heartbeat 4 u

5. the birthday party

Leo and Maddi started texting each other a lot and got to know each other better and became closer.
Leo invited Maddi to his birthday party. There were a lot of people there and since his house was huge, it made the party even better.
When Maddi arrived, she was so nervous. She didn't know anyone there, except Leo, of course. As soon as he saw her, he smiled and walked up to her.
"I'm glad you came."
She immediately started having butterflies. She didn't know why she still had that feeling when they were already close friends.
"I wouldn't miss out on your birthday party."
"Are you nervous?"
"N-nervous? Why would I be nervous?" ["I'm only nervous when you look at me like that. You keep giving me butterflies."]
"Because you don't know anyone here. But don't worry, I'll introduce you to everyone."
And he did. By the end of the night, everyone knew Maddi. Including Leo's parents. They actually really liked her. They liked her cuteness and sincerity.
"Wow, I think my parents like you more than me!" Leo said with a laugh.
"Really? I still feel a little nervous."
"Don't be." he said.
By now there were few people there. And they were busy playing video games and watching movies.
He looked deep in her eyes, as she looked back at him. She has a billion butterflies now. She didn't know what to do. She blushed and shyly said, "Okay, now I'm really shy."
"Why? I thought we were close friends. You don't have to be shy around me."
"I know..."
"Why are you shy?" he asked curiously.
"B-because o-of you."
"What did I do?"
"You didn't do anything wrong, i-it's just that..."
But then he looked at her with his big, brown eyes and she couldn't say anything.
"Its just what, Maddi?"
But she still couldn't say anything. She got lost in his eyes and just stood there.
"Maddi?" he said as he tried to shake her out of her little trance.
"O-oh, I'm sorry."
He laughed. "What's wrong, Maddi?"
She took a glance in his eyes, but didn't want to get lost in his eyes again. So she hugged him tight and held him close to her.
For a moment, he stood there. Them he noticed something. Her heartbeat was beating faster than a drum. At first he thought something happened to her, then he realized, she loved him.
"Maddi...loves me?" he thought to himself.
He didn't pull away or reject her hug. Instead, he hugged her back tighter than she did. Then Maddi noticed something. His heartbeat was beating fast as well.
They didn't need words to say that they loved each other. While Maddi hugged him, she looked up to his face and he looked back at her.
"Maddi, I..."
Maddi looked at him as though she was afraid of what he would say.
Then he didn't say anything. He held her close and kissed her on her forehead, gave her a smile, and returned to his guests.
Maddi stood there and couldn't believe what happened.
"What just happened?" she thought.
Then when she saw Leo busy with his guests, she decided to watch a movie with the other guests in the next room.
After the long night was over, Maddi was the last one to leave. Maddi was supposed to ride with her friends back, but they weren't able to come, so she had no way to get home. His house was too far and it was already late at night, so Maddi's parents allowed her to stay the night. Leo's parents were totally fine with it. They really liked Maddi.
"I'm so sorry for causing trouble."
"No trouble at all, Maddi!" Mrs. Davis said.
"Just make yourself comfortable here. Don't be a stranger. You can even dig in the fridge at 3 in the morning if you like." Mr. Davis said with a chuckle.
"Thank you for being so nice to me."
"Of course, honey." Mrs. Davis said. "Come on, I'll help you get ready for bed." she said as she led her up the stairs.
After she was ready, Mrs. Davis went downstairs and put sheets and extra blankets and pillows in the guest room.
"Here's where you'll sleep, Maddi. You're gonna be okay?"
"Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Mrs. Davis."