CJ
Your last comment is unfair. My phone has text notification switched off. I check my phone regularly but would not have been aware under these circumstances.
The parents were feckless for expecting an 11 yo to communicate their very rude change of plans. How ridiculous to accuse op of being complicit.
twenty
I think you should sit your sister down separately away from her friends and ask her to tell you the truth. I find it hard to believe that this girl didn’t tell your sister and her other friends. I also find it hard to believe that they didn’t see the text.
Explain that taking the girl away and keeping her away from her parents could have some very real consequences for you and the parents could actually call the police if you refuse to return her a day early. You could get into very real trouble.
Explain to her she is very lucky to have a big sister willing to take her away (my dd would be so jealous!). You won’t be cross if she tells you the truth. But she needs to now if she wants the chance of being trusted again and doing nice things with you like this trip away.
Also explain the girls parents have acted very badly. However the situation could get quite serious if the adults don’t sort this out.
The girls are 11. I do understand their eagerness. But I don’t think they actually get the consequences of their actions if they are complicit, which they probably are. If your sister owns up I would take them back early and explain why to the girls.... including telling them the parents behaved much worse than them. Not that it excuses their behaviour.
If not, I’d send a message along the lines of “Unfortunately I didn’t see your text until we arrived at our destination as I was driving. I took your dd away in good faith with your prior permission and consent. I also agreed the planned day of our return with you / you and your partner. It is unfortunate you decided to change your plans without informing me in good time and without talking to me either over the phone or in person. Please let me know when you’ve found someone to collect your dd and I will ensure she is ready for you.” At the end of the day they can pay for a taxi to pick her up. If they get nasty, you could always offer to attempt to organise a taxi if they pay for it in advance themselves - however it may be easier from their end if they’re near a large town / city. It will cost them perhaps £300 plus. But that’s the name of the game.
I would also let the girls parents know you won’t take her away again. In writing. In a recorded delivery letter if you don't have their email address once you get home. Not rude. But to the point. Keep a copy. If you go home a day early, ask them for compensation to cover the accommodation for the last night. Cheeky, nasty bastards.
Dd has a friend, whose parents are what can I say? Rather lax. Dd is almost 11 and she passed comment about the parents yesterday as she’s beginning to notice how different life is for the girl. I can well imagine this sort of thing happening.
I’m so angry for you. You’re a young woman without responsibilities of your own, who has done a really lovely thing and a couple of middle aged adults, who should know better are behaving appallingly toward you.