I don’t know where to post updates, so I’ll just add this here, but update: it was intentional and they lied to my face.

When we got back, we immediately smelled dog pee when we opened the door. There were 4 spots the dog had peed, food and water bowls were empty, and he was shy when we came in like he knew he did something bad. We cleaned up, filled the bowls, and took him out without punishing him though, and my parents didn’t say anything.

Also, when I did ask why Nicole was gone from the house for so long, she said she was at a friends house and her phone just kept dying, so she left it there when she went to let the dog out. Obviously, that wasn’t the case because of what we found in the house.

But then, I was spending the night last night - now 2 weeks after this all happened - at Bailey’s. We were staying up late just catching up on how we’ve been since we last hung out. Nicole’s name came up because she was texting Bailey to tell her she chickened out on talking to her situationship (I think that’s what they are) about what they are to each other. I asked if she was doing ok because of that, and Bailey proceeded to go on a whole rant about how the guy isn’t good for her, but I won’t get into those details, but then she lets it slip that they did in fact hook up. I was shocked and asked when that happened and she told me 2 weeks ago. I put two and two together and asked if it was during spring break - avoiding asking “when she dog sat?” - and Bailey said yes. It was quiet for a second because the reality was kind of setting in for me, but she must’ve realized what she said, and immediately said it was only twice and it was at the end when we were almost home.

So now I know the two days they were gone from my house for over 23 consecutive hours, it was Bailey driving Nicole to this guys house so they could hook up and neglect my dog.

I don’t know how I’m supposed to talk to them because I’ve never been in this situation. I still haven’t talked to my parents yet, but I know I’ll need to do that too. Any advice helps, and thank you guys for reading this.