Part Seven: Miranda

"Then one day I blurted out that I had a little brother who was deformed. I have absolutely no idea why I said this: it just seemed like an interesting thing to say. And, of course, the reaction I got from the little girls in the bungalow was dramatic. Really? So sorry! That must be so tough!" (page 237)

From the beginning of the novel when I learned about Miranda and Ella and how close the girls were with Via, I knew there would be some separation between them when high school came around. I know that many teenagers making the transition from middle school to high school change their original behaviors and attitudes in order to "fit in" with the cool crowd. Sometimes, people just end of making a fool of themselves. I know I have had the experience of separation from old friends when I went into high school, although it wasn't as dramatic and quick as what happened between Miranda, Ella, and Via.  My friendships faded slowly and over the period of a few years. Like those girls, I had two best friends that I did everything with. Since I went to a small private middle school, we were as close as can be. Then we graduated and went to high school where we were just little freshman in a whole new (and much bigger) world. People change, whether for the better or worse, and friendships fall apart.

I'm glad I get to see the story told through Miranda's eyes, the ex-best friend. I was surprised to hear that she tries to stay in contact with August and I respect her motive to keep August in her life. Even though her world is changing as well as her hair and clothes, she wants to keep an old part of her life with her. That's one thing she doesn't want to change. I think it would be interesting to get into the minds of my used-to-be best friends. I would love to see what they miss about our friendship. Even though Miranda had seemed to move on from her old ways, she still had some self esteem issues and felt at odds with Via, even though Via didn't really do anything. Miranda mentions that she and Ella "badmouthing" Via, just to cover up the fact that Via didn't do anything to hurt their friendship.

  I believe that is why most people say mean things about one another, to cover up their insecurities and the truth of what really happened in certain situations.