George thought about her private name. She had never said it out loud before, not even to her friends in the magazines. “You could always call me Melissa,” she said now. “Melissa,” said Kelly, her eyes wide. “I like it. That’s a great name for a girl.” She said it again, drawing out each sound. “Me-lis-sa. That’s perfect!” George buried her chin in her shoulder and felt her cheeks grow warm. “Are you okay?” Kelly asked. “Yeah,” said George. “It just sounds really good to hear.” “I can say it again. Melissa. Melissa Melissa Melissa!” Kelly began to twirl around George, stretching her arms out
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