Ch-15: A TRIP...???

As Amy hung up the phone, she let out an exasperated sigh. "Argh... this is so exhausting," she muttered, flopping onto her bed. She sank back into her thoughts, letting the weight of the day's events wash over her. She didn't expect the sudden rush of excitement when she heard footsteps approaching her room.

Dolly and Mia burst into her room, their faces animated with news.

"Amy!" Dolly called out, unable to hide her enthusiasm. "We have bad news and good news!"

Amy sat up, startled. "What? Which do you want to tell me first?" She couldn't hide her curiosity.

Dolly grinned, drawing out the moment. "Which do you want to hear first? Say it fast!"

Amy, both confused and eager, exclaimed, "Em... em... em... good news?! Yeah! Good news!"

"Good choice!" Dolly laughed, relishing the buildup. "So, the good news is... is..." She paused, glancing at Mia for dramatic effect.

Mia chuckled, teasing, "Come on, say it! Or else she's gonna die of curiosity!" She nudged Dolly, urging her to spill the beans.

"Is that... we can go out!" Dolly finally revealed, her excitement infectious.

"Really?!" Amy's eyes lit up. "Mom allowed?"

Dolly nodded. "Mhmm!"

Mia chimed in, confirming, "Yeah, she did! We get to go out, girl!"

Amy clapped her hands in excitement. "Yes! So, what's the bad news then?"

Dolly's expression fell slightly. "It's... that your dumb cousin is going to pick us up and drop us off. So we have a limited amount of time." She sighed.

Amy's excitement waned a little, but she tried to stay positive. "Oh... that's okay, though. At least we get to go out!"

Mia put a reassuring hand on Amy's shoulder. "Don't worry, guys. He'll just be with us for the ride. He won't tag along the whole time."

Dolly nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that's true. He's just giving us a ride."

Amy nodded, regaining her enthusiasm. "By the way, where are we going?"

Mia grinned mischievously. "It's a secret!"

"Seriously?" Amy laughed, playing along. "Alright then, who's up for a vacation?"

"Me!" Amy and Dolly shouted simultaneously.

Mia clapped her hands, joining in the excitement. "But when? We should plan something big!"

Amy's mind raced as she remembered. "Oh, the new year is coming up!"

"That's right!" Dolly exclaimed. "Wait, I almost forgot! It's our traditional new year!"

"Really?" Amy teased. "How could you forget?"

Dolly looked sheepish. "Guess I forgot..."

"Shall we celebrate then?" Amy asked.

"Yes!" Mia agreed enthusiastically. "But where should we go?"

Dolly suggested, "We should ask Aunt Luna for advice."

The three of them made their way downstairs, their voices filled with anticipation.

"Aunt Luna!" Dolly called out, gathering Luna's attention.

Luna looked up from her task, her expression warm and welcoming. "Yes, girls? What do you need?"

Mia jumped in, "Aunt Luna, please suggest a place for a trip or a night out to celebrate our traditional new year."

Luna's expression softened, but there was a hint of regret in her eyes. "Kids, your parents and the other elders already have plans for a trip. We were planning on going out together. You all will need to stay home."

The three girls gasped in unison. "WHAT?!"

The shock on their faces was palpable. Amy, Dolly, and Mia exchanged glances, realizing their plans were in jeopardy. They had been so excited about the prospect of a trip, but now they were faced with the reality that their plans might not come to fruition.

Luna could see their disappointment and tried to soften the blow. "I'm sorry, girls. I know you were looking forward to celebrating, but there are always other opportunities. Maybe we can figure out something else for you to do."

The girls were still in shock, but they knew Luna's decision was firm. They would need to find a different way to celebrate, and their excitement about their plans had been momentarily dampened.