AN: I'm so sorry that it took me so long to update, guys. Between work and college, I rarely have time to write anymore, :(

I hope you all enjoy this chapter despite its short length.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Horton Hears a Who!.

Tallulah led the way to City Hall while the others trudged behind her. She raced up the steps to the entrance, thudding tread by tread until she reached the landing.

"I win! I win! I win!" Tallulah cried. She hopped up and down delighted and pleased with herself.

"Will you be quiet and calm down," JoJo grunted when he'd finally caught up.

"Jealous," Tallulah taunted.

JoJo glared. City Hall was the last place JoJo wanted to be on a Saturday afternoon. This was valuable time that could have be spent on writing his song.

"Here you go, Tallulah." Coby rummaged his backpack and pulled out a marble composition book.

"For me?" Tallulah said.

"For you to practice your spelling words," Coby corrected her.

Tallulah took the composition book and frowned.

"That's it?" Iggy said. "Lame! I still think she should take my suggestion."

"I'm going to have to go with Iggy on this one," Adin said. "Writing the words over and over is exhausting and doesn't seem to be working for Tallulah."

"And it hurts my hand," Tallulah added.

Coby stifled a giggle at JoJo who was rolling his eyes. "I don't particularly want you to write the words over and over," he explained. "I want you to use the words in sentences. You can write about whatever you want just as long as you use your spelling words."

"Oh, anything I want?" Tallulah said, perking up a little.

Coby shrugged. "Sure. You can start your journal during your next session with JoJo," he said.

"Thank you so much!" Tallulah squealed.

Adin, Iggy, Beanie, and Coby headed down the steps.

"If you need any more help, or Gummy Barb-Ba Loots, just hit us up!" Beanie called over his shoulder.

JoJo waved goodbye to his friends. He then turned to Tallulah and asked in an annoyed voice, "So why are we here again?"

"Oh. Um..." Tallulah looked flustered. She swung a leg over the other and played with her bracelets nervously. "I...I just...I'm not ready to go back to Stacey's house just yet that's all. Is Mr. Mayor in his office?"

"You don't have to fear him," JoJo assured. "He's just a Who...only weirder...and gassier." He fanned his nose to demonstrate.

Tallulah gave an open smile. "And he's on the twenty who-dollar bill," she added.

Suddenly the town clock chimed, cutting her off. It was four-thirty. JoJo couldn't believe how late it had gotten. He let out a long, disappointed sigh.

"Come on," he said lowly. "Let's go in."

Ned pushed open the weighty oak door to his office.

"Mr. Mayor!" Tallulah cried. She leaped off the couch and ran straight for Ned, giving him a great, big hug.

JoJo let out a loud groan.

"Hello, Tallulah!" Ned said, kneeling down to accept the hug. "It's so great to see you again."

"See? He's not scary at all," JoJo told Tallulah lightheartedly. "Now can we go?"

"Already?" Tallulah exclaimed. Ned saw her face fall into a frown. She obviously wanted to spend more time with him. He couldn't help but feel flattered.

"How about I take Tallulah to her to house that way you can get home before dark," Ned offered.

Tallulah smile returned. She perked up on her toes.

"You don't have to do that, Dad," JoJo said. "She's my responsibility."

"Oh, I don't mind." Ned replied. "Even up-and-coming mayors need a break sometimes. And besides," he then placed a hand on Tallulah's shoulder. "Tallulah is my friend."

Tallulah looked away bashfully.

"Well, if you really want to, go for it" JoJo shrugged. "I'll see you at home."

JoJo started for the door before Ned stopped him.

"Hey JoJo! Before you go, did I show you my picture on the big twenty yet?" Ned asked.

JoJo gave a small eyeroll. "Only a million times already," he said.

Ned laughed at himself and told JoJo, "Okay, I'll see you at home." He turned to Tallulah, reaching for her hand. "Come on, sweetie. I brought my bike today."

Tallulah's hand trembled in Ned's. She must have still felt nervous about being around him. Ned lead Tallulah half-way down the hall before she stopped abruptly.

"Wait!" she interjected. "I um...I forgot something. Wait right here."

Ned smiled, patiently. Tallulah hurried back to the office and returned a few minutes later with her new composition book tucked under her arm.

"Okay," she said. "I'm ready!"