Looking back on that difficult time, Francia recognizes pals will experience their “ups and downs,” especially since she and Selena have known each other for a long time. But no matter what happens in their lives, she knows she will always be there for Selena. The Grown-ish star told E! News at the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women event on Wednesday:

Francia may not be close friends with other members of Selena’s inner circle, but that doesn’t matter to The Secret Life of the American Teenager alum at the end of the day. She explained:

Yeah, I’m not close with her friends. I’m not close with my other two sisters’ friends. She calls me and we catch up and we do our thing. We know each other’s friends, but it’s not like that.”

Ultimately, she has no regrets about her estrangement from Selly! She feels the distance got them to a healthier place in their friendship:

“And to me, that’s evolvement because if it was closer than that, I would feel like it was fake and I don’t mess with that. I told her before the surgery, ‘Don’t treat me different,’ and she hasn’t. And I appreciate it.”

Sometimes friends need to take a break! There is nothing wrong with getting some space! But we’re glad these two were able to eventually work things out and have their friendship stronger than ever before! Reactions? Let us know in the comments.