Baby

Chapter 10

"You okay, Baby?" Laila asks as we get ready for the end of summer talent show.

"I will be."

"Have you heard from him."

"He's called a few times. Says his room is nice. We already have a date planned for tomorrow. I want to see him as much as I can before I leave in a couple of weeks," I say.

"That's good. There are so many ways you can stay in touch, Baby. You just have to make time for it," Laila insists.

"I know but I already miss him and I haven't even left yet. Is this what love feels like?"

Walking into our room my mom takes a seat next to me putting her arm around my shoulders. "When I met your father it was love at first sight. At least on my part. I tried everything I could to get him to notice me and he did but he didn't want to start anything since he was going out of state for medical school. We decided we would stay friends and if there was still something between us once he moved back then we would pursue it then."

"Obviously something was still there since you two married not long after he came home," Laila says taking a seat on the opposite bed. We have heard their love story countless times but I had forgotten that they did spend several years apart from each other.

"There was and once he was home neither one of us wanted to wait any longer to be together. During our time apart we would go months without saying more than a few words to each other. At least today there are cell phones, Skype, and other forms of social media to keep in touch. We only had landlines and snail mail back then."

"Are you telling me this to make me feel better?"

"I'm telling you this because anything is possible when you put your mind to it. Being in love, even with the right person, isn't always rainbows and roses. Relationships are work, but they are so worth the work Felix," my mom says. "If there isn't some pain and hardship you aren't doing it right."

"Thanks mom."

"Now let's finish getting ready for the show."

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"You look nice Baby," Riley says as she stops at our table before the show starts.

"Thanks." Laila dressed me. I'm wearing black dress pants, a pink button down, and a black tie. Laila spiked my short black hair up out of my face. I'm wearing black studs in each ear and a light line of eyeliner. Laila said it made my eyes pop and I had to agree. She took several pictures so I could send some to Jagger.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" she asks. Once we are in a semi private place she starts talking. "I like you Baby. I was hoping we could keep in touch."

Riley isn't bad. I like her as a friend. "I would like that but as friends."

She looks disappointed but nods her head in understanding. "I didn't think you liked me like that but I would have regretted not telling you how I felt. I'm good with being friends. Good luck in college Baby."

"Thanks, Riley. You too."

"Good evening and welcome to the Palmilla's end of summer talent show! Starting us out is our very own house band featuring Tanner Reinhart. Take it away," Mr. Palmilla says shaking Mr. Reinhart's hand before leaving the stage. The next hour consists of mediocre singing, dancing, and hand puppets. I clap politely at each act counting down the time until it's all over. I'm looking down at the table when I hear my mother gasp. Glancing her way to see if she is alright I follow her stare to find Jagger standing a few steps away.

"No one puts Baby in the corner," he announces coming over to take my hand. Sliding mine in his Jagger pulls me from the table and we head up the stairs to the stage.

Taking over the mike from a startled Riley I keep my hand in his as he says, "I've been closing out this show for the past four years and it didn't sit well that I would be missing this one. I plan on doing my kind of dancing with an amazing partner Mr. Felix Handler."

I stare at him for a minute in shock before letting him walk us to the middle of the stage. "This is how I was meant to dance with you Felix. From the very beginning. You look amazing," Jagger whispers in my ear.

"So do you." He does in his all black attire. As the music begins he kisses my nose as his hand strokes down my arm. I surprise him by kissing his cheek before he spins me. I can hear shocked gasps and murmurs going through the audience but I'm only focused on him. When it comes time for the lift Jagger jumps off the stage like a freaking rock star causing my heart to double in rhythm. That was hot. I take the offered hands to help me down and I run towards the man that has turned my world upside down for the better. Before I know it my feet are back on solid ground and I'm having the breath kissed out of me. As we break apart everyone in the ballroom is up on their feet applauding. And then everyone is dancing. I laugh as couples of all ages and sexes pair up to dance to I've Had The Time Of My Life.

"Want to get out of here?" Jagger asks.

"Yes," but before we can leave we are stopped by my dad.

"Thank you for reaching out Dr. Handler," Jagger says holding his hand out to my dad. I'm in shock as my dad takes Jagger's hand and pulls him into a hug. When he lets go of him he takes me into his arms.

"I'm sorry. I said some hurtful things that I didn't even mean. I don't care that you are gay, Baby. You are my son and I will always love you. I just worry about your safety. Even in this day and age people don't want to accept what isn't the norm. Your mom and I will always be by your side standing with you. I'm proud of the man that you have became, Felix. So damn proud," my dad says in a hoarse whisper.

"I love you too, dad. Thank you for standing up with me."

"Don't forget dinner next week," my dad says to Jagger.

"I will be there."

"Now I'm going to go dance with your mother. Don't stay out too late tonight Felix. See you soon Jagger."

"What just happened? He called you?" I ask still in shock by this turn of events.

"He did. We had a nice talk. You have a great family, Baby."

I know that. I'm grateful to have them.

"You want to come see my room?" Jagger asks with a wink.

"I do but you heard my dad. I can't be out too late," I tease.

"Don't worry I'll have you back in plenty of time. Besides we have a lifetime to spend together."

A lifetime sounds perfect.

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A/N

That's it my lovelies!  I hope my version of Dirty Dancing was enjoyable.  What movie should I try my hand at next?