Linda stiffened. It had been long since she'd had contact with someone. Moreover as close as a hug. Those days it had been pecks and stolen kisses on the lips. Once in a while when they had been both ditched by the swimming team, had their cheer crowns taken and every other bitch in school looking at them like they were losers. They would run to Linda's house then amidst silly tears, they would steal a few kisses and caresses with no body in sight. But that was years ago and it was the usual silly girlfriend thing you know, she felt awkward.
"Oh Roselyn,' Linda said in sheer exasperation.
"Linda sweetheart. Oh my God. Look what happened to you dear one. I am sorry. Come let's sit here." Roselyn said in a voice so parental that left Linda at the verge of tears. Only if things had been different!
"Sweetheart you'd gotten lost so long that I'd worried so. And when the entire Windowmill gave up on you, I couldn't help it. Silly old town. Are you okay?" Roselyn continued. Linda nodded in wonder of the Roselyn's words. Where had she been all that long?
"Oh I am glad you say so. More than happy to see you here. You should spend some time out here with us so you don't grow into a big fat monster living alone in a large Mansion on a small 'small' Island.
"Hahahahaha." The both laughed.
Linda noticed how Roselyn's voice had got squeaky with the mention of 'small' for the second time. Like she wanted to emphasize something odd. Old memories. She laughed some more.
"Same old Roselyn. Hahahahaha hahaha."… She said out loud and they laughed even more. Getting eyes from the entire club.
Linda was anxious. That's what they did. Their old thing and this was Roselyn. A talented fellow who could make funny statements and make every one laugh. Linda's mood was changing.
"Talking of Roselyn and attention, why didn't the headmistress go to a comedy school? I see she is still very talented, still walks around with a bag of jokes, and still trading it to her old customer. Linda Hemsway who owns the largest and most awkward sense of humor. Hahaha…" Linda said rapidly.
Only to get a weak slap at the knee. She back at Rosemary who now looked at her closely. Taking her in. She was at the verge of tears. Roselyn noticed. Like Linda herself been earlier when Roselyn hugged her.
A waiter came around with a tray and drinks.
"Whisky please." Linda said and nodded while the waiter handed her bottle in exchange for the payments.