A small and unfamiliar voice resonated behind her ear. She turned to acknowledge her unknown company, but her palms closed over her face in genuine admiration as she fought the range of emotions that threatened to pour out of her.
Finally, she let her hand down to look at the woman before her, and her heart leapt with recognition. She lost control, and the tears came streaming down her face as she exclaimed, "Beatrix!"
The petite woman stepped forward and wrapped her slender arms around Stella's still form in a caring embrace. "Stella," the woman answered, her voice warm and comforting.
Stella was too overwhelmed with her emotions to speak. All she could do was weep on the shoulder of her best friend from college; Beatrix Quinn.
Stella's voice shook with emotion as she spoke, still covering her face with her palms. "I wanted to communicate with you so much but I was ashamed and I lost my phone."
