Excitement for our weekend getaway quickly turned into frustration as my friends dodged paying their share of the $2,000 cabin rental. Little did they know, I had a plan to make sure they didn’t get away with it.
Every year, my friends and I plan a girls’ weekend getaway. This year, it was my turn, and I found the perfect spot: a cozy cabin by a sparkling lake. The total cost was $2,000, which meant just $250 each for our group of eight.
“Since I booked the cabin, I covered the upfront cost. I’d appreciate it if you could all pay me back before the trip,” I said. Everyone agreed.
But as the trip approached, excuses began pouring in. Mary needed car repairs; Brittany cited student loans; Melissa claimed she was waiting for her paycheck. Weeks passed with more excuses and no payments.
By the week before the trip, I felt used. My friends had turned against me, and I was left out $2,000. I knew I had to take action.
The night before the trip, I texted my friends, “Can’t wait to see you all at the cabin tomorrow! It’s going to be perfect!” Then, I devised a plan.
A group of friends hugging | Source: Pexels
The next morning, I woke up early, shopped for groceries and snacks, and stocked the cabin. But before leaving, I took the keys with me. I texted them I was running an errand and would arrive soon.
By lunchtime, I started receiving frantic messages. “Hey Sarah, we’re at the cabin, but the doors are locked!”
I calmly replied, “Oh no! I must have left the keys at home. But hey, I’m on my way back!”
I wasn’t on my way back. I was at a café, enjoying my latte and reading their desperate texts. When I finally dropped the bomb, I told them I would only return once everyone had sent their share of the rental cost.
Silence fell, followed by a flurry of payment notifications. Within an hour, every penny was accounted for.
“Finally!” I said to myself, grabbing the keys and heading back. When I arrived, my friends looked relieved.
“Oh, so now I’m ‘finally’ here?” I said, sarcasm dripping from my voice. Guilt washed over their faces.
“I trusted you, and you took advantage of that,” I said firmly.
They tried to apologize, but I reminded them that friendships are built on trust and respect.
Finally, Mary hugged me tightly. “I’m so sorry. You were right to be mad.”
The others echoed her sentiment, realizing their mistake.
“I’m glad you understand now. But remember, respect is a two-way street,” I replied.
Though we may not be planning any luxury getaways soon, this experience taught us all a valuable lesson about responsibility and friendship.
