Screwed, really screwed.

I figured out, gathering is a perfect time to see how someone weight their friendship. You can see through the mask easily (most of the time) through their response and etc.

Some people gave too lame excuses and because of don't want to go, will start accusing, or maybe using some other people as their shield to avoid being questioned.
It's like, "I'll think about it if Mr/Mrs X is going."
This is way too LAME. Even though you're only close to the Mr/Mrs X, how could you possible don't want to go for a gathering and meeting your old pals which been sharing their moments with you for years by just giving this EXCUSE.

Excuse me la, I feel like ripping of your brain and brainwash your brain if you think so.