One of the Girls

Friendship in One of the Girls is both a stabilizing and destabilizing force. Robyn and Bella, though very different, are both deeply loyal to Lexi in their own ways. Robyn agrees to attend the island getaway despite hesitation, motivated solely by her bond with Lexi. The friendship between Lexi, Bella, and Robyn is described in terms of feminine archetypes: “They each had their own role. Lexi was the face of the group, wild, untamable and untethered by her parents. Bella was the voice, loud and deliciously outspoken, often honking with infectious laughter. Robyn was their collective conscience, loyal and thoughtful, ready to steer them right” (36). While their bond is strong and seemingly eternal, it is not without its challenges and conflicts. The interlude later reflects: “You might even say that friends are medicine. But then any biochemist will tell you that medicine to one person can be poison to another” (95), signifying how deep emotional intimacy can lead to toxicity, especially in the context of a patriarchal culture that demands that women perform their adherence to impossible ideals and keep many of their emotional struggles secret even from their closest friends.