Alex Hill’s "Worst Friends" Summary

This book, co-authored by Asya Lavrinovich and published in 2021 , is an emotional story of growing up, school friendships, and early teenage mistakes. The plot revolves around eleventh-graders Taisiya Kozyr and Alevtina Makarova, whose long-standing relationship is severely tested by their sudden, blazing feelings for the same boy. The girls try to maintain their relationship by creating a set of strict friendship rules, but life dictates its own terms.

The origins of girls’ friendship

The story begins with a prologue that transports the reader back ten years. It’s September 1st, first grade. The long school hallway is filled with bustling first-graders. Taisiya Kozyr (Tasya to those close to her) and Alevtina Makarova (Alya) collide in this chaos. The girls are so similar in character and temperament that the children around them mistake them for twins. They become accustomed to speaking at the same time and having absolutely identical opinions on everything. This chance encounter develops into a strong and lasting bond.

Over the years, they’ve shared joys and sorrows equally. They’ve developed their own unspoken code of honor — a list of rules for true friends. The first rules state: matching clothes only look good on a best friend, nothing should be hidden from each other, and any grievances should be discussed immediately. Tasya and Ali’s behavior patterns are built on complete trust. The enemies of one automatically become the enemies of the other. The sixth rule says to always help your friend, because together they are stronger. The seventh rule teaches support in any situation, but to be honest if your friend looks bad. The ninth rule states: Friday evenings are devoted exclusively to girls’ get-togethers, even if Armageddon comes.

The arrival of a new student

The story shifts to eleventh grade. Senior year promises to be challenging with exams, piles of tests, and early mornings. The school routine is overwhelming the seniors. Free time is sorely lacking. However, the usual rhythm is disrupted. A new student, Oleg Dymarsky, transfers to a parallel class. He has a striking appearance, instantly attracting the attention of the female students. Tasya and Alya notice the new student near the computer science room as he chats with his classmates Galya and Lida. Alya jokingly calls Oleg "fresh meat," and the friends decide to have some fun getting to know him better.

The girlfriends usually had different tastes in guys. The eighth rule of their code strictly forbade them from falling for the same guy. A guy doesn’t split in half, unless a saw is involved. But Oleg becomes an exception. His charm affects both girls equally. Instead of following their own principles and extinguishing the spark of attraction, they take a rash step. Tasya and Alya decide to break their own rules.

The illusion of fair competition

Realizing the inevitable clash of interests, the high school girls agree to a "fair competition." Each has the right to win Dymarsky’s heart. The boy must make his own choice. This psychological dynamic — competition for a single emotional resource — erodes the traditional trust. A fair fight proves impossible in practice. Emotions prevail over reason and logic. The girls begin hiding their cell phones, deleting messages, and concealing secret encounters.

Oleg Dymarsky begins playing a double game. He flirts with both Tasya and Alya simultaneously. The newcomer sets up meetings, throws meaningful glances, and raises false hopes. He enjoys the attention of the two most prominent girls in his class, masterfully manipulating their emotions. The friends quickly drift apart. Jealousy, suspicion, and unspoken sentiments emerge. A decade-long bond begins to crumble. The girls forget their Friday traditions and mutual support.

True knights in the background

While the girls are dazzled by Oleg’s charm, two other young men remain in the background. Gleb Yudin and Makar Boyko have long been devotedly in love with Tasya and Alya, respectively. Gleb is a serious and caring guy. Makar is a cheerful, open young man. They watch their friends make a mistake. Yudin directly expresses his displeasure to Tasya. He calls Dymarsky offensively and tries to open her eyes to what’s happening.

Gleb explains that Oleg is better suited for basketball than for a serious relationship. But Tasya, defending her choice, gets into an argument with Yudin. A cognitive bias — blind faith in an idealized image of Oleg — prevents the girls from accurately assessing reality. Makar and Gleb suffer from neglect, but they don’t abandon their friends in times of need. They stay close, ready to support them in times of need, demonstrating a high level of emotional intelligence. Their devotion contrasts sharply with the newcomer’s frivolous behavior.

The culmination of a school conflict

Tensions reach a fever pitch. Oleg’s deception is exposed. Tasya and Alya realize that Dymarsky was simply playing with them both. He hadn’t planned on building a relationship, but merely stroking his own ego. A confrontation with harsh reality sobers the friends. The girls realize the scale of their folly. For the sake of empty flirtation, they nearly lost the most precious thing — their friendship.

The loss of illusions forces Tasya and Alya to reconsider their actions. They admit their guilt towards each other. A long-awaited reconciliation occurs. Restored trust gives them the strength to resolve other lingering issues. The girls decide to end their long-standing feud with Liza Korobkina and her group. In the school bathroom, Tasya finds Liza, Galya, and Lida. Korobkina expects Tasya to have come to bask in victory and taunt them. But instead, Tasya sincerely apologizes to Liza for the teasing, the salty tea, and the ruined tights. Liza recalls the broken makeup bag and the snow in her backpack, but accepts the apology. They agree to a truce for the remaining six months of school.

Awareness of true feelings

Freed from their obsession, Taisiya and Alevtina finally notice those who have always been there for them. Tasya realizes her heart is drawn to the reliable Gleb Yudin. Alya reciprocates Makar Boyko’s sincere feelings. The boys forgive the girls for their temporary infatuation with Dymarsky. Two strong couples are formed, built on mutual respect, sincerity, and many years of acquaintance. The young people demonstrate their love and willingness to be there for each other in difficult times through their actions.

New Year’s Eve

The story ends on New Year’s Eve. Tasya, Alya, Gleb, and Makar are celebrating together on the street near the food stalls. The girls stand next to each other, smiling warmly at each other, and watch the boys. They discuss their old rules of friendship. Alya and Tasya agree that true affection doesn’t need strict lists and regulations. They decide to keep only the tenth rule: always celebrate New Year’s together and be happy.

As the first chimes ring, Gleb pours champagne into paper cups. Makar hugs Alya, and Tasya snuggles into Yudin’s side. The sky lights up with fireworks. Boom-boom-boom! The boys shout loudly, raising their hands in the air. Ahead of them lie university, loud parties, ups and downs. But they firmly know that with true friends and loved ones, they fear nothing. Joyful congratulations ring out on their new happiness.