When I was 11 I was desperate to have a best friend. It seemed like every character in every book had one, as well as every girl at my school. Not  having one seemed to pint me out as a bit of a loser, a bit of a loner, a little bit odd. 

There must be something wrong with her  is what I *thought* other people thought about me.

I was so desperate to have a best friend that I couldn't get one. I turned clingy, miserable and codependent. So that other people would like me, I got rid of my own opinions and liked what everyone else around me liked. I'd agree with everyone about everything and I took all the crap they dished out to me. 

It didn't work. 

I had to wait for my best friend. I finally found one when I was 18 and she's still my BFF today. But I was a lot more sure of myself and, probably the most important thing, I was willing not  to have a best friend. I was okay with it, finally.

I had such fun writing the relationship between Gabby and Jazmine. They're so different, but they understand each other at a deep level and connect right there. I think they'll continue to be great friends until they're young adults, when they'll go on an overseas trip together. 

What about you? What's your experience been with best friends?