I do not own Dirty Dancing.

Chapter Forty Three

POV Johnny

The Morning

Last night had been wonderful. It was better than a dream. But the morning came. It always did. The morning marked another day of our time together gone by. It marked another goodbye, another tick closer to finally having to say the real thing. It marked one more night gone, one more time she had to walk away from me. I hated mornings.

Movement from Baby wakes me. She stood up from the bed, leaving the sheet behind, starting the search for her clothes completely naked. "Morning," I comment, before following suit and searching for my clothes.

I catch her shirt resting on the floor, and pick it up. "I'm late," She mentioned. I look to my watch. It was quarter to six. She was late. We'd indulged, and slept in later than we should have. She needed to be gone a while ago. I pass her the shirt. "Thank you,"

I find my underwear at the foot of the bed, and my pants a few feet away. I yank them on. Baby is completely dressed when I look up. I didn't even have my belt buckled. She needed to get out of here now, and I realized that if I wanted to say goodbye to her, I'd have to forget about looking presentable and do it now. "I have to go," She said despondently.

I open the door for her, letting her go down the steps first. I stood on my stoop, not quite believing just how much I loved this girl. This beautiful woman, with her curly hair and brown eyes had stolen my heart. Something I had believed impossible until her. There was no question. I had fallen completely, head over heels in love with Baby. "When can I see you again?" I ask. Our time together was running out, and it only made me want to be with her more.

"I'll get away as soon as I can," She answered. "Johnny, what do we do when the Summer is over? I'm leaving tomorrow morning,"

That question was something I too had been dwelling on. But I wasn't prepared to answer it. I knew that if I wanted this to go anywhere, I would have to. I was in love with Baby. I wanted our relationship to continue, but that would mean her Father knowing, and probably Max, too. I wasn't going to let Baby just walk out of my life.

I can't lie to her, and answer something I have no clue about. But I don't know the truth, so I answer as best I can. "We're going to figure it out, Baby. I promise you. We aren't going to lose this at the end of the Summer. You'll see," I slid an arm around her shoulders. "I can't wait to see you again," I whisper, and press my lips to hers. The kiss is long, and sweet, but eventually, Baby and I reluctantly part from each other.

Baby touched a kiss to my cheek, and moved further down the stairs. I hold onto her hand as long as I can, desperate to feel her touch. She looked back at me, "Goodbye,"

"Bye," I whisper. I stand on my step, watching the woman I loved walk away, wishing more than anything that I was brave enough to tell her how I felt.