A/N: Happy 4th of July weekend to those in the US who celebrate it. Hope you have a safe and enjoyable one. NC

Chapter 5

Over the next couple of weeks, Deanna looked forward to going to school, curious and anxious to see if Quill would seek her out. He had started sitting next to her in the classes they had together, and they spent study hall helping each other with their homework. He would be waiting in the parking lot to walk her to her homeroom before heading off to his own homeroom.

She wasn't sure what it was about him, but there was a definite attraction there that she had never felt with any other guy that she had met. Deanna felt tingly and warm all over when she was near him. She had gone out with a couple of guys, but it never led to anything other than the one date. She knew other students talked about her behind her back, calling her frigid or ice queen, but she ignored them. She wasn't going to have sex with a guy just to stop the rumors. She was better than that and when she decided to have sex, it would be with the right guy who she loved.

When the weather permitted, they would meet in the same place they had their first lunch together or would find a quiet corner in the cafeteria and eat. Deanna had started packing extra in her lunch so she could share with him, and he always brought her something special, jerky, cupcake, cookies, or a slice of pie his mom had baked, and they would share.

She found out he was the one riding the motorcycle that would follow her from school because he lived out past the salvage yard. When the days were rainy or too cold, Quill would drive an older Jeep to school, and she got used to him following her.

Every evening before bed, Quill would text her to see if she could talk and they would talk a while before they went to bed. It was getting to be a regular thing and she felt a flutter in the pit of her stomach when they talked, or she saw him. They were learning more about each other with each passing day.

She started noticing that the other students would stare at them or whisper behind their hands when they'd walk by, especially the hot, rich girls. Some had flirted openly with Quill, trying to vie for his attention, but he was polite and never took the bait. She was not sure what he saw in her but hoped maybe it would develop into something more.

Deanna had to be extra careful at home because her father and uncle had noticed a change in her mood and that she seemed happier than normal and a little spacey at times with her head in the clouds. She tried to assure them it was nothing, that things were going better at school is all. She didn't want to tell them about Quill yet, since they had not even had an official date yet.

spn

The diner was started to fill with the lunch time crowd as Deanna waited in a booth at the window for Jody to arrive. She had called her the day before to see if she could have lunch with her. Jody readily agreed and they set up a time and place. When Deanna saw her enter the place, she stood and waved to get her attention and smiled warmly at her as she made her way to the booth.

"Hi sweetie, how are you doing?" Jody asked in a motherly voice as she gave her a huge hug. She was close to Deanna and felt she was the daughter she never had. When Sam and Deanna had moved in with Bobby at the salvage yard, he had come to her for help when he felt overwhelmed or uncertain about things having to do with raising a girl. She had jumped at the opportunity to help and fell in love with Deanna as soon as she saw her. Deanna was a little shy at first, but Jody won her over and loved when she visited. Jody would take her on outings, just the two of them, and they would have a girl's day.

"I'm fine," Deanna sighed signaling the waitress so they could place their orders.

They looked at the menu and gave the waitress their orders, waiting for her to leave before continuing to talk.

"Okay young lady, you know I know when you're lying to me," Jody spoke softly to her patting her hand for assurance.

"You do know me too well. I do have a reason for asking you to lunch," Deanna admitted. "I think this new guy at school likes me and well, I've never had a relationship before with a guy. Could you give me some pointers?"

Jody sat back in the booth and sipped on her drink as she gathered her thoughts. She knew Deanna wouldn't be comfortable talking to any of the men in her life about a subject like this.

"When did you meet this guy?" Jody questioned wanting to get more details before saying anything.

"He's a transfer student that started a few weeks ago and he's in some of my classes. We've been having lunch together and sitting together in class. He actually helped me when Mitch and his goons attacked me."

"He wasn't there when I got there, right?" Jody asked as she tried to remember who was in the crowd.

"No, he disappeared just before you got there. His name is Quill Williams and his family moved onto a farm outside of town on past the salvage yard. It's confusing…I mean when I'm near him I get anxious and nervous and excited all at the same time. I can't think straight, and I get flustered and have this funny fluttering in my stomach. Is that normal? How do I know if he likes me? How am I supposed to act around him? Do I need to wear makeup or nicer clothes? Maybe change my hairstyle."

"Whoa! Let's take one thing at a time," Jody laughed softly. "What you're describing is all normal honey. Your hormones are kicking in is all. You're starting to have feelings for the opposite sex. And I think if he didn't like you, he wouldn't be seeking you out to spend time with you."

"You think so?" she asked hopefully.

"I know so. You're a beautiful, smart, caring, young woman, and I'm surprised that your father is not beating the guys away with a stick. Any guy should be honored if you would go out with him."

"Thanks for saying that Jody, but I've not had that much experience with dating. You know how Dad is. He keeps telling me I am too young to be dating and Uncle Dee, man! I don't think a guy would get past the front door with him. He says no one is good enough to date me unless he's been thoroughly checked out by him."

"Yes, well, your father and uncle are very protective of you," Jody told her smiling in amusement since she knew the brothers so well. "You're growing up honey, and sometimes fathers can't see that or don't want to see it. Doesn't he still think of you as his baby girl?"

"Yes, and it bugs me sometimes. I know more about certain things than most adults will ever know or believe. I've been on hunts and know how to take care of myself. Dad can't keep me a kid forever."

"He won't Deanna; it will just take a little time for him to realize you are growing up and he can't stop it. So, it sounds like you might be developing feelings for this Quill guy."

"I'm not sure, maybe…What do I do? Do I wait for him to ask me out? Should I ask him out? How do I know how he feels about me? Maybe he only wants to be friends. This is so confusing," she huffed absently rubbing her finger over the cheek that had the small scar and running her tongue over her healed lip.

"I suggest you take it nice and slow sweetie. Don't rush it. You're young, he's young, there's plenty of time here. I think if he likes you, you're going to know it. You just need to be yourself Deanna. If a guy can't see all the wonderful qualities you have to offer in a relationship, then don't bother with them. They're not worth it. Don't change who you are for anyone honey; don't try to be someone you're not. As far as the other questions you asked, you have a natural beauty about you and don't need to cover it with makeup. I think it would take away from your beauty. You may not dress like the other girls in your class, but that's okay too. Why don't you wait and see if Quill does seem interested in you and if he does ask you out, then dress appropriate for the date venue, but otherwise there's no need to change your style. It expresses who you are."

"Thanks Jody," Deanna told her, pausing when the waitress brought their food. Once she was gone, she continued. "What you said makes sense. I don't need to change who I am for a guy. They need to accept me for who I am, whether they like it or not. I agree, I shouldn't have to make them like me. If it's not right, then, it's not right."

"Good girl! I'm proud of you. Don't ever sell yourself short Deanna. And you need to remember that this Quill person is not the only guy out there. I know you've not really dated much, so be cautious please and know I'm always available if you ever need to talk more or if you ever need me. Please don't hesitate to call me."

"I appreciate that Jody. Dad told me if I ever got in an unpleasant situation to call him, no questions asked, no lecture, and he would come and get me. He said he trusted me to make good decisions."

"That sounds like your Dad. He's always been levelheaded, and that's good that he trusts you. It shows he's trying to let you grow up."

"I try my best to live up to his expectations. I mean, I'm not going to jump into bed with the first guy I date. I want to get to know the person and decide if he's someone I could have a relationship with."

"I knew you were a smart girl, and you're right, sex should not be your main reason for seeing a guy. I talked to you a few years ago about sex and protection if I remember right."

"Yes, you did, and we've had sex ed in school. I definitely don't want to get pregnant at my age. My Dad would kill me, and Uncle Dee would kill the guy," Deanna giggled.

"Smart thinking. If you have any other questions, text me or call me anytime. I'm always happy to help. You know I think of you as my adopted daughter. I love you sweetie and I know your family does too."

"You think I should tell Dad about Quill, don't you?" Deanna offered sensing Jody's thoughts.

"It's better to hear from you and not be surprised by it."

"Yeah, you're right," Deanna sighed and nodded knowing she was right.

"I've got to ask, are you sure about not pressing charges against Mitch and the other two jocks? I have a report written up and on file and statements from other students who saw some of the attack."

"Yes, it'd only make me more of an outcast at school. It would be their word against mine and they're star players who can do no wrong," she said in a sarcastic tone.

"You know I would stand behind you one hundred percent honey."

"I do and thanks. I just want to put it behind me and get on with my life. Everyone at school would be highly upset with me if I took out three of their better players. No, I'll be okay."

"I know you will sweetie. You're a strong young woman and you will put this behind you." Jody gripped her hand and squeezed gently, giving her a loving look.

"You're the best Jody, thanks," Deanna spoke warmly to her.

"Okay, how about we split a piece of pie for dessert?" Jody suggested.

"You don't have to ask me twice," Deanna agreed.

"At least you share, not like your uncle," Jody laughed.

spn

Deanna pulled into the parking lot where her father worked and parked beside his SUV. She got out and headed inside to find him. Sam had told her that he should get off early today since he had most of the major project he was assigned done now.

"Deanna," Sam greeted her when he looked up and saw her talking to a co-worker outside his door.

"Hi Dad," Deanna replied stepping into his office and around his desk to give him a hug.

"What do I own the pleasure of your visit?"

"You said you were getting off early today and I came by to see if you wanted to go to the park and hike the trail?"

"Sure, that sounds like fun. Let me finish this one thing and we'll head out."

"Why don't I head on over there and wait on you?"

"Alright, it won't take me long."

"See you in a bit." Deanna gave him a kiss on the cheek and strolled back out, stopping to talk to a few people she knew before heading back to her car to drive over to the park that was across town. It didn't take her long to get there and find parking where Sam could see her car when he drove over. She got out and walked to a bench at the beginning of the trail and took a seat to wait on her father.

It was less than twenty minutes later, and Sam pulled into the parking lot and found Deanna's car parking beside it. He got out of the SUV and strolled toward Deanna, smiling warmly at her.

"Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long," Sam greeted her with a hug.

"Come on Dad, let's walk," Deanna told him looping her arm through his and guiding them to the trail.

"How was your lunch with Jody?" Sam asked, curious to why she wanted to see her.

"It was good," Deanna replied. "Dad," she started.

"What Baby Girl?"

"There's something I wanted to tell you, but I'm not sure if I should, I mean it may be nothing, I honestly don't know yet. Maybe I'm thinking too far ahead, and nothing will happen…" Deanna stammered.

"Hey honey, you know you can tell me anything."

"There's this new guy at school, a transfer student, and well, I kind of like him and I think he likes me too. He's in a few of my classes and we sit together. We've been having lunch together the past few weeks and we help each other with our homework in study hall. He's good in Math and me in English. We exchanged cell numbers and have talked or texted before bed. Maybe I'm reading too much into this."

"And what is this guy's name that's caught your eye?"

"Quill, Quill Williams. His family just moved here from Washington State. They live somewhere on the outskirts of town on a farm out our way actually."

"Okay. Why don't we do this. Let's wait and see if Quill does ask you out, and if he does, we'll go from there. I mean, this is the first guy you really seem interested in and I'm happy for you. But you know I'll want to meet him before you go out with him."

"I know Dad. I wouldn't think about it without getting your approval."

"Have I told you how proud I am of you and that you've grown into an amazing young woman."

"Thanks Dad, I love you." Deanna gave him a sideway hug and got one in return.

"You know your Uncle Dee is going to butt in too, so be ready for that. I think he's more protective of you than me."

"Yeah, I'll have to figure out a way to soften him up and warn Quill about him. That is, if he does maybe ask me out," she giggled. She stopped and pulled her cell out when it chimed she had a text message.

"Is it him?" Sam asked when he saw Deanna's face light up.

"Yes," she smiled as she read the message and sent a text back.

"And?"

"He wanted to see if it was okay to call me later this evening and talk."

"That's good, right?"

"Yes. Come on Dad, let's do this," she insisted grabbing his hand and picking up the pace as they hiked down the trail. "You're not getting too old for this are you?"

"Hell no," Sam laughed as he started taking long strides. They continued down the trail until it circled back around to the parking lot. They got in their cars and Deanna followed her father home happy she had told him about Quill. It felt like a weight had been lifted from her now that she wasn't keeping a secret from her Dad.

A/N: Thanks for taking this journey with me. Deanna gets dating advice from Jody and tells her Dad about Quill. Their first date will be soon. I do like reviews/comments. NC