I agree that it was probably a cry for attention/help or something along those lines on the part of the best friend. She could also be searching for limits/boundaries/attention that she doesn't get from her parents. It kind of sounds like the adults in her life are there monetarily, but maybe not necessarily emotionally.

I want to say I'm VERY impressed with how your daughter handled the situation. On the one hand, I'm not too too surprised, cause you seem like a great mom. But on the other, it takes a very brave girl to stand up to her best friend. I'm honestly not sure I could have done that at that age. Kudos to her; I hope I can raise a child as well as you have done.