She squeezed Mr. Cuddles the bear tightly, putting her mouth against his soft fuzzy body and let out a low squeal. She wanted to scream it from the highest mountain. She had been kissed! The only people to kiss her so far had been relatives. Her parents had sent them to bed shortly after the new year was rung in. Her father hadn't said anything about the kiss, but she could tell by the looks he was giving to both her and Peter, he wasn't happy. She lay there, thinking about how that kiss made her body tingle.

She heard movement from her parent's bedroom and a moment later, her father poked his head out of the curtain that was their bedroom door. He looked at her and she gave him a wave of her fingers, then his gaze swept around the room, as though he was searching for something. Or someone.

“William.” She heard her mother say. “You don't need to check up on her every ten minutes.”

Editing by Djkuaf. Thank you once again.

Post New Year fun with Tracy and Family

January 1st 1983

Tracy woke up and was slightly confused as to where she was for a moment. Then she remembered that she was on the pull out bed, in the living room. Her mind went over the events of the night before. She smiled as she recalled watching the different bands on the TV. Then her heart starting racing as she remembered the feeling of Peter kissing her.

She squeezed Mr. Cuddles the bear tightly, putting her mouth against his soft fuzzy body and let out a low squeal. She wanted to scream it from the highest mountain. The only people to kiss her so far had been relatives. Her parents had sent them to bed shortly after the new year was rung in. Her father hadn't said anything about the kiss, but she could tell by the looks he was giving to both her and Peter, he wasn't happy. She lay there, thinking about how that kiss made her body tingle.

She heard movement from her parent's bedroom and a moment later, her father poked his head out of the curtain that was their bedroom door. He looked at her and she gave him a wave of her fingers, then his gaze swept around the room, as though he was searching for something. Or someone.

“William.” She heard her mother say. “You don't need to check up on her every ten minutes.”

She raised an eyebrow, wondering what was going on as her father ducked his head back into his room.
From within the bedroom she could barely make out what they were saying. “Maggie, I was just making sure she was okay.”

Maggie chuckled softly. “Making sure she's okay, or alone?”

Tracy didn't listen to them anymore. She got up and headed to the bedroom, aware that as she walked across the floor, her father was watching her again. She shook her head, wondering what his problem was and made her way to the bathroom, stopping long enough to see Peter asleep on her bed. She decided against waking him, or kissing him while he slept, for fear her father would pop out of thin air. She headed to the bathroom, deciding that today, breakfast could wait till everyone was up.

~o~O~o~

While Tracy made breakfast, with Vance and Peter's help, William led his wife outside and shut the door. They walked to the side of the house away from the kitchen and he glared at her. “Okay, we have to do something. I walked into the kitchen and Peter was hugging Tracy. He stopped when he heard I was there.”

“Yeah. It's best to stop them before they get too far.” She agreed. “I know she won't go too far, but rumors can wreck a girl.”

“How? How do you know she won’t give in to his charms?” William asked.

“She doesn't want anyone to see her body the way it is. So her getting naked isn't going to happen.”

William arched an eyebrow. “Maggie, you can still have sex with your clothes on. We've proven that.”

“William, I doubt they're headed for the bedroom. It was just a kiss.” She watched as his jaw locked into place and she put a hand on his shoulder. “But there is a good side to waiting. In her condition, she needs to take it slow anyway.”

“Yeah and I know how teenage boys are. We need to talk to them.” He stated. “Before it gets too far out of hand. You know how one kiss can lead to more.”

Maggie sighed deeply she knew he was right. Plus as a father, he got to be more protective of his daughter. “Okay. I'll call his mother, because it's only fair if we're going to talk to him, she knows about it.”

“I'll deal with Peter. You talk to Tracy.” William said. “If you need help, I'll come in and help.”

“Okay, but what if you need help?” She asked.

“Oh, I won't need help.” He replied with a small smile.

“No shotguns.” She stated.

“I wasn't going to shoot him.” William said. “Just convince him.”

“No shotguns.” Maggie repeated. “Just talk to him, okay. Tact is better than force.”

He sighed, then it looked, for just a split second, that he was going to pout. He nodded and turned to the house. “Okay. After breakfast, then we split them up and talk to them. Then I want to put down some ground rules for both of them.”

~o~O~o~

Breakfast was over and Peter was at the kitchen table, looking at a pop music magazine that Tracy had bought on her shopping trip. She was pointing out all the bands that she wanted music from while he just sat there and smiled.

William walked up to the table and knocked on it to get their attention. “Hey Peter, I was wondering if I could talk with you for a moment.”

“Sure.” He got up and followed William. To the living room.

“We'll go outside. I want this to be private. So grab your coat.”

Peter grabbed his coat and put it on, then he followed William out into the cold morning. William started walking down the road and Peter jogged to catch up, then fell into step with him. After a few moments of silence, Peter had a feeling as to what the talk was going to be about. But before he could talk, William broke the uneasy silence.

“Peter. What do you think of my Daughter?” William looked at him for a moment while they walked, trying to judge his facial expressions.

Peter smiled brightly. “She's wonderful. She's friendly and happy. Ever since she started to be Tracy full time, she’s been fun to hang out with.”

“I can agree with that.” William said in a detached voice, showing neither anger or happiness. “What are your personal feelings about her. How do you feel about her.”

Peter stopped and thought about it for a moment, then he asked. “Are you asking if I like her? 'Cause my feelings and thoughts are the same thing, aren't they?”

William nodded. “Yes, do you like her as more than a friend?”

Peter lowered his gaze. He had been expecting the question. He nodded slowly and spoke quietly. “Yes Sir, I do.” He wasn't sure why he used that term for a man he had called Mr. Patterson for years, but at the moment, it felt right.

William wanted to smile at the respect in his words, but he stayed focused. “I thought so. Peter, you and I need to discuss that kiss that you two had last night.”

Peter lowered his head and quietly replied. “Yes, sir.”

“Now, I told Maggie that I wouldn't threaten you. God knows threatening you would just make you want her more. But I will warn you, you will treat my daughter with respect. I find out otherwise and I will end up in jail with Bruce, understand me?”

“Yes sir.” Peter nodded.

“I can't hate you. I try, mostly because it's a dad thing, but I can't. You came to my girl’s defense when Bruce attacked. Hell, you helped keep my mother from being hurt worse.” William held out his hand, in the offer of a handshake. Peter stared at it for a moment, not moving to take it. William wiggle the hand slightly, giving a sense of impatience. “Come on, I won't bite.”

Peter finally took the hand and William's clamped around his, tightly. Peter did his best to squeeze back, but he failed. The bigger man tugged him closer and looked down his nose at the boy. “You helped my family out, but God help you if you hurt that girl of mine, understand?”

“Yes sir.” He replied, trying not to wince in pain.

“Good. Now let’s go back to the house. We’ve got some rules for your two, okay?” He let go of Peter's hand and made sure he turned to walk with him.

~o~O~o~

Maggie watched from her chair in the living room as Peter left, then she got up and went to the kitchen table where Tracy was sitting. She quietly took a seat and waited for her daughter to look up. She watched as Tracy read through her magazine, not paying a bit of attention to her, so she decided to interrupt her. “Heck of a night last night, wasn't it?”

Tracy nodded. “I know! The Go-go's were so awesome and so were the other bands!”

“Yeah, they were pretty good.” Maggie nodded. “But I meant that kiss you got from Peter.”

Her cheek went red and she looked to the table, but her eyes drifted back to her mother. “It was great. I mean it was kinda weird, 'cause I don't think I've ever kissed anyone, but I liked it.”

“And your father saw it.” Maggie stated.

Tracy remember that Peter had just left with him and her mind began to picture a number of things that William could do to him. She started to get up and Maggie got up and stopped her. “Mama, he's gonna kill Peter.”

“No, he's not. But he is talking to him about that kiss.” Maggie stated. “We're talking to both of you.”

“He's not gonna hurt him, is he?” Tracy asked, tears filling her eyes. “He's the only friend I have here.”

“No, he won’t hurt him.” Maggie stated. Then she finished the statement in her head. ~At least I hope he doesn't.~

“Are you mad?”

“Well, I'm neither mad, nor happy. Your father's in the slightly upset category.” Maggie took her seat again and smiled at her daughter. “Sweetie, I know you're growing up, but we don't want you growing up too fast. Remember what we talked about on Christmas eve? How you didn't want anyone to see you naked?”

Tracy groaned. She didn't want the sex talk, once more in under a week. “Yeah, but it was just a kiss.”

Maggie nodded. “Yes it was 'just a kiss'. But your father and I know how 'just a kiss' can lead to 'just a little snuggle' and that leads to....” Her cheeks turned a bit red and she looked away for a moment. “Well, you know what that leads to. I have two examples so far.”

“Mama! I'm not going to have....” Tracy blushed. “You know...That!”

“Maybe, but baby, we got to be sure. Trust me, when a guy is looking you in the eye and telling you what you want to hear, your clothes just seemed to find their way to the floor. Trust me, I know this first hand. You get to the point where you need to feel them touching you.”

“MOM!” Tracy put her hands over her ears and looked away from her.

Maggie just waited patiently, till Tracy looked over and saw her mother was just sitting there, watching her. Tracy moved her hands slightly and Maggie smiled. “Now we can finish this conversation like two grown ups, or I can wait and get into the dirty details when Peter and your father are in here.”

Tracy took her hands down the rest of the way. “I'll be good.”

“Good. I know you say you won’t have sex, but I am also talking about your reputation. If you get known for kissing guys, or letting them feel you up, then the stories will get worse. You may give a guy a friendly peck on the cheek, but high school boys will insist you went all the way with them. I know it sucks, but women have it worse. If a guy sleeps around, he's a stud and all the guys want to be him. If a girl sleeps around, she's a slut and no one wants to know her.” Maggie put her hand on Tracy's. “And you don't have to do the deed, the stories can ruin you just as fast.”

“But Mama, it was just a kiss and Peter won’t brag.....” She paused for a moment, then, looking unsure, asked. “Will he?”

“I don't think so, but you never know.” Maggie answered. “But that's why you have to watch what you do.”

Tracy thought about it for a moment, then nodded. “I will.”

“Good. Plus, eleven is way too young to go kissing guys. If your brother can't date till sixteen, neither can you.” Maggie stated.

Tracy agreed. “Yes, Mama.” She knew it was hopeless to fight it now.

~o~O~o~

William opened up the door and let Peter walk in. He gestured to the couch. “Have a seat, young man.” William gestured to his wife and daughter. Tracy followed her mother into the living room and was about to sit on the couch, next to Peter when her Father held up a finger. “Sit apart and no holding hands.” He touched Maggie's arm and led her to the kitchen for a moment.

Tracy looked at him and dropped her eyes a bit. “Sorry you got in trouble.”

“No, I'm sorry I got you in trouble.”

“Daddy didn't hurt you, did he?” Tracy asked, eyes full of worry.

Peter shook his head. “No. He just talked.” He looked over as Tracy's parents entered the room.

They stopped by the coffee table and stood there. “Okay. We have a few ground rules to set down for you two.” Maggie stated. “First and foremost, there won't be anymore sleepovers. Sorry Peter, but it's not that we don't trust you, but if she starts going girl full time at school and word gets out that you spent the night, that will trash her reputation. It will make her look like a slut.”

Peter nodded and before they could speak she continued. “Second is that Peter can only be over here if we're here, or you're at your grandparents.”

“Mama. Nothing's gonna happen.” Tracy whined.

“Young lady, this is our house, these are our rules.” She replied. “We want you safe and both your father and I know how teen boys can be.” They both glared at Peter, then back at her. “We're not saying he can't come over at all, but if it's just you here, then the answer here is no.”

“Mooom.” Tracy whined, Peter put a hand on hers and shook his head.

“It's okay. I understand. I don't mind. Besides, we can hang out at school.” He said, this perked Tracy up, but only slightly.

“But.” William cut in. “It's not just Peter. It's any boy that isn't Vance.”

“What about him? Are you gonna make him keep girls away from here?” Tracy asked.

“Haven't had a problem with that, but yes. He can't have girl guests if we aren't home.” William said with a nod.

Maggie nodded in agreement with her husband. “We want you to be safe and yes, I know Peter will keep you safe, but we want to help keep any stories from starting. We're not mad, we're just looking out for you.”

“Yes Mama.” Tracy looked up for a moment. “Does this mean I can't have Sage and the others stay over if Vance is home? We know he likes her?”

“I....” Maggie looked at her husband and cocked her head. “She had a point.”

“We'll play that by ear, okay.” William stated. “Not fair to you if lose your friends because he likes one of them.”

“Thank you, Daddy.” She replied.

“I wanna stress, we're not mad at either of you.” Maggie started.

“Well....” William began to say, till Maggie brought her foot down on his.

“We are not mad. It's only natural that you want to explore the feelings you have. But please, be safe and think of the consequences.”

“Yes.” William stated. He looked at Peter. “All twelve gauges of them.”

Maggie looked at her husband and raised one eyebrow, but didn't scold him. She looked back to Peter. “We're not saying you can't come over anymore, we just want to be here, okay? My daughter is in a more delicate situation than most girls her age. Please, think of her, before you think with your libido.”

“Yes Ma'am.” He replied.

“Now, would you like to stay and watch some of the college games with William and Vance?” She asked. “Tracy made some salsa for it and we already have your mother’s okay.”

“I...I don't know.” He replied hesitantly.

“Come on, please?” Tracy pleaded. “It's good salsa and Daddy won't threaten you.”

“Peter, we've had our talk. As long as you don't go kissing Tracy, we've got no problem with you staying for a few games and maybe dinner.”

Tracy mouthed the word. “Please?” As she held up her hands as though she was praying.

“If it's not a problem.” He replied, feeling very uneasy.

“Come here.” She moved halfway around the table and held her arms out for him. He slowly got up and she hugged him. “I said we're not mad. Just take things slower, okay?”

“Yes Ma'am.” He said with a nod.

“You saved my mother-in-law and my daughter from harm. I'll be in your debt all my life for that. You're a good kid, just keep making good choices and nothing will change between us, okay?”

“Yes Ma'am.”

“Mrs. Patterson works, too. Ma'am makes me feel old.”

“Yes, Mrs. Patterson.” He said with a smile.

“Good.” She let go of him and held out her arms for her daughter. “Come here.” Tracy stood up and stepped into the hug. “the same goes for you, okay?”

“Yes, Mama.” She replied.

“There. All settled. Now I believe you two were looking at that magazine before we interrupted you.” William gave her a stern look but she raised one eyebrow, then led him to his chair. “Go on kids. You were reading before we interrupted you.”

Tracy looked from her parents, wondering if it were a ploy of some form, but she just shrugged and got up. “Come on.” She told Peter with a smile. “I got a few new tapes if you wanna hear them.”

“Sure.” He said as they got up.

“At the table.” William stated. “No listening to music in the bedroom.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

As they walked out of the room, William looked at his wife and whispered. “We're just going to go back to how it was?”

“Will, you know if we watch them every second, they will find a way to sneak off.” She whispered back, then smiled. “Besides, I want to make cookies.”

A grin spread across his lips as he knew the kids wouldn't be alone. “Have fun out there."

I just had to do that. The whole fun of Fathers and shotguns just can't be passed up.