I know what you're going to say, "you're a fuckwit." Truth was this was before I discovered TRP.

A bit of context: I have inherited close to $2 million from my late grandmother and since my plate and I were good friends, she knew about this. Next thing you know her car dies, and she sees her dream car for sale in a car yard. She needs a $4k deposit, and I loan it to her. Because that was relatively easy for her, and the fact she knew I had cash savings PLUS a good job, it seemed like every second week there was some huge expense. It was always a loose conversation of "yeah I'll pay you back when I get back up on my feet", financially speaking. And since it didn't feel like anything to me, over the course of 12 months, it has added up to $20k.

Yes, foolish I know, but remember we have to learn from billy betas (my) mistakes to further our own life, and this didn't affect me really at all. The ironic thing is though, that since I had a bit of money and because she was living week to week, I would always reassure her that it was no big deal and she could pay back when she could. The kicker? I found out she fucked my best friend. Huge betrayal due to the fact we were good friends, and given how much I had helped her it really angered me. I never really cared if she paid back or not, but now, of course, I want my money back.

There's enough text messages to substantiate suing her for the amount in court, however I fear I come off as childish for doing so. I am in a real mental battle as to what I do. Please help.

EDIT: Legally speaking, I know I have an alright chance. I can always go through small claims which isn't based on hard law, but rather logic, if that makes sense. My main concern is that I live in a somewhat town, and if the word gets around I sued the arse off this poor person when I didn't need to when I have a fair bit which ended up destroying her financially, reputation may go down the shitter.