Great post (#25). It was also my experience to have a bullying first friend at age six through ten. We went to school together all the way from 1-12. I just learned to stay away from her after a few years. She lived on the same street, too.
She recently found me on facebook (well, a few years ago now) and tried to reconnect. I was really aware of the past and did not reply to her message. Once a bully always a bully. (?) I don't know if that's true, but I wasn't about to find out.
I'm glad you are finding your peace.