student government, even a counselor in a peer group, the natural helpers. that fall planning to attend the university of alabama on a full scholarship. her mom, beth holloway, who had been divorced from dave holloway since 1993, knew it would be a great opportunity for her daughter. >> i was excited. the mountain brooke students had been there the previous two years. there were going to be 150 plus classmates. we felt there was safety in numbers. >> reporter: lorraine watson said the vacation couldn't have started better. >> we were so excited going to tropical paradise without our parents. >> reporter: friends with natalee since they met in junior high. >> we are on the beach. we stayed outside all day. usually take a nap. get dressed. go eat dinner. and then go to one of the bars. come home whenever you wanted. >> reporter: on the last night