Wtf would you do? Teenagers.

[NotMoreTeenageDramas]

Nc for this. Could be long, I'll try to be as clear as I can.

In November, DD17 booked a holiday to Centre Parcs with 4 other girls. They were meant to go in 2 weeks time but have decided that due to the restrictions, it wouldn't be the same, so they've rebooked for early next year. (Yes they're aware that the same restrictions could still be in place then but they're optimistic).

As none of them are 21 and you need to have an over 21 year old on the booking, one of the girl's mums very kindly said she would put herself on the booking and spend the week with another family that's going at the same time. So she'd be there, but be out of the girls way so it's like they're on their first girls holiday alone.

For those who don't know, with Centre Parcs, you don't pay per person, you pay for the Villa. In this case, the girls were paying for a 6 bed villa and split the cost 6 ways.

The girls paid £208 each, and before they sent the money to the mum who was booking it, they all agreed that if someone were to drop out for whatever reason, they wouldn't be able to get their money back unless they found a replacement.

I'm sure you can see where this is going.

One girl has fallen out with the other 4. I will never hear both sides of the story because I'm only being told one side from my DD (who is one of the 4). I've heard nothing but vile things about this other girl and can completely see why the other 4 don't want to be friends with her.

For a bit of context, the 4 have been friends since the start of secondary school (so nearly 6 years now) and the other girl they met at the beginning of sixth form (so about 9 months). You can see where the stronger friendships are.

As you can imagine, the girl doesn't want to come to Centre Parcs and is now demanding her money back. Originally, the girls said they couldn't give that back to her as they all agreed if you dropped out you wouldn't get it back.

The girls could split the cost of this girl's share and pay an extra £42 each so the girl can get her full amount back but they agreed that they can't really afford that and don't want to be out of pocket when this girl has been an awful friend to them.

I can see it from both sides. If it were my child that dropped out, I would be wanting the money back too because she's not going. However, they did agree before they paid there was a chance of no refunds and they were all happy to send the money off then anyway.

Here's the next bit. The girls are all 18 before the end of the year, and the 4 were happy to talk and try to resolve this between them like adults. This is where the discussion came in for them to pay the difference out of their own pocket because they were trying to be fair. However the other girl wanted to get parents involved and demanded the phone number of the mum who booked it.

The mum of the other was apparently threatening legal action if the £208 wasn't refunded, threatening to come round to their house, get the police involved etc.

For ease, I'm trying to convince my DD to pay £42 so the girl can get her money back and just leave them all alone. DD can't really afford £42 so we would pay it but I think it's just easier to give in given the circumstances.

It wasn't the 4 girls that pushed the other one out of their group and forced her to drop out of Centre Parcs. The 4 wanted to resolve their argument and carry on being friends but the other girl has been nasty and thrown their kindness and rationality back in their faces. I don't know the whole of the reason for the falling out but I've seen messages from my DD pleading with the other girl to sort it out and getting disgusting replies.

Needless to say, the friendship is far beyond repair so there is no chance they could make up and the girl could come to Centre Parcs after all.

Also, before anyone asks, there is also nobody who could fill the place. The girls have tried but there's not anyone they're good enough friends with to ask.

I just want other parents opinions, particularly those who have teenagers. Is it the right thing to do to encourage DD and friends to give £42 each so it gets the other girl to leave them alone?

[ssd]

Sorry for earlier comment. I'm sure a group of 17/18 year old would love CP. I hope they get sorted and have a good holiday next year.

[PerfectPenquins]

I would give the money back. 4 against 1 is very unfair and the majority have made it so that one person doant feel comfortable to go which is very unfair. If it was more evenly split it would be different but it seems because 1 is a relatively new adition to the group she easiest to push out.

[CJsGoldfish]

Thirdly, and I should have made that clear, the mum who booked it has proof of everyone agreeing to no refunds for dropping out. Messages from a text conversation are still there where each girl agrees before sending the money
I don't think this is relevant at all and I'm surprised you'd raise it as any kind of justification. This is not a change of mind situation. It is a 4 against one situation making it impossible for her to attend. It is just carrying the nastiness on and ensuring they have the upper hand in whatever went on.
That's not to say the other girl has not been nasty, of course, but the others holding her to an agreement they've been a party to changing isn't fair.

[Timesdone]

I'd be more worried about the other mums, one who's supposed to be in charge & come up with a dodgy arrangement to get round the booking regulations & the other (or possibly the same one) now wanting to threaten legal action. What a nightmare all round.

[Timesdone]

But anyway, they should pay the friend who's dropped out and out it behind them.

[Busymum45]

Refund her and move on!

[Yeahnahmum]

I wouldn't pay. She is 17.she knew she wasn't getting the money back as this was previously discussed.

Let her mum take a hike with her police threats

[ToBBQorNotToBBQ]

I wouldn't refund it. No refunds. Though it would be easier to refund it so she can go away.