Chapter 9
Accepting Change
The rest of the afternoon was much calmer following a stern talking-to by John about proper conduct in any type of department store. John and Kate helped the boys make their beds and explore the things in their rooms. The shelves were full of books and even Dean was slightly curious about their contents.
"Kate, what's this book?" Sam asked holding one up that he found on the shelf.
"That one is the stories of the Brothers Grimm. There's a bunch of stories in there."
Sam began flipping through the book, studying the pictures intently.
"I want to read this one!"
John gave Sam a look. "Have you learned how to read yet?"
Sam pouted at him. "I know the alphabet!"
"Sammy, you need to know more than the alphabet to read!"
"I'll learn! Kate's gonna teach me!"
Kate chuckled. "I can help you, Sam. But how about we start with something a little easier?" She studied the bookshelf and pointed to a section of books. "Why not pick from one of these? These are books by Dr. Seuss!"
Sam studied the books carefully and selected one with a blue cover. "This one!"
Kate looked at it and a funny look came over her face.
"Sam, maybe you should pick another one."
Sam frowned. "But I want this one!"
Dean came in. "What book is it?"
Sam took it from Kate and handed it to Dean. "I wanna read this one! Dean, you teach it to me!"
Dean looked at the title. He frowned and trying to keep a calm voice said, "Sammy, you don't want to read this one!"
Sam stomped his foot in frustration. "Why not? I want to read a book by Dr. Seuss!"
John came over to see what the fuss was over. "Give me the book." He looked at the cover a suddenly a sad look passed over his face. "Are You My Mother?" he softly read.
Kate, Dean, and John were silent for a moment. Sam, however, was frustrated.
"I'm gonna read that book! Why are you all acting funny?"
John swallowed hard and cleared his throat.
"OK, Sammy. If that's the one you want to read. Kate can help you with it."
Kate glanced at John. He looked back at her and gave her a short nod. She looked back at Sam and smiled.
"OK, Sam. We'll work on that one."
Sam smiled cheerfully and settled himself on his bed. He was oblivious to the others' sad looks.
"I'm sorry, John. I didn't realize-"
John held up a hand and smiled sadly. "It's OK. He doesn't know any difference."
The rest of the evening was spent with Kate teaching Sam how to read and John and Dean watching a movie on the TV. Dinner was a simple fare of homemade macaroni and cheese and later on, at eight o'clock, the boys were set upstairs to go to bed.
"Now, you boys go to sleep! Don't be staying up goofing off!" John warned.
Kate helped John tuck in Sam with Beanie. While Kate read Sam his bedtime story John went to see Dean.
"So… did you have a good time today, Dean?" John asked. He couldn't help but notice he really didn't know what to say to Dean.
Dean shrugged. "Yeah. I guess."
"Things are going to be different now, Dean. Better. You know that, right?"
Dean nodded. "I know, Dad."
John nodded and gave Dean a small smile. "Good. Good night, Dean."
"Nite, Dad."
John shut off the light and shut the door. Dean closed his eyes.
He didn't know how he was going to sleep. He had grown used to hearing Sam's even breathing as he slept. Now, it was just quiet. And dark. And strange. Dean got up and searched through his dresser drawer. He pulled out his hunting knife that had a silver blade John had given him. He brought it back to bed with him and hid it under his pillow. He knew that John had already checked his and Sam's rooms for any monsters or entities, but you never knew what could happen.
He couldn't sleep.
Dean looked over at the window and watched the branches from the trees dance in the light of the street lamp by the road.
Suddenly, the bedroom door creaked opened. Dean slid his hand under the pillow, grasping the knife's hilt. Ready.
"Dean?" Sam's small voice came from the doorway. "Are you sleeping, Dean?"
Dean let out a sign of relief and let go of the knife.
"What's wrong, Sam?"
Sam padded into the room, clutching Beanie to his chest.
"I'm scared, Dean. It's dark and I'm lonely."
Dean sighed. "Sammy, there's nothing to be scared of. Go back to bed!"
Sam's chin began to quiver and his eyes filled with tears. "I don't wanna go back to bed! I'm scared! I wanna stay with you, Dean!"
Dean sighed reluctantly and scooted over. "Come on!"
Sam grinned and clamored into bed next to Dean. Dean covered him up and Sam snuggled close to him. Dean rested a protective arm over him.
"It's OK, Sammy. I'll take care of you."
***
The new day was a warm and sunny one. After breakfast everyone went outside to enjoy the fresh air. Kate and Sam settled themselves on the porch swing so Kate could work with Sam on his reading
John was out in the garage with the garage door open. His was changing the oil in the Impala and giving to a basic tune it. He had forgotten how much he enjoyed just relaxing and working on cars. It seemed like a lifetime ago when he worked at the garage in Lawrence fixing up cars. It had been a job he really had enjoyed. There was a satisfaction to knowing that by doing each step correctly the outcome would be a running vehicle.
He was under the car when he heard footsteps walk over. When he looked out he saw Dean standing in the garage door opening watching him.
"Hey, Dean," he said rolling himself out from under the car. "What's up, Buddy?"
Dean looked down and shrugged. "Nothin'. I just wanted to come watch."
John knew how hard all of the changes had been on Dean. He had wanted to talk to him about it, but really didn't know what to say. He smiled at him.
"Do you want to give me a hand with the car?"
Dean's eyes lit up at the prospect. He grinned. "Really? I can help?"
John nodded. "Sure. Come on over and hold this light for me so I can see."
Dean ran over and joined John under the car. He diligently held the light while John began explaining to him how to change the oil in the car. Dean quietly listened, absorbing every word that John said to him. John quickly found out that Dean was a quick study when it came to cars, easily able to repeat back what John had told him. With having Dean there for an extra pair of hands John was quickly able to finish changing the oil and giving the car a tune up.
"Now, Dean, you can never forget how important it is to take care of the car. You can make a car run for years if you take care of her right."
"Years?"
"Yup. Now, one thing you always have to watch out for is rust. Rust can ruin a perfectly good vehicle in no time if you're not paying attention."
Dean nodded. "Yes, sir. I'll go check for rust right now!"
John couldn't help but smile as he watched Dean dutifully check over every inch of the Impala, looking for any signs of rust. John knew there wasn't any, he had actually just checked her over when he came out, but he didn't want to ruin Dean's excitement.
"No rust, sir!" Dean announced with a grin.
"Very good! Now, let's start her up and see how she sounds."
Dean started walking over to the passenger side, but John caught him by the arm. John swung open the driver's side door and gestured for Dean to get in. Dean's eyes grew wide and his jaw dropped.
"I can sit in the driver's seat?" he asked in awe.
"Sure. After all, the day's gonna come when this car is yours. You should start getting used to her now."
Dean climbed in and stared in awe at the dashboard. John shut the car door for him and went and got in on the passenger side. Once he was settled, John began explaining to Dean the different gauges and dials. Dean listened carefully about each one. When John was satisfied he took the keys out of his pocket and handed them to Dean.
"OK, Dean! Start her up!"
Dean grinned broadly. He followed John's instructions of putting the key in the ignition and gently turning it. Suddenly the car roared to life. John had him listen to the engine and notice how it sounded. He then instructed Dean how to put the car into gear and drive forward.
"Go easy, Dean We just want to take her to the end of the driveway. I just want you to get a feel for her."
Dean nervously pressed on the gas, a little too hard, and the car shot forward. Panicked, Dean slammed on the breaks, jerking them both forward. John chuckled.
"Easy, Dean! You don't have to hit the gas hard. Just be gentle."
Dean gently pressed down on the gas pedal and car began to creep forward. He was able to successfully drive it all the way to the end of the driveway and stop without nearly sending them both through the windshield. John then instructed him how to put the car back in park.
"Good job, Dean!" John said with a big smile and patted Dean on the back. "Maybe tomorrow we can work on driving some more."
Dean grinned happily at him. He threw his arms around John and gave him a hug.
"Thanks, Dad! This was awesome!" he said happily. He hopped out of the car and began running to the house. "Sam! Did you guys see? Dad let me drive the car! Look how far I went!"
John watched Dean and smiled; happy he could make Dean so happy for the day.
