Can i file a small claims for rent if this person wasn't on my lease?

Im the only person on my apartment lease. I moved my friend in for half of monthly expenses. She didnt have the money for last month so i asked my mother to borrow it, so my friend could borrow it from me. My mother lent ME the money and rent was paid. My roomate moved out at the end of the month, for an unknown reason without paying me back. Me, depending on this money she owes me for next months rent, has aculated late rent fees. In my phone, through text messaging, i have her admitting she owes me money and what for. In those text messages she also states she never refused to pay back the money, she simply doesn't have the money at this time.. It has been over a month now of her stating she doesn't have it, she has no idea when she will have it, and now, she states she is not going to pay me back due to the fact "I'm holding her clothes captive for collateral." <<<( and i dont have them). Is this a legitimate reason to sue, and do i have enough evidence to hold up in court?