As I ran back to the lodge we were in, I realised that for the full three hours that I had been with Johnny Castle, I hadn't thought about the other Johnny. And I wasn't going to think about him for the rest of the day either. I couldn't do that to Sylv, I just couldn't. As usual, being wrapped up in my thoughts led me to knock right into someone, and this someone just happened to be Johnny (junior). Oh, shit. All I need.
"Hey," he smiled "I can't wait to see you this evening Baby." He smiled, eating me up again with those eyes. No. This isn't happening.
"Look. Johnny, I-"
"I know what you're gonna say. You don't wanna hurt your friend, blah blah blah-"
"Sylvia is my cousin and also, my best friend, so, yes, you would be correct, I am NOT going to hurt or lose my best friend for some loser with twinkly eyes!" I shouted. Oh crap, he looks really hurt.
"Of course, I know. Why would you? I'm just some guy you've met and Sylv has been there for you your whole life. But tell the truth, don't you feel the electricity when we're together? The feeling that we can be whoever we want to be, and not have to worry about who or whatever?" For a moment I can't speak. All of a sudden, his arms are around me and the only thing i can do is cuddle him back, huddled behind a trash can.
I can hear music come from the mainhouse.
"Dance with-" He starts as I come to my senses. I push him away harshly.
"Look Johnny, you're real nice. And you say the right things to make me feel good. But please, for both our sakes, practice them on Sylv, and make a go of things with her. I like you, yes I admit it, but I don't like you enough to throw my best friendship away. Sorry." I leave him there, open-mouthed by amongst the rubbish. Walking away from him, and walking away from another silly romance. As I walk, I realise that I'm growing up, the old Penni would have stayed there and kissed him, only thinking of herself, but now I hold my head up and don't even regret rejecting him. And I don't think I ever will. His eyes only looked that twinkly because I was dizzy from that fall anyway.
And I bet he's a crap dancer.
I'm young and I love to be young
I'm free, yeah, and I love to be free
To live my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please