Ch-16 : DING DONG!!!

The three girls gathered around Luna, eager to hear her suggestions for their traditional new year celebration. Mia was the first to speak, asking Luna for advice.

"Aunt Luna, please suggest a place for a trip or night out for our traditional new year!" Mia's voice carried an air of anticipation.

Luna's expression turned solemn. "Kids, haven't your parents told you that the elders are going out for the new year? You'll need to stay behind."

All three girls shouted in unison, "WHATTT?!"

Luna held up her hands, trying to calm them down. "Yes, kids. We only planned this yesterday. We thought it would be a good opportunity for all four of you to spend some time together."

"Wait—what do you mean 'all four'?" Amy asked, confused.

"Yeah, Aunt Luna," Mia chimed in. "We're only three."

Luna's smile held a knowing glint. "Well, we can't just leave Alex out, can we? He'll be staying over too."

"Alex?" Amy repeated, trying to wrap her mind around the idea. "You're including my brother in our plans?"

Luna nodded. "Their parents are here too, so we decided it would be best if you all spent some time together. Don't worry, girls. It's only a two-day, one-night trip. It'll be good for you."

"Two days?" Dolly exclaimed, a hint of disbelief in her voice. "Aunt Luna, what about us?"

Luna smiled sympathetically. "I know it sounds short, but you'll have plenty of fun. Why don't you plan a barbecue in the garden or a movie night?"

Amy quickly expressed her preference. "Let's just go with the movie night. I'm too lazy for a barbecue."

Dolly nodded in agreement. "Yeah, movie night sounds good."

Mia smiled. "Fine, we'll just buy some snacks and watch the latest movie."

"That sounds like a plan," Luna said, encouraging them. "It's your night, so you decide what to do."

Amy hesitated for a moment. "But wait... isn't it tomorrow?"

Luna nodded. "Yes, we'll be traveling early in the morning. We want to spend the new year morning at our destination."

"Tomorrow?" Mia's voice was filled with surprise. "When should we prepare all the snacks?"

"You four can go shopping today," Luna suggested. "Just remember not to mess up the rooms, okay?"

"Mom," Amy replied, "please. We're not kids anymore."

Luna chuckled. "But you're not adults either. Don't forget that."

"Argh... Mom," Amy groaned.

"Okay, okay," Luna said with a playful wave of her hand. "Have fun, girls."

The girls returned to Amy's room, discussing their plans for the movie night.

"So, what shall we do now?" Dolly asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"I don't know," Mia said, "Shall we go to the store and buy the groceries for the movie night?"

"Yeah, let's do that," Dolly agreed.

Amy chimed in. "Hey, you guys are staying here, right?"

The next day, the girls woke up early, excited about their plans. However, they were caught off guard by a knock at the door.

"Argh... who is that in the early morning?" Amy groaned, still half asleep.

"Hey, Dolly," Mia called out, "move out of the way."

"Why should I answer?" Amy protested. "Mom will get it."

"Yeah, just let her," Dolly agreed.

The girls suddenly realized the situation: Luna and the other parents were gone, and they were the only ones in the house. 

"Mom's not home!" Amy exclaimed, her eyes widening.

"Oh, crap! We totally forgot!" Mia and Dolly shouted in unison.

All three scrambled out of bed, rushing to get dressed. Amy ran downstairs and opened the door.

She was surprised to find her brother Alex standing there, a mischievous smile on his face.

"Hey, it's me, Alex," he said with a chuckle. "Mom told me to stay over and look after you guys for the next two days."

"Yeah, come in," Amy said, still processing her brother's arrival.

Alex stepped inside, carrying a duffel bag. "Thanks," he said, and then added, "You can sit on the sofa. The guest room is available if you need a place to stay tonight."

As Amy turned away, she wondered why her brother seemed amused. She shrugged it off and went to her room to share the news with her friends.

"Who was it, Amy?" Mia asked as soon as she walked in.

"It's my cousin Alex. Mom asked him to watch over us these two days," Amy replied, her mind still racing.

Dolly started laughing. "Well, that explains the knock at the door."

"Why is everyone laughing at me today?" Amy wondered aloud.

Dolly looked at her with a knowing smile. "You wouldn't be saying that if you saw yourself."

Amy suddenly realized she was still in her pajamas. "Oh, no!" she exclaimed, blushing. "I went down to open the door in this?"

Dolly and Mia laughed, enjoying Amy's reaction.

"Now you realize!" Dolly said, her laughter contagious.

The girls all laughed together, the morning's confusion giving way to a sense of camaraderie.

Once they had freshened up and were ready for the day, they gathered to discuss breakfast.

"So, who is making breakfast exactly?" Amy asked, pausing on the stairs.

All three stopped and looked at one another, unsure.

"Well, I thought Mia could make it for us," Dolly offered.

Mia was taken aback. "What? I don't even know how to make a sandwich!"

Amy playfully exaggerated her response. "Well, now we're doomed!"

The girls laughed at their predicament, knowing they'd figure something out. It was just another adventure in their day, filled with laughter and the promise of new experiences.