Hi! It’s me! Lily!!!
So I have news.
Last night, Sabby did her mother thing. I guess she heard me crying, because she came in and let me cry on her chest. It is so nice when she does that. She’s so comforting. We talked for a little while – I don’t know if she really understood what was bothering me, but she listened anyway.
So today I talked to a bunch of people. First I talked to Robert, and made sure there was enough room for a couple more people. Then I talked to Crystal’s parents. I invited Crystal to Japan with us.
They were really… not cool with the idea to begin with. She’s supposed to be grounded. She’s going to be rewarded with a trip? But I said it wasn’t going to be like that. It wasn’t supposed to be a reward, it was supposed to me a… I couldn’t really find the right word. She’s had a hard life, especially recently, and I thought it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world to kind of make that up to her.
It took a bit, but I think they understood. They said they can’t afford it. I said I’d front them for the ticket, because after all it’s a charter flight and there’s plenty of room. They just have to pay for her food and incidentals. But, I said, the flight leaves sooner than later, so they’d better get her an expedited passport.
They still didn’t seem 100% happy with it, but I think they saw things from my point of view, and decided it would be a good experience for her.
I made the same offer to Diana as well, I didn’t want her to feel left out. She already has a passport so that’s not as big an issue.
Sabby was a little upset with me, but I told her that I couldn’t think of a better use for a relatively small amount of money, and I trusted them to pay me back. She agreed, but said she would front the tickets. After all, the business is doing well enough that she can take a little profit out.
So, Crystal and Diana are coming along.
I think it’s the right thing to do.
No one else is, though. I really want to take Jack, but his parents really don’t want him going overseas with me (and if you think about it, you’ll know why) and I have a very specific reason for wanting to bring Crystal along.
I got a chance to talk to Crystal too, to tell her the news. She was still pretty upset with me but she also seemed oddly relieved – I think she got in over her head and she’s mostly too proud to admit it. Then when I told her she’s going to Japan with us all the anger melted away,, and she squealed and hugged me. Her parents told her that they thought it would be a good experience.
So…. that’s nineteen people in our little tour group.
Allison’s moving into her new house next weekend! I’m going to help her family move – Japan is in a couple of weeks, so plenty of time.
I’m continuing to study Japanese too!!! I’ll be even better this year!!!
Sabby and I have to send Robert a lot of money to pay for our seats and hotel… but it’s worth it!!!