"Her Hero"

Alex just sat on the edge of his bed. It was morning, around the time of 9:30. It had been a most fascinating night. He turned his head to look at the spot where his wife slept. She wasn't there, having to get up to take care of their 4 month old boy, but it was clear that she hadn't been up that long.

Alex got up and stood in the doorway where he could see Juanita feeding Isaac. He smiled at the way she looked at their baby. They could already tell his hair was dark like hers, but curly like Alex's. His tiny eyes were brown, but both Alex and Juanita had brown eyes.

Alex and Juanita have been married for under a year, but they had been going out since they were at the tender age of twelve. Alex liked her the moment he met her. He remembered that day perfectly. As if it had just happened yesterday.

Eight year old Alex had just finished on the half pipe at the town skatepark and was ready to go. Whether he wanted to or not, he had to. He had band rehearsal. Being the drummer of the famous Naked Brothers Band meant having a very busy life. All the interviews, rehearsals, concerts, etc. It never ended for the eight year old.

As he exited the skatepark he heard the voice of the known skatepark bully.

"That's a nice board," he said. "Now give it to me!"

His voice wasn't directed towards Alex, so he shrugged and continued to walk. It was how life was, and he wasn't going to mess with it. Some lonely, geeky skater was going to get his board taken. It happened almost everyday at the park.

But something held Alex back. With a sigh he turned and went back to the corner where Tony Watson usually hung out. The older boy stood in front of a small girl, from what Alex could tell. Walking closer Alex could see her more clearly. She was probably around his height and was wearing boys' clothes; her hair was just barely visible under the hat and helmet she wore.

"I'm not giving you my skateboard!" she yelled at Tony.

Tony let out a growl and grabbed her, trying to pry the board from her arms.

Alex ran up to him, hitting Tony on the back of the head with his board. He cried out and let go of the girl. She fell to the ground as Alex struck Tony again. "Hey, you don't attack a girl you jerk!"

Tony put a hand to where Alex struck him and turned to the curly haired boy. "Oh yeah? Says who?"

"Me."

Tony pushed Alex out of the way, making Alex lose his balance for a minute, but he came back and punched Tony in the stomach, making the bully fall to the ground breathless.

Alex took the girl's hand and helped her up. She stared into his brown eyes with her own. "Thanks."

Alex picked up the skateboards on the ground. "No problem. Let's get out of here."

The girl nodded. "Right. My name's Juanita by the way."

Alex smiled, "I'm Alex."

The two walked away from the skatepark leaving Tony on the ground crying for his mommy.

Juanita looked away from her baby and at Alex who was leaning against the doorway. She smiled at his blank look as he stared at her. "What are you thinking about Alex?"

"Us," Alex responded with the blank look still spread on his face.

"Us?"

"Yes."

"What about us?" Juanita asked.

Alex made eye contact with her. "The day we met."

Juanita smiled. "Thanks again for that."

Alex sat next to her and put his arm around her. "I'd do it a thousand times for you. I'll always be the hero to rescue you."

"My hero forever," Juanita said. She kissed Alex gently on the lips. "I love you."

"I love you too," Alex said smiling. He took Isaac from Juanita's arms and held him over his head. "And I have proof for it too."

End