“Because he knew the best way to get what he wanted was to break down what made us strongest. And our friendships were what made us strong.”

“After awhile, all the men wanted his opinion, and all the girls were in love with him. He made certain of it. Because he knew the best way to get what he wanted was to break down what made us strongest. And our friendships were what made us strong. He changed all that.”

“It took me a long time to realize this: We get to choose what defines us.”

“She knew what it felt like to stand in front of someone and ask them to love you, to try to pull them to you by the sheer force of your desire, a force so strong it felt as though you were going to die from it.”

“She'd always known he didn't love her. But it was easier to bear when he didn't know she loved him. That way they were even. Now he knew he had all the power.”

“It was like the way you wanted sunshine on Saturdays, or pancakes for breakfast. They just made you feel good.”

“Blank-slate friendships were thin and temperamental. She knew that. There was no history there to cement people together, for better or worse.”