The narrator, Misha, recounts her complicated and often contentious relationship with her childhood best friend Fiona. They were inseparable until a series of events drove them apart, including a competition for top grades and the harsh criticism Fiona received from her parents. The tension escalated into bullying, and Fiona's behavior became increasingly erratic. The situation reached a boiling point when Fiona accused Misha of stealing school funds, but her brother Henry intervened, revealing that Fiona was the actual thief.
Fiona was expelled, and Misha was shocked to learn that Fiona's behavior was a result of her difficult home life. Henry, who had previously been portrayed as an antagonist, turned out to be a kind and protective sibling who defended Misha and eventually fell in love with her.
Years later, Fiona, who had been living a difficult life, showed up at Misha and Henry's doorstep, seeking refuge. They took her in, and despite some initial reservations, Fiona became a part of their lives again. However, when Fiona got back on her feet and moved out, she began to distance herself from the couple.
The story takes a surprising turn when Fiona announces that she is pregnant, and Misha gives birth to her own baby around the same time. The two women and their children become connected, and Fiona finally makes amends for her past behavior, apologizing to Misha and seeking forgiveness. The story concludes with the two women and their children forming a new, healthier bond.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator's name is Misha, and she lives in Miami.
2. Misha met her best friend Fiona when she was five years old at a carnival.
3. Fiona's parents were horrible to her, and she often came to school with swollen eyes.
4. Misha and Fiona had a rivalry that started in sixth grade when Fiona's grades were lower.
5. Fiona's brother, Henry, went to boarding school on a scholarship.
6. Henry returned and defended Misha when Fiona bullied her.
7. Misha and Henry started to develop feelings for each other.
8. Henry kissed Misha, but she stopped him because he was Fiona's brother.
9. Misha and Henry went to separate colleges, but Henry showed up in Misha's bedroom one day and confessed his love for her.
10. Misha and Henry started dating and got married two years after finishing university.
11. They didn't invite anyone from Henry's family to their wedding except Fiona, but she didn't show up.
12. Fiona showed up at Misha and Henry's house one day, soaked in the rain, and asked to stay with them.
13. Misha and Henry decided to let Fiona stay with them if she behaved.
14. Fiona got a new job and moved out of Misha and Henry's house before Misha gave birth to her baby.
15. Misha gave birth to a baby girl, and Henry received a call from the hospital saying Fiona was having a baby too.
16. It turned out that Fiona had been pregnant the whole time and had a baby girl.
17. Misha and Fiona's babies were born on the same day, making them birthday friends.