The One That Got Away
Disclaimer: I do not own anything of Supernatural or anything recognised from it. However I do only own Belle, Taylor and their stories.
Chapter One: Acceptance of our Pasts
Taylor slowly brushed a strand of her golden curls behind her ear as she stared at a family photograph consisting of her elder, deceased brother and herself. She blinked back a few tears as they bridged unto her eyes. It had been four years since her brother's death and still she became so emotional at the sight of him in the photograph. Many people say time can heal anything except Taylor felt it could heal ALMOST anything, for the emptiness within her heart could never heal as it disappeared the night she witnessed her brother and mother take their last breaths. Taylor heard the motel room door open and close as the semi-coarse voice, which always brought a somewhat calmness and relief for Taylor, bellowed through the closed bathroom door.
"Taya, honey, we got to get going if we want to reach the Roadhouse before night."
"I... I'll be right out, just give me a sec."
Taylor stammered as she tried to compose herself again. She still didn't understand why she tried to fake a smile in front of the one person who could see right through it every single time. She placed the photograph back in the pocket of her jeans, as she quickly put her hair into a ponytail. As she walked out the bathroom and began putting her things into her duffel bag, she got a whiff of the caffeine smell coming from the cappuccino awaiting her on the table.
"Cappuccino with extra foam, just like you enjoy it."
Taylor smiled as she took a long sip from the cup handed to her.
"Thanx Belle."
"No problem, sugar. Let's get going. I wanna arrive before sundown."
Belle grabbed Taylor's duffel bag and walked out the door leaving it open for her. Taylor couldn't help but take a few moments to reminisce on how the woman before her had been somewhat of her Saving Grace, taking care of her the day she lost her only family. At first Belle was very reluctant, as she wasn't keen on introducing Taylor to this lifestyle; however the more Taylor pressed the issue that she wanted the life of a hunter, the more Belle felt responsible to protect her from the truth behind it. Taylor realised how she owes everything to her for Belle would give her life for Taylor within a heartbeat, just as any mother- or mother figure to be exact- would do. And for that Taylor was grateful enough to do the same without thinking about it.
"Taya, what's up with you? You've been out of it the whole morning."
"Nothing, just feel like today isn't my day. Sorry Belle."
Belle eyed Taya out. She could see right through the teenager's ways, but decided not to press the matter further as she did not have the energy for it today. The girls walked towards the flaming red '69 Mustang, which was the most beautiful sight Belle had ever seen. As they got inside, Belle fired up the engine and they were instantly on the road.
Belle pulled up her beauty of a car into the dirt road and parked just on the side of the saloon. She had hardly exited her Mustang when Ellen Harvelle barged out the Harvelle Roadhouse, showing Belle the exact pitch she still, to this day, winced at when heard.
"Isabella Eva Williams, how dare you disappear on me like that for so long?!! Rufus and I have both been on our toes stressing about your safety, heck about your very existence- if it still was present!!"
"Ellen! Fu... Funny story... See Taya had this hunt – "
"Oh no, you are not going to use Taylor as an attempt to weave yourself out of this one! I know you all too well young lady! As if it would kill you to pick up the phone for a minute to say that you alive and well. And Taylor, don't think you off the hook either! You are old enough to do the exact same thing. Phones are not only used for interacting with boys!"
Taylor stopped dead in her tracks when Ellen addressed her. She sheepishly gave those puppy dog eyes filled with such hazel and a soft smile that Ellen could not hold anger against for long. At the sight of this move, Belle frowned knowing exactly how she could not squeeze her way out of this as easily as Taya just did. Belle could only mutter up the courage for three words. No more.
"Ellen, I'm sorry?"
"You're sorry? That's all? Well all I can say is that Rufus will not be as easy, so for that I will go light on you and let him deal with your pretty ass later. Let's see you weave your way through that one!"
The thought played on Belle's mind over and over knowing exactly how Rufus can be. It was quickly interrupted by Ash's party filled voice.
"It is about time my Babe got back in town. Was beginning to lose my 'business in the front, party in the back' style baby! Need my wild cat to teach me how it goes again."
"Ash, I'm not your babe or your wild cat! And that was a one night deal which was clearly controlled by intoxication, and speak of it again and I swear you will be one ball short!"
Belle whispered the last part in one rough voice that at first made Ash wince, but then made him crack a smirk at her; which got Belle even more on edge knowing how her bad girl action was not working as she hoped.
"Oh, how I love a feisty woman."
"Aaaaarggh..."
Belle stormed off towards the saloon. As she sat at the bar Ellen caught her frustrated face and immediately gave her a double whiskey shot on the rocks. Belle gave Ellen an appreciative eye before downing the shot, scrunching up her face as she swallowed it. Taylor couldn't help but chuckle at how after all these years Belle still allowed Ash to crawl under her skin as easily as he did when they first met.
"So Taylor, sweety, how's the hunting life treating you? Still enjoying it, or has Isabella finally cracked your patience level?"
Belle frowned at Ellen, while Taylor smirked.
"Not at all, Ellen. I owe so much to Belle, you as well of course! But I must say that hunting the supernatural isn't as glamorous as it's cracked up to be; however the fact that you have saved a life makes me want to do it more and more. Plus it kind of gives me a rush now and then just feeling that danger. Makes me feel anything but ordinary. So my answer would be yes, still enjoying it."
"Goodness, you've officially spent too much time with Isabella. You've even begun thinking like her."
"Is that supposed to be a bad thing?"
Belle interjected the conversation with the same frown as earlier still plastered across her face.
"Oh not at all Darling..."
Ellen's sarcasm made Belle give her a glare. In an attempt to change the love-hate subject, Belle crossed the wrong path.
"Speaking of, where's Jo? I kind of miss that crazy girl."
"Don't even get me started on Joanna Beth! She is in for a treat herself!"
"Oh lovely... Retorted to full names, kind of makes me feel better knowing this foul mood of yours isn't entirely my fault."
"Isabella, are you trying to make gun you down today?"
"Not at all..."
Isabella tried her attempt at a pair of puppy dog eyes with a soft smile. By the glare Ellen shot her, she realised it was very much unsuccessful; making her stare back at her beer bottle.
"She ran off Belle... We fought so badly that she just ran off... The worst is she ran off onto a hunt! She told me she was going off to Vegas to party up a storm and forget about a few things, got Ash to lie about it and prepare a fake trail of credit card use for me to find when I began searching for her – exactly as she expected me to. Only turns out she went on this hunt she's been talking about for weeks on end now, except I never let her go. That was the bases of our fight. I finally got it out of Ash and immediately phoned Dean only to be told she was captured by the damn ghost! Dean promised me he would bring her back, as if that was supposed to make me feel better. A Winchester! Promising a Harvelle's life? How could I-"
"Wait, did you just say Winchester? As in Dean Winchester?"
By this time Taylor had left to not only give Ellen and Belle some privacy, but also for the fact of respect. She headed over to Ash, and after irritating him hard enough he gave up on what he was researching and took Taylor up on her offer to a game of pool.
"Yes... Dean Winchester."
"Well, where they Ellen? I'm going to drag her ass back here if it's the last thing I do."
Belle began picking up her car keys and slipping on her jacket.
"Don't Belle, sit down. The hunt's over, she's safe and Dean is bringing her home as we speak. Much to her dismay actually."
Belle sighed dropping her keys, signalling to Ellen to get her another beer. As Ellen did so, she slipped off her jacket and stayed standing while awaiting her beer.
"Don't worry Ellen. You two will patch things up. You always do and this time you have to in order to maintain her safety. Ellen I hope you know that it's time she knows the truth."
"Belle I can't do that. I have learnt to forgive John for what he did, and I do not wish my daughter to go through the pain and anger I battled for such a long period."
"Ellen, would you prefer her to run off again, this time alone? She deserves to know the truth Ellen. And by that she will be wise at choosing her hunting companions. Plus it isn't your decision, it is hers."
"Maybe you right, but how do I even begin telling her?"
"Speak from the heart, Ellen. It's the only thing that does us justice."
As if on cue, the Winchester brothers entered the saloon, with Jo following closely behind- arms crossed and an angry expression filling up her face. Belle gazed to the taller brother, recognising his hazel eyes that any person could get lost in. She changed her focus onto the shorter, scruffier looking brother. He had a way about him, which would make any woman fall to her knees, obviously keeping up his reputation. She scoffed and turned on her heels towards Taylor and Ash.
Dean watched as the woman before him walked away from them after looking them up and down. Her jeans tightly caressing her curves, and her white tank top accentuating her assets well enough to make Dean absentmindedly flirt with her, except there were more pressing matters on his mind – like Jo and Ellen, his father's death, and recently finding out her had a half brother, whom he never met and never will. These issues played on his heart forcefully; and even though Sam would push for Dean to talk to him, they both knew that isn't Dean's style.
"Ellen, I'm so sorry for lying-"
Dean began apologising to Ellen only to be abruptly cut off.
"Dean don't. Joanna knows exactly what she did, and there's no point in trying to hide the fact that you tried helping. May I speak to my daughter for a while in private, please?"
Dean was reluctant at first, really wanting to express to Ellen how sorry he was, but in the end gave in to her request. He nodded and headed out the saloon. Belle watched as the brothers left and Ellen began telling Jo the truth behind her father's death. She took her attention back to Taylor and Ash. Ash was getting more and more frustrated as Taylor kept hitting every ball dead on as Belle had taught her to. She heard a smash of a glass which made her snap straight towards Ellen and Jo's direction. Jo was storming out the saloon and Ellen began crying and cleaning up the glass pieces. Belle immediately ran towards Ellen, Taylor doing the same, and without thinking Belle took Ellen's hands and made her look into her crystal green eyes.
"Ellen, you did the right thing. She needs time to take it in. Go after her once you've composed yourself. Taylor will help you. I'll clean this up and take care of the brothers."
"Thank you Belle."
Ellen left with Taylor to the back as Belle began cleaning up the pieces of glass. Ash appeared by her side. She half expected him to crack up a joke having her on her knees before him, but to her surprise her bent down and begun helping her. She smiled lightly. By the time they finished cleaning up, Ellen had returned and was on her way out to reconcile with Jo. Belle grabbed two beers from the fridge and headed in the same direction as Ellen outside, while Taylor and Ash headed back to their game. Belle noticed Ellen and Jo in the field with their hands flying around every so often. She forced her attention towards the brothers. It seemed like there was a very intense moment between them, and she was reluctant to interrupt it, but still she did it anyways. The brothers stopped talking as they watched the hunter walk towards them.
"Thought you boys would appreciate a cold beer in the middle of this confusion.'
"Um... thanks"
Dean took the beer and took a long sip. Sam took the bottle; however it took him a while to take a sip while he kept his stare on Belle.
"Dean Winchester, the here is my brother Sam."
Belle chuckled lightly.
"Oh I know. Isabella Eva Williams. Most people tend to call me Belle. Nice to meet you."
Dean couldn't help but smirk at her confidence and attitude. He noticed her long brunette hair fall as she tilted her head to the side.
"So, you a hunter I'm sure. Clearly close to Ellen and Jo, so you know everything. Great, another person to hate us."
"Yes, Dean, I am a self proclaimed hunter. And, yes, Ellen is like an adoptive mother to me making Jo like a sister, so yes her safety would interfere with your first impression and the fact that she arrived here in one piece I am impressed. And no, not another person to hate you guys. The children shouldn't be blamed for the parent's mistakes."
"Well, aren't we a smart ass."
"Now, Dean, I'm trying to be nice here."
"Belle!"
Belle turned to see Jo standing just a few feet from her. She turned her whole body to face Jo.
"Well, now that the tension's out of the way, come here and give me some love. I haven't seen you in ages girl!"
Jo silently walked towards Belle's open arms. The minute she reached them she began sobbing into her shoulder. Belle hugged her and signalled to the brothers to give them a moment. Once the brothers had entered the saloon, Jo pulled back from Belle's embrace.
"How could she keep this from me Belle?"
"Jo, you know your mother did this looking out for your best interests. She never wanted you to go through the exact same thing you going through now. That's typically a parent's job to do so. Sure they sometimes do it in the very wrong manner, but they get the job of safety done, and that's all that matters. Be grateful that you have a parent to do that."
"Belle, I'm sorry. Here I am dumping this on you when you-"
"No, no. Don't feel guilty! I've dealt with my past and I said I would be here for you no matter what and I meant it! Now why don't we go off and hit back some shots. I bet I could still take you on."
Jo chuckled and wiped away tears from her eyes. It amazes her how after all these years; Belle still knew how to make Jo smile in the middle of tears.
"Bring it on."
The girls walked back to the saloon side by side. Belle gently knocked Jo on her side with her hands in her pockets. Jo chuckled again and knocked her back. The atmosphere in the bar was much better than it had been when the brothers first arrived. Belle walked over to the bar while Jo walked over to Taylor and Ash by the pool table.
"So, Ellen what's this big job you had me drive here for?"
"Oh, honey I forgot about that in all this commotion. It's a hunt I believe to be right up your alley. I'm still not sure exactly what's causing it but from what I've seen, it spells out black magic or demon dealing to me. Two professional people, very highly successful people, meet their death after claiming to be haunted by some vicious hellhounds. That's all I've come up with so far. Here's the file."
Ellen hands over the file into Belle's hands. Belle opened it then closed it after skimming through it. Taylor came up behind her at that very moment, kind of surprising Belle.
"So Belle, where's the next hunt taking us?"
"Ain't you a little young to be hunting around with your mother?"
Dean interjected before Belle could reply to Taylor's answer. Dean's remark made Belle gasp while Taylor's laugh took on the opposite reaction.
"Dean, she's 16. That would have made me pregnant at the age of 12. Either I look really old, or I look like a slut of some sorts. I'm not sure which answer's gonna do you justice."
"Oh... Damn... Belle I... I'm sorry... Tha... That came out very wrong."
"You think?"
Dean looked at Sam with pleading eyes to help him out this jam. Sam just continued to smirk holding back his urge to burst out laughing. Taylor and Ellen holding the same reactions as Dean looked down at his beer, then immediately downing the rest hoping it would somewhat blur the present conversation.
"Anyways, Taya, Darling I think it's better you stay here with Ellen while I wrap up this hunt."
"What? That's not fair! I've fought just about everything from ghosts to blood sucking vampires, and now you decide to protect me? No Belle, I'm going with you on this hunt!"
"Belle, she has a point. Plus I think you'll need a hand with this one hun."
Belle glared at Ellen for even agreeing with Taylor after knowing how emotional Belle became with black magic cases.
"Ellen, you know very well why I refuse to take Taya with me on this hunt. I do not care what you have faced before Taya, but I will not take and expose you to the very thing I swore even myself from! This is not a discussion, I'm responsible for you and what I say goes. I have never kept you away from anything so do this one thing for me. You will stay here with Ellen, Jo and Ash while I wrap up this hunt. And those puppy dog eyes might work when you trying to get a ride out of my Mustang, but it sure as hell will not work this time! As for me needing a helping hand, the brothers could always be gentlemen and accompany me. What you say boys?"
Dean sprayed out the beer he just took in from Sam's bottle.
"We are going to do what?"
"Well, Dean from your clever remark earlier, I highly suggest you be somewhat less of a jerk and accompany me on this hunt. Either that or I gun your ass down for calling me a slut? Your choice sugar."
"Hey I did not call you a- Umph"
Dean winced as his brother hit him with his elbow in the side.
"We would love to accompany you on this hunt."
"Why thank you Sam. Maybe there is hope for you Winchesters."
Dean mumbled in frustration while staring at Sam. Taylor was ignoring Belle while she tried to talk to her to let her know how much she cared. Ellen caught Taylor's eyes and shook her head at her reaction towards Belle.
"It's just not fair..."
Taylor whined like a school girl.
"I know, but one day you will understand why I try to protect you as best I can. Plus you can win some good cash whipping Ash's butt at pool, just like I taught you."
Belle said gently knocking Taylor's chin. Taylor tried so hard to hide the smirk creeping onto her lips. Once it appeared, Belle hugged her and immediately grabbed her car keys and slipped into her leather jacket. She grabbed her duffel bag and the file Ellen had given her.
"Let's go boys. My car's out back. You'll be following me I'm assuming?"
"Oh great, this is going to be one hell of a peachy hunt with miss-"
Sam cut Dean off with another knock to his side as the brothers got up and bid their goodbyes. Belle smirked at Dean, making him curse her name under his breath while staring into her clear green eyes. She broke he stare and walked out the saloon. While Dean watched her prance her way out, he couldn't help but tilt his head and have a glare at her butt while those jeans hugged it tightly. Sam slapped his head and walked in front of him, making Dean curse his name this time as he sheepishly walked out the bar while Taylor chuckled at the brother's ways.
Author's Note: Please do let me know what you all think so far! I'm new to this and would greatly appreciate all types of feedback no matter how bad or good. Please do review; I know how it will fuel me to write a heck of a lot more!
Just in case anybody was confused, Yes I changed the plot around a little to fit my story. The episode in Season four where the brothers found their half paternal brother, I moved it earlier into Season two. Hope nobody minds. Just makes my story possible. Will update soon soon! I want to make it a habit to update every week, so hopefully that runs smoothly. The next chapter will reveal more about Belle's past and it should pick up tempo. Do let me know what you think!
Julietta Gabanna xoxo