Hip-Hop’s pop diva, Rihanna, has allegedly been in contact with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown. Those familiar with the couple are aware of the severity of the couple’s past relationship, in which Rihanna was physically abused.

A source reports, “It’s been almost a year since they last spoke, but Rihanna felt like she could try to be friends with Chris again,” they continued. “Seeing how emotional he was on set [at the BET Awards] really touched her. She’d never seen him like that before.”

Despite speaking via telephone, the two have not been in contact since Chris was sentenced to his community service labor and put under five years probation.

The source added, “Chris told her that he felt like he’s grown up in the past year. He’s said he’s so happy to be back in touch with her.”

Since the phone conversation, the pair has been said to exchange a few text messages. A close friend of RiRi claims that she is hopeful to see him face-to-face, which won’t be able to happen under Chris’ current restriction that requires him to stay 100 yards away for the next five years.