbol if you ask me."

"Well their status symbol also is having ugly ass haircuts and grandma clothes." I laugh at my friend's response.

"I can't believe you've just said that, Madison." I fake gasp. "That's fashion!" I ironically exclaim.

"Oh, I am sorry. How dare I?" We both have to laugh at our attempts to sound like snobby grandmas.

I see my Mom walk towards us a minute later and quickly catch my breath, trying to seem all serious.

"Could you please help our employees get another box of champagne and wine from the basement?" She asks me smiling. I nod and drag Madi with me, past all the people and towards the house.