CHAPTER 10

The call connected after two rings. "Lucy?" Pearl asked, pressing her phone tighter to her ear as if proximity could close the years between them. “Thank you for contacting Peltz Art and Life, how may we assist you today?” A voice spoke immediately after the ringer picked. Then Pearl, next. “Lucy?” “Mel— is that you?” Lucy’s voice danced with disbelief, then affection. “Took you barely any time to recognize my voice.” A wide, genuine, smile appeared on Pearl's face. “Melody.It’s really you!? How could you just disappear and then come back like this..” Lucy was literally yelling,“What’s going on? Where are you!” “My apartment,” Pearl said. She intended to be vague but decides against it, “I’m back.” “I’m going to you right this minute...give me your address...You have a lot explanations to do!” Pearl hesitated. She wanted to speak but barely trusted what she had left behind for almost five years. Old loyalty felt heavy. But desperation had a sharp edge. “I will I promise. B