Excuses. I'd say it comes from a sheltered upbringing and being kept in the dark about drugs and alcohol. You want to educate kids about alcohol, drink driving and whatnot? Start early.
Try finding out if there is an authorised Apple dealer in your town. They can carry out all repairs under warranty, or send it off to Ireland (I think) for service.
As for the invoice, if you paid by credit card or cheque or something, an itemised bank statement might be sufficient.