Hey guys! I guess I'm on the right track with this story, since I got some pretty good reviews. It makes me happy that you guys think this is "a good Don story" so I've decided to keep going with this one. The next chapter will have my version of how Don got his "Little Fumble" nickname. And there will be more indepth stuff about Josie and her family. But for now it's about Don and his dad who hasn't quite lost control of his drinking yet.

Cheers,
Trizzy

Don dropped the football again, the third time that quarter in the practice game. Josie had finished her cheerleading run through early and had been watching the remainder of the Panther's first practice of the season. She sat next to Charlie Billingsley, who's irritation level rose with each fumble his son made. Mike Winchell, the shy reserved quarterback of the team, threw a well-aimed pass at Don. Josie watched, feeling the undeniable tension oozing from both herself and Charlie. A loud, exaggerated groan escaped Charlie when the ball slipped through Don's fingers and bounced off the turf of the stadium.

"What the hell is wrong with you Donnie?" he called out, his voice carrying over the crowd of players.

"It's OK Mr. Billingsley. It's his first high school practice. He just needs to adjust," she stated.

"Boy needs to learn to deal with the nerves. They never got to me when I played. He should just adjust naturally," Charlie said, casting a glance at the fourteen year old.

"Give him a chance. And maybe some encouragement. Let him know he's not disappointing you," she whispered.

"All that boy knows how to do is let me down," he spat, standing up. "Am I driving you home after this humiliation Josie?"

"Yes sir." She nodded, staring down at her best friend.

"I'll be in the car waiting. I can't watch this anymore. Embarrassing me, making me sick," he grumbled, lumbering off.

"Mr. Billingsley!" she called after him.

He turned to face her. "What is it Josie?"

"Do you think you could at least tell Donnie he did a good job today? It'll really make him feel good," she requested.

Charlie snorted. "You really care about his feelings that much Josephine?"

She nodded. "I do sir. Donnie's my best friend and I know he'd do the same for me. I don't want to see him get hurt, if I can do something about it."

He smiled, slowly nodding. "You're a good friend to my boy Josie. Probably the best friend he's ever had. Don't let high school change that."

"I won't let anything change it Mr. Billingsley," she said with a bright smile. "And Donnie's not a bad ball player. You and I both know that."

When their practice ended, she trotted to greet a tired Don as he emerged from the locker-room. She flung herself onto him, wrapping her arms around his neck. He hugged her tight to his body, walking off the field with her. Brian Chavez looked over at the two and nudged Mike in the ribs. Mike smiled at the pair as they walked off, arms linked together. He turned to Brian, who wore a matching smile on his face.

"Now how long do you think it will be before they start dating?" Mike inquired.

Brian shrugged. "I don't know if they even realize they like each other yet."

"I don't think it will take that long. Not once the season starts and girls start throwing themselves on Billingsley," Mike stated.

Brian laughed and shoved Mike to the side. Ahead of them, Don and Josie approached the car, laughing about Don's recent comments about her cheerleading uniform. Don did most of the laughing, while Josie slowly began to develop a complex about the black sweater and short black and white skirt of the Permian Panther's cheerleaders. Another comment about the length of her skirt and Josie had had enough. She shoved him back and then tackled him to the ground, laughing as she did so. Don grabbed her around the waist and rolled her over so she was on her back in the parking lot. As he straddled her, pinning her down on the ground, he looked down into her deep blue eyes. What he saw was like a slap in the face. Staring into her eyes, he realized for the first time that he was in love with his best friend. He felt like he'd suddenly remembered the answer to a question on a test; something he had known all along but had just failed to notice. It knocked him backwards and he stumbled as he stood up. Josie looked up at him, confusion painted on her face.

"Donnie are you alright?" she inquired, hopping up and touching the side of his face.

"I'm…it's cool. Let's just go home alright? Practice wore me out," he sighed, climbing into the back seat of the car.

Josie looked over at Charlie, who merely shrugged and slid into the car. He turned to look back at his son, who was staring out the window chewing his lower lip. "You uh…you did a good job out there today Donnie."

Don looked up at his dad, blinking confusion from his eyes. "Um…thanks dad. I need to work on my catching though."

"You'll get it Donnie. It just takes a little practice, that's all," Charlie stated, encouraged by his son's readiness to admit his problem spots. "When I started high school ball, I couldn't make a pass to save my life. I just kept working at it until I got it."

Josie hid a smile from the pair as they spent the remainder of the trip home discussing football plays and worked out a schedule for practicing. The shadow of her house loomed ahead of the group. As usual, Donnie picked up on her obvious discomfort and inched closer to her in the seat. He put an arm around her shoulders and she looked over at him. A weak smile formed on her face as she turned back to stare out the window.

"I'm sure my dad won't mind if you stay over tonight," he whispered, his deep voice betraying his trip through puberty.

The huskiness of his whisper sent shivers down her spine. "No, it's alright. I have to go home tonight. Mom needs me to watch Nyssa while she works. It's just…the memory of him is still fresh," she sighed. "I just want to know when things will be normal again."

"Probably never," he admitted bluntly. "But that shouldn't stop you from enjoying your life. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow Jos."

"Goodnight Don. Thank you for the ride Mr. Billingsley," Josie sighed, opening the car door and climbing out into the cool twilight wind.