(LONG STORY) NEED ADVICE ON SITUATION!? PLEASE HELP!?

Was the money offered as a gift, or as a loan? If it was a loan, it is fair to ask for repayment (although I doubt you will ever see it). You can go to small claims court to seek recovery only if you have a signed IOU from her. If the word "loan" was never mentioned, time to pack it in and move on, and consider it a lesson learned. Loans to ex-loves and family members are seldom repaid. (but not sure how this is homework!)