Melissa sauntered past the barricade and unhesitatingly pushed her way toward the venue. No one had noticed her yet, thankfully. She kept her chin high, hoping no one would see her until she reached the building.
But, as always, her peace was short-lived.
"Melissa?"
Her steps faltered at the sudden call from her side.
"Melissa Young?"
Melissa gulped and slowly turned her head toward the voice. The second she met the person's eyes, deep lines formed between her brows.
"Do I know you?"
The other person grinned and leaned closer, stopping only when Melissa instinctively stepped back. "Melissa, it's me!"
"Huh?" Melissa studied the woman's face—she was wearing a black turtleneck under a gray, almost worn-out blazer. "I'm sorry, but I don't know you."
"Come on! It's me! Have you forgotten? Aileen!" Aileen's voice rose in pitch as she grinned and hastily reached for Melissa's hand. "We used to play together! Don't you remember?"
