Dear Princess,
Read this quote from Batty. Then read it again. Then print it out and put it in your purse, or pocket, or where ever and read it some more.
Please don't lie to your parents. They are your parents. Also your mother will probably see through any lie you can come up with (she is your mother, after all). And if she knows or suspects that you are lying she will imagine the worst. So don't lie, dear. Relationships based on lies are doomed from the start. Don't do it!
Just be firm about your life. You are staying overnight in Brisbane because you want to. It's your business. Just keep repeating that over and over. "Because I want to"! That's it. That's all.
I am sure you have heard the expression, "What part of NO don't you understand?" This is a very usefull concept, and you need to learn this if you want to grow up. Your parents will respect you more when they discover that you have your own life to live and that you still love them anyway. This is just part of growing up, and it will serve you well for the rest of your life. Whenever you give someone an elaborate excuse why you can't do something they will figure out a way for you to overcome this. Just say no and stop. It's no one's business why. Just say no, it's not possible, it's not happening.
The same concept applies here. Just tell your parents when you will be home and leave it at that. You are spending the weekend in Brisbane and you will be home after the weekend. You never have to explain every detail of your life to anyone, even your parents. Learn this and prosper.
Lovies,
Stephenie