Concerned that he may have cancer, Hendrix starts a downhill spiral that threatens the life of one of his pals on next week’s Neighbours in the UK.
Hendrix Greyson, the young larrikin, has had a hard week (Benny Turland).
The year 13 student was named the winner of the student category of the Shorts and Briefs film festival. During the event, though, he had his testicles tested at a pop-up testing booth put up by Karl (Alan Fletcher) in the Lassiters complex.
He was told there was a lump on one of his testicles when he was there. Hendrix rejected the advice of the consulting doctor, who advised him to schedule an appointment to get it looked out.
He’s now completely insane (forgive the pun!).
This week, it becomes obvious that the adolescent is concerned. He’s been researching testicular cancer symptoms, and his anxiety grows as he realises that the stomach ache he’s been experiencing for a few days might be a sign of cancer.
When high school deputy Jane (Annie Jones) arrives to deliver his reward — some editing software – his research is interrupted. Jane startles her pupil when she mentions how useful the editing software will be for the school.
Jane naively informs Hendrix, “It’ll be a beautiful legacy for you to leave behind after you’re gone.”
When she realises he’s perplexed, she clarifies that she means when he graduates. Hendrix’s concerns continue to loop over in his brain as the Jane’s foreboding words ring in his ears.
Mackenzie (Georgie Stone) stops by not long after to wish him luck before his exam. He says he’s not feeling well and mentions the discomfort in his stomach.
When Mackenzie runs into Jane later that day, she discovers that Hendrix has not only failed to show up for school, but has also failed one of his tests.
Hendrix is over-exerting himself on a frantic run through Erinsborough as Mackenzie analyses the information. When she eventually finds him, he’s still working hard on the gym equipment at Lassiters Lake, performing sit-ups.
She instantly questions his choice to skip the test, pointing out how crucial it is, especially since he returned to school to finish Year 13 after failing the previous year.
His out-of-character reaction, though, astounds her.
“I don’t care about grades or school; I’m not returning; none of it matters.”
She’s understandably perplexed. Mackenzie can’t understand why, after all the effort he’s put in to get to where he is, he’d throw it all away right at the end.
She promptly seeks out Karl and Susan (Jackie Woodburne) to express her concerns, and they’re both as taken aback as she is by Hendrix’s actions.
Hendrix appears to be unwilling to discuss it any longer, as he avoids Mackenzie’s calls. When he eventually returns to No. 24, however, he is besieged by the three individuals on the street who love him the most.
“Are you concerned about what’s going to happen next?” Susan inquires, trying to figure out what’s going on with him.
Hendrix, sensing a chance to appease his loved ones, assures Susan that she is correct – “terrified,” he says. That may be true, but Susan is unaware of the underlying cause.
Despite their best efforts to persuade him otherwise, Hendrix tells the trio that he is through with school and will not be returning.
When things have settled down, Mackenzie reconnects with her boyfriend and proposes that they go backpacking across the globe, but Hendrix believes they should not wait. Why don’t you abandon everything and leave right now?
She brings him back to reality by reminding him of their current circumstances. So, in order to reach a compromise, Hendrix suggests that they go out for a night!
Mackenzie is obliged to decline him despite having previously agreed to babysit for Toadie, which he accepts. It’s strange behavior, but Mack doesn’t seem to notice that anything is still wrong.
Hendrix spots an envelope on the table as the two say their goodbyes and Mackenzie walks away. Melanie (Lucinda Cowden) had brought $500 for Karl, and it’s in there. He immediately pockets the money, seeing a greater purpose for it.
After being turned down by his first choice for a night out, he approaches Roxy (Zima Anderson). He’s heard of a party and is eager to go. Roxy finally accepts after some persuasion.
When the two arrive, he rushes to get them drunk so he can spend the $500 he took from Karl.
However, after downing numerous shots and mixing cocktail after drink, a tipsy Hendrix breaks a glass. The bouncer walks over to see what’s going on, but Hendrix blows out and is escorted out of the premises.
He doesn’t take no for an answer and sneaks in through the back door. When Roxy tries to stop him, he pushes her off his arm, and she flies backwards, slamming her head on an empty keg and collapsing!
Is she going to be okay? Will this be the nudge Hendrix requires to get help?
Keep an Eye Out!
The opening title credits are changing this Monday, and it’s a big one!
Not only is Nicolette (Charlotte Chimes) back in a scene with David (Takaya Honda) and Aaron (Matt Wilson), but she’s also in a scene with David (Takaya Honda) and Aaron (Matt Wilson).
Melanie, a long-time visitor and previous regular, makes a cameo appearance in a scene with Toadie (Ryan Moloney) and his two children, Nell (Scarlett Anderson) and Hugo (Ryan Moloney) (John Turner).
