Who knows? Maybe it's a Valentine's Day change of heart, or maybe Rihanna wants to give Chris Brown a chance to move on with a normal life. But the "Umbrella" singer made a big decision this week that has surprised some critics. She wants to lessen the restraining order that prohibits contact with her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown.

The restraining order was an outcome of a 2009 incident that occurred between Rihanna and Brown on Grammy night. Photos of Rihanna got out after the assault that showed her bruised and swollen face. Brown also reportedly had bitten the famous songstress. As shocking as the case was, Brown has now fulfilled the terms of his sentence, and it looks like Rihanna is ready to ease the strain that the charge has had on Brown's life.

Entertainment media sources report that with the support of her attorney, Rihanna is prepared to ask a judge to reduce the restraining order against Brown to what is a level one in the state of California. The means that the pair can be in close proximity and have contact with each other. If Brown harasses, annoys or molests Rihanna, his behavior will be considered as a violation of the new order of protection.

With the Grammys coming up on Sunday, some heard about the rumored restraining order change and thought the award show would provide Rihanna and Brown a chance to meet once again on the big night, exactly two years after the same event preceded the incident of domestic assault. Sources report, however, that the change in the restraining order will not be made that quickly. A judge needs to approve the modification request.

Rihanna will be at the Grammys on Sunday. Brown will not. She's performing at the big award show, and Brown reportedly had other plans for the big night in music.

Source

E! Online: "Rihanna, Chris Brown Reunion Could Be Close," Marianne Garvey and Claudia Rosenbaum, 10 Feb. 2011