Alpha Maria

"Cheerleading huh?" Maria asked, sounding almost polite.

"Yeah. I made varsity within my first year because I was just so flexible." Tiana giggled.

"Congrats," Maria responded.

Tiana stopped in front of us and gave me a once over before saying, "You're pretty tall, but I think you could still help me stretch sometimes."

"How would that be?" Maria said unenthusiastically.

Tiana lifted her leg and placed it on my shoulder, which caused her to have her hips pressed against mine, "This is one of the stretches we do. Others I would have to teach."

"I'm sure I could do a better job of stretching you than he could." Maria shrugged. Tiana dropped her leg which I was more than grateful for.

"Why's that?" Tiana scowled.

Maria moved my hand off her shoulder and turned around before taking a step back and pulling a standing backflip. She landed effortlessly and returned underneath my arm, and once she was there she said, "I did gymnastics when I was younger."

"I didn't know you could do that." I said in awe, "You're going to have to teach me."

"Your uncoordinated ass would hit the pavement before you could even say 'oh shit.'" Maria teased.

"Would not!" I defended.

"If she won't teach you, I will." Tiana offered.

"I'm tired. Carry me." Maria said before raising her arms like a small child.

"Ugh, fine, get on my back." I huffed.

Maria jumped up and wrapped her legs around my waist. I placed my hands under her thighs to support her weight, and by weight, I meant the three pounds I was now holding. She rested her head on my shoulder and smiled contently at her new position. Tiana didn't seem happy with this at all, and I could see her pout out of the corner of my eye, which I ignored.

"I miss Jason," Maria said.

"I kind of miss him too, even though he was pulling my hair earlier." I chuckled.

"Who's Jason?" Tiana asked.

"My nephew." Maria lied.

"Aw, how old is he?" Tiana asked.

"He'll be five next month," Maria informed her.

"Dylan, do you want kids?" Tiana asked, making her question seem out of the blue.

"Eventually, but right now Jason is the only kid I want to spend time with. He's got a sense of humor." I said lightheartedly.

"I'm glad you two get along so well. I think he looks up to you a little." Maria admitted.

"You really think so?" I asked excitedly.

"Of course I do," Maria said while pecking my cheek, "Put me down."

I let Maria down gently and she placed her hand in mine. I wrapped my fingers around hers and gave her hand a small squeeze, which caused her to smile up at me. The smile seemed genuine, with her eyes squeezing shut and her teeth in full view. It was my favorite expression I had seen on Maria. I found myself smiling back at her as she returned her attention to the sidewalk.

"I think you'd be a great dad," Tiana added, "Daddy does have a nice ring to it."

I felt uncomfortable, and I was hoping that was obvious. Tiana was trying to act sly, but I could see her suppressing a smile.