It was just an ordinary in Hawkins, Indiana, at least in the Newby household. For an August Saturday morning, the weather was beautiful. It was near perfect. No complaints were had, except for the background music playing on the stereo. "Dad, must we listen to Islands in the Stream again? There's more to music than Kenny Rogers, you know," Madison remarked. She took her bowl of cereal to the table.

After pouring a cup of coffee, Bob told his daughter, "There may be more than Kenny, but no one's as good as he is. I mean, listen to those sultry notes he hits. Of course, I can always put on some Lionel Ritchie. Oh, what a feelin' when you're dancing on the ceiling."

He literally sang that last part, which made Madison giggle. "No, Dad. That's okay. I'd rather listen to Kenny over Lionel," she remarked.

The two sat at the smaller kitchen table, eating their breakfast. It's what they do every weekend. The pair eat breakfast and dinner together unless Bob is needed at the store. Some of their best memories are over food because there's nothing better than going home to a family and having a good meal. They've been doing this for as long as Maddy can remember, probably even after she was born. Since her mother died of birthing complications, it's been just the two of them. The father-daughter duo has a close bond, and they share important things about their day at mealtime.

In fact, over dinner one 1984 May afternoon, was when Bob told his daughter about the new lady in his life. That was an interesting conversation, especially for Maddy. When Bob explained he was seeing Joyce Byers, she scrunched her nose. Madison doesn't need a mother because she has two grandmothers and an eccentric aunt. But what most concerned her was, "Dad, try to be careful. Remember what happened the last time you dated someone- Michelle Smith? She dumped you like somebody tossed the trash outside. You cried for days and went into a Kenny Rogers-induced coma. If I Ever Fall in Love Again played on repeat." She doesn't want him to get hurt.

The older man raised an eyebrow and commented, "Don't worry so much, Maddy. I know you care about your old man, but Joyce isn't like Michelle. She's a decent, friendly woman who's raising two kids. Jonathan is about your age. Do you know him?"

Then before his daughter could respond, he added in a Yoda voice, "Besides, do or do not. There is no try." Maddy only rolled her eyes at his silliness and threw a piece of dinner roll at him.

That was the end of that conversation, and Bob's been dating Joyce ever since. The only time there's any weirdness is when the two families combine to share dinner. Between Jonathan and Madison, the awkwardness comes in waves. It's not that they don't get along because they do. It's more a problem of how they're both socially inept in crowds. Even though the party of five is not a crowd, it's still enough to make their stomachs knot up. So usually, dinner comes down to Bob and Joyce breaking the tension of their children's nervous social habits. They talk about things like, "When Maddy was seven, I told her I was taking away her birthday because she's growing up so fast. Then she freaked out because she thought I was actually going to do that. I remember her face had horror all over it until she sat on the floor and cried. Oh, man, that was funny."

Those stories bring out the cringe in both Madison and Jonathan because his mother tells on him too. And that makes Will laugh, which is worth it. He's the sweetest kid, or at least Maddy thinks so. Will has been through so much with what happened last year. If she had been lost and declared dead, only to be found again, it would leave scars for life. But unlike her, Will is a trooper who tries to put on a brave face.

She's known Will for a while now, which is partly due to one of her best friends Katherine Sinclair. Katie is Lucas's older sister, or as Katherine says, "Lucas may be the brains of the family, but I'm the beauty. Thank God because have you seen my brother? Those eyebrows have no clue when to stop."

She and Maddy have been best friends forever (or since kindergarten). The two of them bonded over their shared love of Barbie, shrinky dinks, and Josie and the Pussycats cartoon. It was a sisterhood formed at the Playdough table that's carried them into Senior year at Hawkins High.

Maddy's other best friend is Jennifer Greene, or Jen G as she's known in school. Jen moved to Hawkins from Florida when Kate and Maddy were in third grade. Her family moved in September, and she was introduced to the class by Principal Norrington. Maddy remembers looking up from the science textbook when old Principal Norrington walked in and announced, "Class, you're getting a new student. This is Jennifer Greene. She just moved here from Florida, although I don't know why you'd leave the sunshine for the snow Dear."

Then the old grey-haired woman scanned her eyes around the room and landed on Jennifer Thomas. "Oh my. I forgot there's already a Jennifer in this class. Never mind, you'll have to be Jen G," she declared.

That day Jennifer sat alone at lunch because everyone else was already sitting in friend groups. Maddy and Katie took their Bionic Woman lunchboxes and moved to Jennifer's table. The three girls started chatting, and that's when they discovered the new girl had a lot in common with them. They all love Sticky Fingers charm bracelets and necklaces, Holly Hobbie, collecting stickers, Lip Smackers (especially the bubblegum flavor), and reading. They bonded over The Bridge to Terabithia. Ever since, Jen G has been a permanent friend, much like Carol Perkins's snobbish personality has permanently stuck with her.

The trio has found themselves often babysitting for Lucas and his goofy friends Mike Wheeler, Will Byers, and Dustin Henderson. That usually involves them trying to understand Dungeons and Dragons, watching Star Wars or Superman one hundred times, or going to the arcade. The girls used to not mind the arcade, but since Keith began working there, it's been a big no. Keith used to be an okay guy, but now he tries too hard with the ladies. It's far too cringe-worthy to watch and even worse when he attempts with one of them.

Interrupting Madison's thoughts, Bob asked, "Do you have any fun plans for the day?"

Maddy pushed her glasses further up on her nose. In response, she said, "I'm going over to Katie's later. Jen's also going to be there. We may go to the mall in Marion this afternoon. It's never too early to get a head start on back-to-school shopping. Being prepared is practical."

That prompted her father to wonder, "Do you have enough money? Even if you do, I'll leave you some before I head out. Be safe and buy yourself something nice, Maddy Joy. You deserve it with all the hard work you've put into your Aunt's bakery this summer. So would you rather me cook dinner or pick something up after work?"

With a smile on her cherubic face, Madison told him, "Daddy, I'll get dinner for us on the way home. We can watch Staying Alive while we eat and Return of the Jedi later."

Bob gave her a thumbs-up as he finished a sip of coffee. Then he noted, "Sounds like a plan. Now I have to ask, how does Darth Vadar like his toast?"

Raising her eyebrows in question, Maddy said, "I don't know."

As he moved to take the mug to the sink, the Star Wars-loving dad explained, "On the dark side, of course!"

They both chuckled. Madison's dad can be so corny with his puns and jokes, but he wouldn't be Bob Newby if he didn't have them. The two cleaned up the kitchen, and as stated, Bob left his daughter entirely too much money before leaving for Radio Shack. Once Maddy was alone, she phoned Katie, who told her to come over around noon. That left the sandy-blonde time to finish writing her summer book report.

Nearing noon, Madison knew she needed to get ready. So, she changed her outfit into denim shortalls with a white t-shirt. After pulling her thick hair into a ponytail and putting on a pair of sandals, the happy girl grabbed her keys to head out the door. As soon as Maddy got inside her red Ford Escort, she popped in a mixtape and slowly backed out of the driveway. With Politics of Dancing playing, Saturday afternoon was well on the way to being great.

When she arrived at the Sinclair house, Madison was greeted by Lucas. No sooner had she rung the doorbell than her friend's brother opened it. He wore a thousand-watt grin and had goo-goo eyes. "Hi, Maddy. You're looking nice today," he said adoringly.

Behind him, Erica remarked, "She's too old for you. And why would she date a nerdy middle school boy?"

Madison raised her hand to her mouth to hold the laugh that wanted to escape. Erica is always ragging on Lucas about something or other. If she isn't bothering him, then she's annoying Katie by trying to take her nail polish and makeup. While the two siblings were arguing, Maddy said hello to Mrs. Sinclair. Then made her way to her friend's room.

Once there, she sat on the bed beside Katie. "Hi, cupKate. When is Jen going to be here?" she inquired.

Flipping through Tiger Beat magazine, Kate raised her eyes and looked at the clock. The older Sinclair sibling responded, "In a few minutes."

The two girls shared the magazine while they waited. The boys of Duran Duran caught their eye, as did the guy who plays Johnny Lawrence in the Karate Kid movie, William Zabka. That prompted a discussion between Daniel and Johnny. Katie took her nail file from the side table and remarked, "No, no, no, Maddy. Daniel is way hotter. He's got the whole geeky, good guy thing going for him. Besides, Johnny is a total asshat."

Madison shook her head in disagreement. "I'm sorry, but you're wrong, Katie. Johnny and the Cobra Kai boys are way cuter. Plus, Daniel should have kept his nose out of Johnny's business. He continued being nosy even after getting beat up for it. You can't fault Johnny for Daniel's stupidity. There's something heartfelt about bad boys who can be redeemed, and I think Johnny Lawrence is the epitome of needing redemption. It's swoon-worthy."

Katherine stopped filing her nails and looked at her best friend. It's occurred to her on more than one occasion that that's Maddison's type- bad boys with hearts of gold. Her friend's comments prompted her to say, "Sort of like Steve Harrington, right?"

At that moment, Jen appeared looking comfy in her cut-off jeans and tank top. "Who likes Steve Harrington?" she asked.

Before Maddy could answer, Katie explained, "We were just sitting here talking about Daniel versus Johnny in Karate Kid. And Maddy defended Johnny because you know how she likes bad boys. So I asked about Steve Harrington." Kate had the nerve to look smug.

Jen's eyes grew as round an apple, and a smile broke out on her face. She couldn't help but tease her sweet friend. "You know what they say about bad boys. Good girls love bad boys, and you, Maddy Joy, are as good as they make them. Plus, I heard from Stephanie Meecham that even though Steve and Nancy are together, they're not on the same page. It's obvious the girl has a thing for Jonathan Byers. So, you could have a chance with Steve."

Madison's face screwed up in disgust. There's only one thing to say about that. "Oh... my... God. Are you serious? Steve Harrington? As if I would ever like that big-haired idiot. My most common cause of stress is dealing with rude idiots like Steve Harrington."

It would have to be a below-freezing, cold day in Indiana before Maddy ever had a chance with the guy. She'll never forget, "Do you both remember that party in seventh grade? Do you remember how we all gathered in the basement and played spin-the-bottle?" Her two friends nodded, then she reminded them, "That's why I'll never, ever like Steve Harrington. He can go sit on a tack or choke on his hairspray for all I care because I don't- I don't care."

Jen and Katie understood completely. They haven't particularly cared for the boy after that, either. It was that party that forever banished the trio into the geek section, and all because of one stupid hormonal, angst-ridden game. But best friends always have your back, no matter what. Life is hard enough trying to find someone who will love you without condition, without seeing all of your flaws. But the girls are lucky because they have two people who already do that- they have each other.

They're proof that it takes time to build strong friendships, and the bond they started in grade school is enduring. And what's better for single girls on a Saturday than taking their friends out? Nothing. So that's what they did. The girls loaded up in Jen's Benz and headed to the mall in Marion. They may have gone a little wild clothes shopping, but it's only two weeks from the start of Senior year. That seems to be the answer for everything these days- "It's Senior year!"

Loaded down with shopping bags, the trio parted ways at Katie's house. They promised to phone each other the next day. On the way home, Maddy stopped by Smoke Shack BBQ to pick up dinner. While waiting for the order, she sat at a booth with a Coke and wrote in her day planner. Just about the time, the sandy-blonde began writing, pick up new textbooks, the cashier Mel called out, "Newby, order up!"

Snapping the planner closed, putting it inside her purse, and standing, Madison walked over to the counter and got the order. Once she paid and turned around, she almost ran into none other than Steve Harrington. Madison stood still, clutching the carry-out bag while he stood looking at her. All the nerves rushed into her stomach, and those old inferior feelings returned full force. Maddy dashed out of the restaurant in a fluster, leaving a bewildered Steve staring at her retreating back.

In the safety of her car, she told herself, "It's okay. You are good enough and highly driven to succeed. You are a beautiful, capable young lady." She took several calming breaths and turned the car on to drive home. Only at home did Maddy forget all about the close encounter with the "hairy one." Too bad she couldn't forget what happened the next time she saw him. Because nothing in Hawkins, Indiana, is ever just ordinary, not even what's supposed to be the start to a fantastic Senior year.