Linda reached the club earlier than she had anticipated. Maybe because it was her second time since a week ago and she was in a merely jolly mood especially now that she'd decided to put her life back on track. She was not sure it was the best decision but well, her instincts said so after all. Linda remembered her mother's voice. How she had always advised her to listen to her inner voice. Her instincts, her heart, before she fully condemned herself on any matter. So here she was. Moving slowly towards the entrance of the club.

At the far left, she watched a couple giggling and waved them off. A tall goatee guy beckoned her but she waved him off too and found her way into the club. Alone. The loneliness killed her more than she was even willing to admit. The loneliness of having no one in life to talk to but herself, very soon, she was going to change that. She did not know how, but well, she was. Even after years of complete dissertation and solitude. The noise called her to the present and she abandoned her thoughts. Like the voice of life and humanity itself. It was noisier than it had been the other night. Linda recalled. How surprising! She mumbled with a chuckle. Only a week ago and she couldn't even figure out how she had reached her own bed. It was a torment.

She noticed about ten people she'd studied with at Rockwood Elementary, how they'd changed! Then she noticed one who'd been a tight girlfriend of hers in Junior High School. Her good friend months later, until about eight months ago when she'd gone too. She'd been cheerleader back in High school. Good old days of no sorrow but craziness about school captains. Soon after High School, Linda remembered she'd soon got bored and left to pursue a career in modeling and fashion. That had been her game although she was to later realize that she couldn't run away from fate. That both her parents would die in a train crash, that her sister would dessert her and the island. She had not foreseen that she would stay in solitude for longer than she'd ever thought she would. Talking to almost nobody, dating no body, mourning parents who were long gone.

Before her parents' death, Linda had shortly come back to Windowmill only to lose everything and bury three and a half years of her life mourning her losses and wallowing in self-pity. Her career, her parents, her sister, everything that she'd ever treasured. Brushing her thoughts off once again, she moved towards the table where the bestie aka former cheerleader sat. Her close friend in Junior High school. She could see clearly that the girl was no longer a girl and that she was a fully grown woman. With a smile, the girl, now woman, moved closer to the approaching Linda and hugged her tight.

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.

"I missed you" Roselyn said while her friend passed her a glass.

"I am sorry I couldn't stay that long especially after you kept rejecting me and pushing me away and calling me names." Rose said anxiously

"It's okay Rose. Brushed that off" Linda mentioned passively.

"I am sorry. I should have been more persistent. I'm really sorry. But I care. I cared even then. I am sorry it had to happen." Roselyn added with a twinge of emotion in her voice.

"It's okay Rose. I am sorry too. I was insensitive. I felt like everyone had betrayed me. I should have understood better too and treated you more fairly. I am surprised I came out alive. So many times I thought I was gonna take my life. Just I never gathered enough courage. It's fine. I'm sorry too. Just this time I'm here to stay. Trust me.'' Linda said.

"Friends for life?"

"No." Linda said.

"Oh" Roselyn chuckled

"Lol .Got you. Hahaha…We are Best friends for life girl, you know that." Linda said and they hugged even more tightly. Roselyn's eyes moved up the floor while they hugged and she stiffened in fear.

"What?'' Linda inquired trying to pull out of the hug.

"Ssshhhhh… The man. He worries me." Roselyn whispered.

"Which man? He is up the other floor. Been watching us since you came here. Do you know him?"

"Which man… Let go of me." Linda blubbered pulling out of Roselyn's hold. Then she turned and looked straight up at him. For an instant, their eyes met and He chuckled before Linda quickly pulled her eyes away and back to Roselyn.

"Gosh… Let's get back to our business." Linda said. Blushing.

"Wow!"

"What"

"Girl. You didn't tell me you were back in the game... Tell me what happened. You're blushing. Oh… I know a secret. He still looking down here. Staring at you. Well, wait. I know him." Roselyn mumbled…

"What?"

"Nothing. Was just a prank. Now, will you tell me what's going on between you and the Mr. Cute guy up there? Saw you blushing and him, still looking at us down here." Roselyn questioned. Surprising Linda with her open-mindedness. Even after all those years, Linda was starting to feel like everything was still the same with them.

"It's my misgivings I guess" Linda gathered

What? Here babe. Sit down and tell big sis" Roselyn mentioned. Taping the chair for Linda to sit.