"Hmm!"

Heda sucked up her courage and turned around.

"Hey, before we get going —-"

"Oh no, no more delaying tactics. The sooner this speech is over --"

"I just wanted to tell you --"

"—— because I wanna dance and pump up the music and —-"

"— that I love you."

"—— so let's get going!" Madison finished, then took two steps out the door, then stopped with such dedication that she almost toppled down the stairs.

Heda waited in complete silence for a moment. Then she heard the stairs creak a bit as Madison's weight redistributed.

"Uhm, Heda?"

"Yes?"

“Sorry, I know things got a little hectic there, but I thought that... well, it sounded like --"

"I said that I loved you? Yeah, I heard that too. Mostly because I said it."

"no, I don't think you get it. I thought I heard you say Heda grabbed Madison by the arms and lifted her about six inches off of the ground."

"Madison Sloan, I love you."

Madison squeaked, but it was a happy sound.

“You didn't say ‘Madison Sloan' last time "

Heda smiled.

“You just Like hearing me say it, don't you?"

If a rainbow could truly be captured by a mortal being, then Madison's smile accomplished just that. She was so happy that she positively glowed. Then her mouth started to move, but she could not make a sound to save her life. She grabbed Heda by the hand and dragged her down stairs, past all of their highly confused friends, and then down into the basement. Madison frantically scanned her keyboard, then typed something in. Soon, a familiar tune slid into the air like a pleasant aroma.

Well, I know it's kind of late I hope I didn't wake you, But what I got to say can't wait, I know you'd understand cause every time I tried to tell you...

The words just came out wrong ...

So I'll have to say I love you in a song.

Heda's heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself not to smile.