Listen To Your Heart ~ Book One.

Hero

(Smiles) "I just want to thank him, Billie...for being here for you on tour."

"Oh...alright."

(They walk over towards where I'm at, as I'm going over a list to make sure we got everything.)

"Hello, David."

(I turn and practically jump out of my skin at the sight of Billie and her mother. First thought that went thru my mind was I was gonna get another beat down, by both of them.)

"Mrs. O'Connell...Hi. Hello Billie."

"Hi." (Billie mumbles.)

"I just wanted to thank you. For keeping my daughter's night terrors away, and for joining her on tour."

"You're welcome, although I haven't really done much of anything as far as helping Billie. Of course, that might be because I've been replaced. Have I been replaced, Billie?"

"No."

(I shrug.)"Think Needle Dick being here, and the marks on my face say otherwise."

"Well...thank you. I'll give the two of you space to say your goodbyes. Take care, David."

"Thanks Mrs. O'Connell...you too."

"But...Mom..."

(Her mother walks a short distance away. My crew were waiting for me on our tour bus. Billie and I stand near one another, looking at the ground, not sure what to say to one another. Billie breaks the silence first.)

"Needle Dick wants me back."

"Didn't waste any time, did you? I'm falsely accused and here you are jumping on another dick!"

"At least he doesn't play his jealousy routine, David!"

"Maybe I wouldn't either, if you weren't so damn chicken-shit to tell others how you feel about me!"

(Billie tries to slap me, but I grab her wrists.)

"Let go of me!"

"No... not until you answer a few questions for me."

"You already asked me that question!"

"No... not that question."

"What?"

"Well...first...can I have a slow dance with you?"

"A slow dance?"

"Yes."

"But...there's no music."

(I push the play button on a portable cd player I have hanging from my belt, as I whisper in Billie's ear.)

"Let me be your Hero."

(I press my forehead close to Billie, as we lock eyes, and I ask her...)

"Would you dance, if I asked you to dance? Would you run, and never look back?"

"Would you cry, if you saw me crying? And would you save my soul, tonight?"

"Would you tremble, if I touched your lips? Would you laugh? Oh, please tell me this."

"Now would you die, for the one you love? Hold me in your arms, tonight."

"I can be your hero, baby...I can kiss away the pain. I will stand by you forever. You can take my breath away."

"Would you swear, that you'll always be mine? Or would you lie? Would you run and hide?"

"Am I in too deep? Have I lost my mind? I don't care...you're here, tonight..."

"I can be your hero, baby. I can kiss away the pain. I will stand by you forever."

"You can take...my breath away."

(We move slowly in a circle against one another. Never once breaking eye contact, touching one another's cheek, until the songs ends. I brush Billie's hair away from her eyes, as tears flow down her cheeks. I kiss her lips gently, then step back.)

"Goodbye Billie. I'll always love you."

(I get onto the bus, and it pulls away, as Billie stands there crying.)