"This is the first time that my life has ever been in a place that I wanted it to be, ya know? Friends, community, girlfriend . . . Now everyone wants me to give it up for something else that isn't my fault. And you —-"

"Me what?"

"You'd still be here, surrounded by all these college girls and don't you dare laugh!"

Heda couldn't help it.

"You . . . (gasp) . . . you really ARE afraid that I'd break up with you, aren't you? Just because I didn't see you for a few weeks. You neurotic, psychotic, off-kilter, bizarre little bat!"

Madison tried to push Heda away with her feet, but Heda grabbed them and pulled the girl out of the closet and into Heda's lap.

"I have never met anyone quite like you," Heda said, “and that's a good thing. You think I'm going to dump you after a little absence?

You have tried twice now to kick me in the head, and I'm still here.

Right?"

Madison sniffed.

"I guess."

“And what is it with you wanting to fight me? Is the sex THAT disappointing?" Heda was smiling a little now.

"NO! I mean okay, I do mean ‘no.' The sex is great and you damn well know it."

"go?"

"So maybe if you don't see me as helpless, you won't keep trying to send me away for my own good and crap like that."

“Madison, every likely target is being treated the same. The authorities just want to make sure you're safe. You think any of the other potential victims are trying to kick their girlfriends in the heads over this?"

"I don't know. I've never met —-"

"Madison," Heda interrupted sternly.

"No," she whispered.

"And what is with the biting and hair pulling? That was brilliant!"

Madison looked confused.

"You're not mad about that?"

“Are you kidding? In a fight, you do whatever you have to in order to win."

"You didn't," Madison pointed out.