{"id":1067,"date":"2024-11-22T07:18:57","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T07:18:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=1067"},"modified":"2024-11-22T07:19:01","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T07:19:01","slug":"i-booked-a-2000-rental-for-a-group-trip-but-no-one-paid-me-back-their-share-of-the-cost-they-didnt-get-away-with-it-44","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/1067","title":{"rendered":"I Booked a $2,000 Rental for a Group Trip, but No One Paid Me Back Their Share of the Cost \u2013 They Didn\u2019t Get Away with It 44"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<p>Excitement for their weekend getaway turned into frustration as Sarah\u2019s friends dodged paying their share of the $2,000 cabin rental. Little did they know, she had a plan to make sure they didn\u2019t get away with it.\n</p><div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Every year, my friends and I plan a girls\u2019 weekend getaway. We take turns organizing, and this year, it was miy turn! I was excited to find the perfect spot: a cozy cabin nestled right on a sparkling lake.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>We all squealed with delight when I sent the pictures.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/o3nZR7K7oRF_jwUL0vnSO-m9hGIxICxajlUDgzXJ6io\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTdkNWMzODBhMjQ3MzhkYWEzMGUwNDJlY2JjZGQ1ZGFiNWViMmUwMTUwZTE4Y2YyNmRmYmU3YjQzNjk0M2Q2MC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/a7d5c380a24738daa30e042ecbcdd5dab5eb2e0150e18cf26dfbe7b436943d60.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman using her phone source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman using her phone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The place looked like it came straight out of a magazine. It had a cozy cabin with a fireplace, stunning views of the lake, and even a hot tub.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The total cost was $2,000 for the three-night stay, which amounted to a very reasonable $250 each for our group of eight.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSince I went ahead and booked the cabin, I covered the upfront cost,\u201d I told my friends. \u201cBut to make things easier, I\u2019d appreciate it if you could all pay me back before the trip. Does that work for everyone?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/_XmKoZcZ1cig2-oc06dQVouZdIvB7AEJqibI-F5jzOQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNWJmZjk1NmNhYTZhOGRhYWU2Y2NiNmFkODE2NmU3MGU5MGRjYTk4NWJhYWIzOGNlOTBhZWNlY2MyMmYxYzE0MS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/5bff956caa6a8daae6ccb6ad8166e70e90dca985baab38ce90aececc22f1c141.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman sitting in a living room source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman sitting in a living room\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSounds perfect, Sarah!\u201d Mary chimed in first. \u201cThanks for taking care of that.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAbsolutely, no problem at all,\u201d echoed Ella.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cGreat, that works for me too!\u201d chimed in Brittany.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>One by one, everyone around the table agreed.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYep, sounds good\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNo worries, I can do that.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The confirmations rolled in. It seemed everyone was happy to handle their share and promised to pay me before the trip started.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Easy peasy, right?\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Wrong.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/sgYOmndYie0BOMXxK6Zfx32Q5Jdk-9UUbEOmR2ucZWs\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYWZlYTIzODFmMjM0NGJhNGUzZDllOGI4YmI1YTI3YzMxZDEyZGRkMjcwZjgzOTJjY2QwNjc1MzZlMWRjZTgyZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/afea2381f2344ba4e3d9e8b8bb5a27c31d12ddd270f8392ccd067536e1dce82d.png%5C%22" alt='\"Close-up' of a woman face source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>Close-up of a woman\u2019s face\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As the trip approached, the easy peasy turned into oh-so-frustrating.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>First, it was Mary. \u201cHey Sarah,\u201d she chirped, \u201cmy car needs new brakes, so I might be a little late on my payment. I\u2019ll get it to you next week.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>A week later, it was Brittany\u2019s turn. \u201cUgh, student loans are killing me this month. Can I hold off until next payday?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI just need to wait until my next paycheck,\u201d Melissa told me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Weeks went by, and as I reminded them to pay back, they came up with more excuses.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/0Ss6l7qvIlCQPUmSrkHgwuWewT3Jva7xfXJCTwH2Jqw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODA1NWUxZTA2ZGFmOWQ4ODExMDk0ODY4OGYzMTA3MTNmN2ZkNmYzZGQ0OWJlOTEzYzI3YjMwYTFmOTM5YmYxZS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/8055e1e06daf9d88110948688f310713f7fd6f3dd49be913c27b30a1f939bf1e.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"Close-up' of a phone in woman hands source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>Close-up of a phone in a woman\u2019s hands\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Each excuse was new and none of them overlapped. It seemed like they were together in this.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then came the radio silence. Nada. No texts, no calls, nothing from Ella, Dana, or even reliable old Lisa.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>By the week before the trip, I was out $2,000 and feeling completely used.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The same people I called my \u201cfriends\u201d had indirectly refused to pay me back. The people I trusted the most had suddenly decided to team up against me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Why were they doing this?\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/PVoOjrKbP9CAx9ZrNJcGbiho4xjNyGzzbYWIn8G0GdI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmJlOTgwOWRjM2RkYmUyNzY5ZjE1M2EzM2QzOTM3YjY3MzJjYTVhZDdjYmUyMGVkZjU3MzlkZTUyOWJiZWM1ZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/6be9809dc3ddbe2769f153a33d3937b6732ca5ad7cbe20edf5739de529bbec5d.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' serious woman source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A serious woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Had I done something wrong? Or was this an attempt to see how I would react to such a tricky situation? I didn\u2019t know what it was, but it was making me super angry.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I knew I had to do something drastic, something that would make them understand I wasn\u2019t a doormat.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As a result, I decided it was time to teach them a lesson they wouldn\u2019t forget. Now, I\u2019m not one for confrontation, but this was ridiculous.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The night before the trip, I took a deep breath and picked up my phone to execute the first step of my plan.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/sXDxUM4MqHuX9PCgCB6VGVbHAyiW-pWncEaaJg6Zsik\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNGI4NjMzZjhkYTcyMDgxNjFkNTllNWRmZjFlMDY0ODdhZGE1ZmM2YWExZmM3NGY1YjljNWZmY2YyMjIyMjI1YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/4b8633f8da7208161d59e5dff1e06487ada5fc6aa1fc74f5b9c5ffcf2222225a.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman using her phone source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman using her phone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I sent a group text, bubbling over with fake excitement. \u201cCan\u2019t wait to see you all at the cabin tomorrow! Gonna be the perfect weekend getaway!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Little did they know, I had a devious plan brewing\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The next morning, I woke up extra early and hopped out of my bed. Throwing on clothes, I raced out the door, eager to transform the cabin into our own little haven.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>At the grocery store, I pushed my cart down the aisles.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/R3juZG7FCB2MfPVoWDzVDH2w-ZhGrYNsBGk9GkIHZDo\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDhiMDQxZDRmNzdkNzAyMDQ0MjQxYTFjM2VlMjRjOGFmNTA3MGM0ZjUxNDUyM2NlYWFmM2I4ZjI3NTBmYTBkNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d8b041d4f77d702044241a1c3ee24c8af5070c4f514523ceaaf3b8f2750fa0d5.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' grocery cart filled with goods source: pexels width='\"2400\"' height='\"1600\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A grocery cart filled with goodsx\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>A giddy smile appeared on my face as I filled it with fresh fruit, cheese, and enough snacks to satisfy an army. I even got the best selection of wine and juices. I wanted to make sure my friends were well-fed and taken care of.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>After paying for the snacks and drinks, I got back into my car and drove towards the cabin. It was even more beautiful in person, the sunlight glinting off the lake like a million diamonds.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stocked the fridge with everything that I had bought.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/FOG8C0oCMiqjKSdaUoo8FkhzdGLk9lEGo16UDglnFa0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmIxZTE3MmZhZjUyOTI5ZWU0NzVmYWRjNDNmMGEyZGU4ZWYwYjQ4YWYzM2E1YTk2NGJkMGZjZDEyYzE1NTA5ZS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/2b1e172faf52929ee475fadc43f0a2de8ef0b48af33a5a964bd0fcd12c15509e.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman putting something in the fridge source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman putting something in the fridge\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I even prepped a bonfire for that night, complete with cozy blankets and marshmallows.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The place looked perfect. I knew my friends would have the best time of their lives here.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But here\u2019s the catch: I took the keys and the garage door opener with me when I left for an \u201cerrand.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Before locking the cabin, I texted all my friends that I was out for an urgent task and would make it there by the time they arrived. They trusted me, just like I did when I asked them to pay me back.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>However, they broke my trust, and so did I.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/Ai7EEgaU8BYQb1d68Cv3ujff_S_DAQhHMkzsHk-KFZw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOGJiOTdkNzg4M2FjN2E5OWZmOThiOTA3MDIzZDRhOTkwN2ExNjM1MmMxYjA0ZGYyZjlkODRiYzI5YWEyZmM1Ny5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/8bb97d7883ac7a99ff98b907023d4a9907a16352c1b04df2f9d84bc29aa2fc57.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman holding a key source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman holding a key\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>If they wanted to have a good time in the cabin, they had to follow my rules. They had to earn their weekend getaway.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I wasn\u2019t going to let them have a good time when all they did was ignore my texts and calls.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>By lunchtime, my phone started blowing up. Frantic texts and calls poured in from my friends.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cHey, Sarah, we\u2019re here at the cabin, but the doors are locked!\u201d Ella said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDid you forget something?\u201d Mary asked.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/HuOhps5x8elN7C3UZXg5KM6NcLPdeIuw8a334zQR2Vw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNjIwMGU4MGU3NmJjNGI5N2I4OGNhZjM1MTJhYzcwOGQ5Mzk4YmIwMThhYWFkMjg4OWNiNDhkMWJjMGNiMDBmOS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/6200e80e76bc4b97b88caf3512ac708d9398bb018aaad2889cb48d1bc0cb00f9.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman holding her phone source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman holding her phone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I kept my cool, replying with a simple, \u201cOh no! So sorry, guys. Must have left the keys at home. But hey, the good news is I\u2019m on my way back now!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Was I on my way back? No!\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I was sitting at a nearby cafe, sipping on my favorite iced latte. I enjoyed reading their texts as they reached the cabin one after the other.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>After I sent the last message, the frequency of their texts dropped. They felt relieved I was on my way back, but the truth was entirely different.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/uMqHmxwxY08Sm24ELDoOKo1-4SKaylJUQM1uO3RAT5s\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZmU4YTU3M2UyNzEwZDY4Zjc1Yjg2ZWI5ZDY5YzYyZDM2ZGE4ZWU0YTZkMjBiNTI2ZWY2ZTNlOWM3MmVhYzQwMS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/fe8a573e2710d68f75b86eb9d69c62d36da8ee4a6d20b526ef6e3e9c72eac401.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman in a coffee shop source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman in a coffee shop\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As their short-lived relief faded, they started calling and texting me again. This time, their messages were way more desperate. Some of my friends were angry, while others were struggling not to lose their temper.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cHow can you be so forgetful, Sarah?\u201d Lisa asked.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI can\u2019t believe you\u2019re making us all wait like this!\u201d Dana said. \u201cI thought this was supposed to be a fun trip.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Finally, I decided to drop the bomb.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/CEDQk0V8vBZoMALata79y8QAbpNCxGJnFqsIJo31Jec\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNGFkOTAyNWRlZTczMDJhMDhhODVkMjUwMjMwMWVjOWIzODNmZWQ4Y2ZjYTM4YmFiYWQ2YzgxOTVjYzAyZGU5ZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/4ad9025dee7302a08a85d2502301ec9b383fed8cfca38babad6c8195cc02de9d.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman looking outside a window in coffee shop source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman looking outside a window in a coffee shop\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I sent a calm message: \u201cLook, I\u2019ll be happy to come back and let you all in, but only once everyone has sent over their share of the rental cost.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Silence.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then, a flurry of activity.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Apparently, the prospect of a luxurious weekend getaway suddenly trumped car troubles, student loans, and all the other excuses they\u2019d cooked up.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My phone buzzed with Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle notifications as payments started rolling in.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Within an hour, every penny was accounted for.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/0q7PYt-vNklhEyRlA3K-e2W_Q0Uxpw4-d0JnqRb56tU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTgwMGUyNzY3NjMzNDc4OTZhODUzNjc2MGYzOGU3MDZlNDY1MThmNmU5Y2MxYmNjMTVjYTZjMzNhZTJmMGEzMy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/a800e276763347896a8536760f38e706e46518f6e9cc1bcc15ca6c33ae2f0a33.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"Close-up' shot of a phone source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>Close-up shot of a phone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYou guys could have done this before!\u201d I said to myself before grabbing the keys and heading back to the cabin.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Their eyes lit up as soon as they saw my car. Some walked toward me, others to the door.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSarah! Finally!\u201d Mary exclaimed, relief evident in her voice.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stepped out of the car, keys in hand. \u201cOh, so now I\u2019m \u2018finally\u2019 here? How convenient,\u201d I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The group fell silent, guilt spreading across their faces.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/tdOjuYU1VWpYc1RMins47rJ4-03CVBKmqPVcjJahkOE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZTdiYmY5ZGVlNmRhOTQyNGZjMzA4ODBkYjRiYmQ1YTNiMjlhZDdlMDg5NDc3YjU3ZGNlNzlhMjgzMmIxN2I5Mi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/e7bbf9dee6da9424fc30880db4bbd5a3b29ad7e089477b57dce79a2832b17b92.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' serious woman source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A serious woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLook, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Brittany started. \u201cBut you have to understand, I really\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I cut her off. \u201cNo, Brittany. You all made excuses. I trusted you, and you took advantage of that.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Lisa stepped forward, trying to mediate. \u201cSarah, we messed up. But can\u2019t we just put this behind us and enjoy the weekend?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEnjoy the weekend?\u201d I scoffed. \u201cAfter you all made me feel like a fool? After I had to practically blackmail you to get my money back?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWe didn\u2019t mean to hurt you,\u201d Ella said softly. \u201cWe just didn\u2019t realize\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/VbUxTes0QuRdxrUy_LZDFcpcNh703qi9Js0QFSMX_z4\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODJkMTI0YTkxNzE2MjFmOWNkZDI4MTY0MjFkN2ZlNDhhOWZjYTI2ZDhjYTRkNDg1YzA1MzUzYjk2NzJkYWFhYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/82d124a9171621f9cdd2816421d7fe48a9fca26d8ca4d485c05353b9672daaac.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman speaking to her friend source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman speaking to her friend\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDidn\u2019t realize what? That $2,000 is a lot of money? That friendships are built on trust and respect?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>A tense silence fell over the group. For a moment, I thought confronting them was a bad idea. I thought they\u2019d say they didn\u2019t want to be there anymore.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stood my ground despite the fear, letting the weight of my words sink in.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Finally, Mary broke the silence. She wrapped me in a giant hug.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSarah, I\u2019m so sorry about the car thing. You were totally right to be mad.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Brittany chimed in, \u201cYeah, me too. I\u2019m sorry. We\u2019re all sorry.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/18_NFWAcvoW2JG0989EBnZg5EGg_Ek3Y-_kbNOvFNxw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDFiMTZlMzRlNzBhNWUxZjJlMmI2NGVmMjBkNGE0ODhjZTdjN2Y0YjIwY2RlMDRlMWIyNDlmZGU2MTVkNDVlMy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/01b16e34e70a5e1f2e2b64ef20d4a488ce7c7f4b20cde04e1b249fde615d45e3.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' group of friends hugging source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A group of friends hugging\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>They all finally realized what they had done.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I took a deep breath, looking at each of them. \u201cI\u2019m glad you understand now. But remember, respect is a two-way street.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>We may not be planning any luxury cabin getaways anytime soon, but at least we\u2019ll be doing it with a renewed sense of understanding and responsibility.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>This whole experience definitely made for a memorable story, even if it wasn\u2019t exactly the relaxing weekend I\u2019d planned.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But hey, sometimes the best lessons come wrapped in a little frustration and a whole lot of determination.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>What do you think?\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/vYt8dDN79uEdkdjZ_lcexlRXiYa90vof29I5QxqtReE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjJjODExNGRmM2E5NmMzYjg3Y2FkOTM2OTJkNmVmNjc2YWI1OTczNWI4Y2M4MGNjZGZjNGVhYzViYzQwMDQwYS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTIzNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/b2c8114df3a96c3b87cad93692d6ef676ab59735b8cc80ccdfc4eac5bc40040a.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' lakeside cabin source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1234\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A lakeside cabin\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Here\u2019s\u00a0<u>another story\u00a0you might like: Eight hundred dollars plus. That\u2019s what Jack\u2019s \u201cboys\u2019 night out\u201d bill came to, and he expected his wife, Lora, to foot it. Waitress Melanie, witnessing Lora\u2019s despair, concocted a bold move to ensure Jack\u2019s night didn\u2019t end as he planned.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided \u201cas is,\u201d and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</i></p><p>Excitement for their weekend getaway turned into frustration as Sarah\u2019s friends dodged paying their share of the $2,000 cabin rental. Little did they know, she had a plan to make sure they didn\u2019t get away with it. Every year, my friends and I plan a girls\u2019 weekend getaway. We take turns organizing, and this year, [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1068,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1067","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1067","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1067"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1067\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1069,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1067\/revisions\/1069"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1067"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1067"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1067"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></div></i></p></div></u></p></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></header>