And So It Begins
That next day Sunday the skies were dark and the wind had turned chilly as Dean carried on his phone conversation. He was haggling with a car dealer about a GTO that he had seen recently. He knew he could perform wonders on that car if he could just get it at a fair price.
"Oh come on George do you really think that I was born yesterday? Really well that's not how I see it."
As Dean continued the conversation he saw the figure of his son out of the corner of his eye. He had come into the family room with the soccer ball being nudged forward with his left foot. Dean snapped his fingers and shook his head no as he pointed to the ball. Braden was quite capable of breaking enough things without the aid of any kind of props. Braden shot his father a look of disdain but refrained from kicking the ball anymore.
Dean turned around and sunk himself further into the world of the deal making. He was just about where he wanted to be with George when he heard a crash come from the dining room. He told George he would call him back as he jumped up and was terrified at what he might find. What he saw made his heart absolutely break. There stood Braden; his face ashen and at his feet lay the beautiful gift from his wife Allison that she gave to him when he opened his garage. It was a crystal classic car mounted on a very ornate pedestal. The inscription read: To my loving husband may he have the success he deserves. Classic Winchester Restoration.
The car had come off the pedestal and had broken at the rear. Dean's rage was instant and his son knew it. Braden backed away quickly his breath coming in ragged gasps.
"I'm sorry Daddy, I'm so sorry."
"How could you? I told you not to kick the ball in the house; you knew not to kick the ball in the house. Go upstairs I really don't want to see you right now," Dean said his words clipped.
Braden took off to the stairs without looking back.
Dean spied the soccer ball in the corner of the room and made his way to it in one quick motion. He picked up the offending sphere and walked to the sliding door in the family room and tossed it with all of anger so that it hit Braden's fort and bounced off finally landing in Sam's backyard.
There were two things that Allison had given to him that he held very dear. One was broken on the floor and the other was upstairs fearing that he too would soon be broken. Dean ran his hand through his hair so much like John used to do when frustrated with one or both of his sons. He squatted down and examined his broken treasure. The break looked clean and it appeared as though just a bit of handiwork could reattach the car to the pedestal. Dean made a couple of calls; one to an antique dealer that he knew and one to a glass dealer he dealt with both saying they would take a look at the piece tomorrow.
With that done Dean decided it would be unfair to make his son wait any longer for his upcoming punishment which at this moment Dean had no idea what that might be. He headed up the stairs going incredibly slow as a memory began to creep into the forefront of his mind.
He was around Braden's age give or take and he had found himself in a similar situation. The only things that John had that had any importance to him were his sons, his wedding band and a watch that Mary had given to him for one of his birthday's. One day after a long night of hunting something that Dean could no longer recall John was sound asleep while Dean was trying to keep Sam happy and quiet. Sam had somehow gotten his hands on the watch and had brought over to Dean to show him. Dean explained that it was dad's and shouldn't be touched but instead of putting it back on the nightstand in the bedroom Dean attached it to his own wrist. Wearing the time piece made Dean feel grown-up and special. He admired the watch all day as it slipped up and down his wrist and forearm. When the weather outside cleared for a bit he and Sam headed out for some fun; Dean forgetting all about the precious instrument still attached to his arm. The kids down the street came by and shared their skateboards and bicycles with the Winchester brothers and all was fun until Dean tried a daring move on one of the bikes causing him to flip over the handlebars and land right on the arm that was wearing the watch. Dean's arm was sore but it was compounded when Dean looked down to see that the face of the watch was cracked. Dean nearly went into shock as he sat there and it had absolutely nothing to do with the throbbing pain that was emanating from his arm. Sam had come over to get a look and his jaw very nearly hit the ground.
"Dad is so going to kill you," Sam uttered.
John didn't kill Dean but he was given a very stern lecture about not taking what belongs to others and several swats to add an exclamation point to the lesson. In the end the watch was fixed and Dean learned to respect other people's property.
Dean had finally made it up to the top of the stairs and as he peered into his son's bedroom he realized it was empty; Braden was not in there. My God thought Dean he was so scared he ran away; what kind of father was he? But then he heard a noise come from the master bedroom and as he crept closer he saw his son backing out of Dean's closet.
"What are you doing?" Dean demanded to know.
"This one was Grandpa's right?" Braden asked as he stood there holding a wide brown belt.
"Yeah, it was," Dean said.
"Then this needs to be the one," Braden said firmly.
"The one what?" Dean asked.
"The one you need to use on me because I broke mom's gift to you."
"Slow down partner I think that we should discuss what happened before we do anything."
"Okay, but use this belt when you're ready," Braden said.
"Why are you so stuck on that belt?" Dean asked.
"Because it would make me feel better," Braden said softly.
"Look first of all I'm going to try and get it fixed and you will be paying the repair bill and secondly you are grounded for the week; don't you think that is enough?"
"No sir, this would," he said holding the belt out for Dean to take.
Dean shook his head. "Grandpa used this a lot on me when I was young, in fact he used it on me in a very similar situation."
Braden knew this was the moment he was waiting for as he placed his hands on his desk and tensed his body.
Dean stood reluctantly but remembered the lesson he learned so many years ago and since Braden seemed on board with this he felt there was no other choice. He sucked in a deep breath and for the first time mirrored what John had been so very good at.
Braden had prepared himself for this by swallowing the herbs and saying the charm many times; each time trying to believe in its power more than the last. The belt was the perfect instrument to bind the 3 generations of Winchesters together and as soon as it found his mark the visions began. A switch in Braden's head flipped on and the images began to flood his brain: Dean at age 10 being punished for breaking John's watch; Dean still at 10 next to a werewolf, John grabbing him holding him tightly, Dean and John in good times and in bad. The visions were in high speed Braden's brain trying to take them all in at once. They were still winging by when Dean pulled him close and told him he was very disappointed in him but loved him very much. Braden managed to nod and give an appropriate sad look as he headed to his bed even though he hadn't felt a bit of what had happened.
As he lay down he saw so many glimpses into the past. John smiling, John yelling, John disciplining he even saw bits of Sam. Sam being lectured to, being disciplined, being taught respect.
Braden woke up in the dark and saw it was 2:30 according to his clock radio. At first he had no idea why he felt completely drained and stiff but then it all came back to him. As he lay there quietly he was able to decipher some of what he had seen earlier. Braden concluded his father and uncle had a far from typical upbringing and his grandfather ruled with a strict regime. He saw creatures he couldn't identify and the fear his grandfather felt when something evil came too close to his boys.
The next morning Dean was feeling horrible about what had taken place the night before but yet had some satisfaction that the both of them survived the incident. Maybe next time Dean would be more confident and authoritative when this method of discipline was needed. He had the crystal statue in his hand and was waiting for Braden as he decided what jacket he wanted to wear.
They got to the car when Dean realized he had forgotten something leaving Braden standing next to the locked car. Braden shifted his backpack as he stood next to the passenger side of the car waiting for his dad. He hadn't had any new visions that morning and assumed they were over. He assumed wrong.
The image came crashing into him with a brutal force; John holding up a vampire tooth showing his adult sons. Then the words said as clearly as if John was standing there himself: "Hey Dean why don't you touch up your car before you get rust on it; I wouldn't have given you the damn thing if you weren't going to take care of it."
"What's a matter Brade?" Dean asked calling Braden by his nickname.
Braden hadn't realized his hands had been clutching his head. "I'm fine just a sudden pain, but it's gone now." Braden climbed in the car the image still fresh and as real as if he had been there himself; it was going to be a long day he thought.
There was no controlling the visions they would come in bunches and without warning. Braden struggled to get through the day spending some of it at the nurse's office. He saw his family young and old. He saw them fighting some of the ugliest creatures his imagination could never come up with on his own. He saw his grandfather's fear, protective nature and drill sergeant tendencies. He saw his father's attitude and quick wit and Sam's ability to care and reflect on every situation. As he sat up on the cot in the nurse's office he suddenly understood the warning given. He didn't know how much longer he could deal with the intensity of the visions.
Braden had a horrible piano lesson as he couldn't focus and he was uncomfortable on the hard bench. He had opened up can of worms that he had no control over and it was beginning to scare him at the very least it was wearing him down.
Dean showed up few minutes after the lesson was over.
"I'm afraid he was rather distracted today and we didn't accomplish much," Mrs. Jessup said.
"Oh really," Dean answered.
"Have him practice at least 15 minutes a night on this piece," she said handing Dean some sheet music.
"Okay and here's your check for the month and I promise to remind him about the practice."
Mrs. Jessup left and Dean had no idea where Braden was. "Where you at dude?" Dean shouted out.
"I'm right here Dad," a stressed out looking Braden said.
"Grab your jacket and homework I have to get back to the garage."
"Why, I mean you've been there all day," Braden whined.
"Because I promised Mr. Hoeffer his car tomorrow morning and things got a little trickier than I expected. I'll buy you dinner on the way and by the time you eat and get your homework done I should be finished."
Braden sighed but did as he was told.
With dinner eaten and most of his homework done fatigue took over and Braden lay his head down on his father's desk. He had no idea how long he had been asleep but it looked pretty dark out when he woke up. He wanted to go home so he went in search for Dean. He entered the garage bay but instead of finding his dad hovering over a '77 Corvette he saw John leaning over the engine of the Impala pointing out things to a young Dean. The two seemed to share a joke before John got serious again. Then the scene changed and it was a crappy motel room and John was lecturing the boys; Dean looked to be about 12 and Sam 8. "How many times have I told you that you have to stay here? I don't care if it's boring you do what I tell you!" Then as Braden wandered back towards the office it took the appearance of a cabin. Braden saw John standing there and he went over to get a closer look he tugged on his grandfather's shirt, but when John turned around Braden nearly fell backwards as he looked up into the yellow eyes.
Braden's head snapped up and he looked around to see his dad's office just as it should be. He looked at the clock that said it was 8:15 so he got up stretched and headed to the bay to find his dad.
Braden walked out and saw his father close the hood to the car and wipe off the hood with a rag. "Are you done Dad?" Braden asked as he rubbed his eyes.
"Yeah buddy it took longer than I thought," Dean said as he wiped his hands the rag.
Braden made his way over to Dean to pull him towards the office as he looked up and saw that his father's eyes were black.
Braden's head snapped up once again as Dean gently shook him awake. "You okay? Did you have a nightmare?" Dean asked.
Braden's heart was pounding as he had no idea whether he had or not.
After a terrible nights sleep Braden was worthless at school. He managed to drag himself through the day and was heading out the door for the day when Mrs. Lane stopped him.
"Braden I need you to stay for a minute. I already let the after care program know you're going to be late. Just have a seat up here at Jordan's desk," the teacher said.
Braden fidgeted wondering what was going on; he knew his work hadn't been that great but his behavior hadn't been too bad. As Braden contemplated his current situation Dean walked into the room.
"Mr. Winchester thank you so much for coming. I wanted to speak with you about Braden's work. He has seemed distant, unfocused," she explained.
"It seems to be a theme lately," Dean commented as he looked at Braden.
The adults spent the next fifteen minutes discussing how Braden was underachieving and how it needed to change and the sooner than better. Braden just sat there and pretended he was someplace else. After what seemed like an eternity Dean got up and thanked Mrs. Lane.
"Get your stuff kid, you're coming back to the garage with me," Dean said.
Braden wasn't too excited about going back to the scene of his freaky dreamlike vision but he didn't think his dad was in the mood for an argument.
"So what is the deal kid?" Dean asked as they made their way to the garage.
"I don't know, I guess I'm having trouble adjusting to fifth grade," Braden lied.
"Well the adjustment issues end now. I want your head in the books and your grades to come up or your free time will be spent with a tutor. You are a smart kid and I don't know if this is you being lazy or defiant but whatever it is I want it stopped now. Understood?"
"Yeah, I got it," Braden said hoping he could make good on his promise.
Dean set him up at his desk and told him not to get up until he was done. "I'll check your work tonight so take your time."
Braden took a deep breath and immersed himself in his math book slowly making his way through each problem. If he could make the visions stop he could get back to his life. He regretted the door he opened but he would just have to wait it out; he only hoped he could.
Braden bid his dad a goodnight and hoped with all his might that sleep would come peacefully and stay that way. Braden felt sleep slipping from his grasp and was afraid to open his eyes but he couldn't hold them closed any longer and was relieved to see it was morning. He had done it, he had made successfully through the night with no images of the past zipping through his brain. He greeted the day with glee and knew he would be just fine.
Braden did remain vision free and felt as though a tremendous burden had been lifted from his shoulders. His grades began to climb as he was able to focus in class his music lessons got back on track and he was scoring goals for his soccer team. Dean was thrilled to have his son back and all seemed right with the world.
"Mr. Winchester and Mr. Webster why are we by the door?" Mrs. Stolski asked the boys one day at lunch.
"Because it's almost time to go out for free time," Josh answered.
"The rule is you are to remain in your seats until 12:00 and then you may proceed to the door and outside," she stated.
"It's like 11:59 and 30 seconds," Braden said.
"Which is not 12:00 so now you two boys can have a seat and stay there for the remainder of the period."
"Are you kidding me?" Braden snapped.
"Would you like a referral to the office young man?"
Braden just turned around and headed back to his seat.
"I can't believe how much she doesn't like you," Josh commented.
"Tell me about it," was all Braden could add.
Braden had been vision free for nearly a month and was carefree as ever. He and Mrs. Stolski had their share of run ins but other than that things were sailing along well.
"Hey man is your dad around?" Sam asked his nephew.
"In the bathroom," Braden said as he finished his social studies homework.
Sam waited patiently chatting with his nephew. He had noticed that Braden looked at him just a bit differently than he had before and no idea why. Maybe Dean had mentioned something from their past, but that didn't seem likely so unless Braden volunteered something he would probably never know.
"What can I do for you bro?" Dean asked as he bounded down the stairs.
"I know this is asking a lot but is there any way you could take Katie this weekend? Carrie and I really need the alone time. We never have really had the chance to discuss the issues from vacation and it is beginning to take its toll," Sam explained.
"Of course I can take her. Braden has a soccer game Saturday at 1:00 about 45 minutes from here and the rest of the time is free."
"We would really appreciate it man," Sam said.
"You guys help me all the time; I'm just glad I can reciprocate once in a while."
That Friday Braden was looking forward to his cousin spending the weekend as with his crazy schedule and her tumbling and dance classes they hadn't seen much of each other. Braden was even debating whether or not to tell her of his adventure with all the visions he experienced.
That afternoon while playing outside at the playground in the after school program Mrs. Stolski yelled at Braden to stop running even though he was with a group of 4 and all of them were running. Before he could make any kind of adjustment Lacy tripped and fell causing Mrs. Stolski to jump up and tell Braden to come sit at the wall.
"That's it young man I am writing a referral for you to take to Mr. Osborn's office and you can explain to him why you were running and pushing people," she said as she busily filled out the slip.
"Are you freaken' kidding me? I didn't even touch her she slipped and I wasn't the only one running. Why do you always have to pick on me?" Braden yelled.
"You watch your mouth, and if you behaved you wouldn't find yourself in these situations. You do this to yourself do not blame me," she countered.
Braden tried to explain to Mr. Osborn that he was innocent and even though he suspected the principal believed him he still had detention on Tuesday.
"I'm telling you Katie I'm going to get even with her," Braden told his cousin that evening while they were in his room.
"What are you going to do?" she asked.
"I don't know yet," he said.
"When you figure it out let me know because I want to help," she said smiling.
Katie felt the hand on her shoulder immediately as she attempted to shake the sleep from her eyes. "Oh Braden you scared me," she whispered.
"Do you want to help me with my revenge?" he asked quietly.
"You know it," she replied brightly.
With Katie on his old bike the two pedaled their way towards the destination of Braden's choosing, his backpack sitting full but light on his shoulders.
"What time is it?" Katie as she kept up with her cousin.
"It has to be around 2:15 or so," he replied.
They rode up to a small square white house with a neatly trimmed yard with a small blue sedan in the driveway whose vanity plate read 'teach'. There were also several large trees growing on the perimeter of the property. "There it is; casa Stolski," Braden said with a smirk. "We have a job to do Katie."
"Let's get to work," she said smiling.
After only ten minutes the property looked like a toilet paper forest. The kids had lost track of exactly how many rolls they had used but it was obvious that Braden must have wiped out the excess rolls from both Winchester households.
"Cool," they both said as they stepped back to admire their handiwork.
They were so engrossed in the scene neither noticed the woman who was watching them from across the street.
The slender silhouette with long brown hair couldn't help the corners of her mouth from rising up slightly; those two were definitely from the Winchester stock. She gazed intently at the boy and realized just how much he had become like his father in looks and personality. She couldn't help but shake her head at the thought that she helped create that kid.
Sam and Carrie had settled into their own long evening. They had gone to a local hotel to relax and hopefully Carrie would come away with some kind of understanding as to what Sam's past had entailed.
"I have told you some things but only what was necessary," Sam began.
"Why?" Carrie questioned.
"Because I didn't want to scare you off," Sam answered.
"There's nothing you can tell me that would have ever scared me off then or now," she countered.
Sam wished that were true. You see one night I was in bed and when I felt something drip on my face and when I looked up it turned out to be my girlfriend's blood. She was stuck to the ceiling bleeding and then she burst into flames just like my mother did 22 years before.
"Hey there you still awake?" Carrie asked bring Sam from his dark memories.
"Sorry, look my life before I met you was complicated and difficult for anyone to comprehend."
"Except for your dad and Dean?" she asked.
"Only because they lived it too."
"My question is why did your dad involve you in that. I mean he could've just started over and lived a quiet typical life but instead he risked your lives on a regular basis."
"I always wondered that too, but he didn't have a choice. Evil came to us and once it does your never the same; he went on the offense and felt he had better chance at keeping us safe that way," Sam said.
"Why go after it and put yourself in danger?" she asked.
"Because then you are always ready," Sam said sounding defeated.
"I thought we had another package of toilet paper in the closet," Dean yelled out.
"No we used it," Braden shouted back tried to his laughter in. Katie just grinned.
The group was off to Braden's soccer game with both the kids patting themselves on the back for a job well done.
The game was rocky with nothing going the Blazers way. Braden kept being called for offside's and finally received a yellow card for pushing. The score was 2-0 with a few minutes left when Braden dribbled past the defense and managed to get it into the corner of the net. The coach had them hurry back to kick off. The other team was trying to keep the ball away but Braden left his position and went back with the midfielders and managed to steal the ball. The coach had been yelling at him to stay at his position but quickly led the cheer for Braden to keep going. Braden passed it over and ran into a better position and got the pass back and one timed it right past the goalie for a goal! The parents went wild and Braden was the hero. The whistle blew only a minute later and they managed a tie.
"I don't understand it Sam but I know that I am very uncomfortable with it all especially when it comes to Katie," Carrie said as she picked at her room service meal.
"You have to know I would do anything for her and would never put her in danger," Sam said.
"I know I just don't like it. Ever since that shape shifter thing experience I can't feel totally safe," she said.
"You are never totally safe; nobody is at least your aware of what's out there now. And who better to be married to than a hunter who has seen it all?" Sam joked.
"Are there really werewolves?"
"Yep," Sam answered remembering his time with Madison.
"Vampires?"
"Yep."
"I guess I should start wearing my cross again," she said smiling.
"Actually cross's won't repel them and before you ask neither does garlic. A stake through the heart won't kill them and they can tolerate the sun somewhat," Sam finished.
"I so did not need to hear that. I mean why does this stuff follow us; first the shape-shifter and then the ghosts in the woods, oh and your dead father appearing to our daughter."
"These things are around a lot of people they just don't know it," Sam said.
"Okay that doesn't make me feel any better."
"You have nothing to worry about; you have me and our next door babysitter is as good as they come in the hunting world," Sam assured his wife.
"So if a stake through the heart doesn't kill them, then what does?"
"Beheading," answered Sam.
"Have you ever…" she asked her voice drifting.
"Do you really want to know?"
"No," she whispered her voice failing her.
Somehow none of Sam's assurances were going to put Carrie completely at ease.
"Play me a song on the piano," Katie begged.
Braden pulled himself up as if he weighed 200 pounds and made his way over to the piano to play Katie a song. He knew that her parents were spending some time together and it scared her. She was so afraid they were fighting and would split up. So Braden indulged her and played some of her favorites.
The next day Dean decided to take the two hooligans to the park to spend some time and get rid of some energy. As they drove to the big playground across town they passed by Mrs. Stolski's house and the kids could barely contain themselves as Dean commented on all the toilet paper.
"Looks as though somebody got a jump start on Halloween," he said completely oblivious to his sons and niece's reaction.
That night long after Katie went home and Dean said goodnight Braden lay in bed dreading having to face Mrs. Stolski in the cafeteria tomorrow. He didn't regret his actions with the toilet paper in the least he just wondered why she had it in for him so badly.
A couple miles away as Edith Stolski climbed into bed she wondered what Braden Winchester would have in store for her this week. She was quite certain that he was responsible for all the toilet paper in her trees though she had no proof. She wondered why he felt the need to aggravate her so much.
The week flew by with soccer games nearly every night as the year end tournament had begun and with Halloween in the middle time flew by. The Halloween carnival held in the town square was a hit as always. Katie was a princess and Braden a monster who liked to run around and roar at people. Typical Halloween music such as Monster Mash played while the kids trick or treated around the square and participated in the apple bob and other games. Sam and Carrie along with Dean enjoyed the experience immensely as they watched their kids feel innocent and secure enough to partake in a holiday that never held any appeal to either adult Winchester.
The soccer semi-finals were on Saturday setting up the championship game for Sunday. Braden hardly slept Friday night hoping that he and the rest of the team would play well. They had a good chance of beating their opponent but their coach warned of being over confident. The team took the field and battled to 0-0 tie in the first half, the second began with Braden's teammate scoring a goal in the first minute. They played defense the rest of the game and managed to make the one goal stick. They had made it to the championship game.
The whistle went off signaling the start of the game. Braden hoped his butterflies would settle down. The coach told them all that he had been very proud of their season and for them to play the best game ever and no matter what happened they were winners. Braden knew the pressure was on him as he was the leading scorer. The first half flew by and the Blazers came off for the break down 1-0. Coach Turner gave a big pep talk and Braden sat quietly and closed his eyes trying to visualize what he needed to do to get himself in scoring position. When he opened his eyes he saw John standing behind the bench with a very gentle but encouraging smile. Braden looked over to Dean and what he read on his fathers face confirmed that he too saw John. The 10 year old was elated and started the second half floating on air. Time was winding down when Braden served up a beautiful pass to Sean who tipped it in tying the score. As Braden celebrated with his teammates he caught a glimpse of a long haired woman standing behind his dad; she seemed vaguely familiar but he soon lost sight of her as he joined his friends in their joy.
With less than a minute left in the game and the game locked at a goal a piece Braden was hoping for a miracle; he didn't want to win or lose on penalty kicks. They had been down at the opponents end and Braden had been hovering around the net just waiting. He was careful to fade back as needed to stay onside. As the whistle went to the referee's mouth the ball was coming right towards Braden, it was high in the air and he jumped up and somehow met the ball in the air. He felt the ball slam into his head and fly over the goalies hands and into the back of the net. The Blazers erupted as did their parents as the celebration began. Braden was mobbed and as he managed to come out from the crowd he saw John with the same proud look that Dean was wearing and there again was that long haired woman. The whistle was sounded and it was officially over. Each team shook hands and congratulated each other. The Blazers received their trophies and the Eagles each got medals. Dean took everybody out for dinner to mark the special day and treated Braden to a banana split for dessert.
Monday as Braden made yet another mistake during his piano lesson Mrs. Jessup placed her hands over his on the keyboard.
"Braden, you haven't been practicing at all have you?" she asked.
"Not much," he admitted.
"You are so talented but you still need to practice. Your mother did an amazing job starting you so young and your aptitude for this instrument is remarkable. I just don't want you to let yourself down by not trying."
"Mrs. Jessup, um I was thinking of maybe not playing the piano for a while. I need a break, I would like to focus on the guitar and drums for now. Maybe later I'll pick it up again," Braden said avoiding the teacher's eyes.
"Does your dad know about this idea of yours?"
"Not yet," Braden said looking away.
"I see, well maybe we should all discuss it before we make anything official," Mrs. Jessup suggested.
Dean lay in bed that night going over the conversation with Braden and Mrs. Jessup again in his head. He almost couldn't bear the thought of Braden not playing the piano. He had so many great memories of Allison teaching Braden when he was just a little guy; his feet swinging from the bench and giggles escaping from his lips. He had picked up everything so quickly it even amazed Allison. The piano was the one connection that kept Allison close; when he heard Braden play it was if she was right there, her fingers on the keys her emotion coming from the music. Without Braden playing the hole would be that much larger and Dean didn't know if he could stand it. He rolled over in bed trying not to let overwhelming feeling of sadness take hold. He could force his son to keep up with the lessons, but in the end it wouldn't be the same. Braden had to love it for himself or it just wouldn't be the same. Dean could only hope that the desire would come back for the boy.
Tuesday did not go well in the Braden vs. Stolski battle. Braden was reprimanded for getting out of his seat in the cafeteria and then being sloppy when it came to throwing his trash away. He was forced to remain inside at recess and nearly gagged as he saw Mrs. Stolski chuckle with one of the cooks; no doubt at his expense. He just didn't know how much longer he could take this. In after care Braden had to sit at the wall because he yelled too loud and apparently didn't take his turn at the monkey bars; as he sat leaning against the brick wall of the building he found himself behind Mrs. Stolski who was sitting at a small desk going over some paperwork. Her back foot was up on its toes exposing the sole of her shoe; this gave Braden a brilliant idea. He reached into his pocket taking out the piece of gum he had placed in there earlier. He unwrapped it and chewed it quickly getting as sticky and sloppy as he could. He then silently made his way directly behind his nemesis and placed the glob of gum on the bottom of her shoe; he then slid back into place as if he had never moved.
"Okay Braden I see your dad coming go grab your backpack and I'll see you on tomorrow," Mrs. Stolski said.
Braden squelched the grin that had been threatening to surface and bid everyone a goodbye as he met his dad at the gate.
Wednesday went by without incident unfortunately the same couldn't be said for Thursday. Braden had made his way into Mrs. Lane's good graces by getting his grades up and by paying attention in class. Since the visions had ceased he had become an ideal student with minimal problems; that's because he saved his miscues for Mrs. Stolski.
At lunch on Thursday it was taco day which always meant salsa on the tables and that always meant problems. Braden decided he was going to get through eating so he could get outside on time. He finished his taco and side dishes and was just waiting until 12:01 until he could officially escape the lunchroom and his archenemy. He almost made it. He was waiting the last two minutes when Sean decided that corn was needed in the salsa, after all that's the way his mom made it. So the laughing began and the corn began to fly. Braden knew if he stayed he would get in trouble and he knew if he got up he would get in trouble so he sighed and put his head down as the whole table was kept inside for recess.
By the time school was over Braden was brimming with energy and was stuck inside due to the rain. He walked into the gym and his eyes lit up as he saw the drum set sitting up on the old stage; it must have been left over from the drama clubs practice last night. Braden immediately went over to Ms. West to see if he could play it. She made a quick call to the band teacher who said that was fine but he was the only one allowed to play since he has had experience with instrument and could be trusted to respect it. Braden pulled his drumsticks out of his backpack and began to tap away and was really beginning to get into and draw an audience when you know who dropped from the sky to ruin it.
"Mr. Winchester," she screamed. "What do you think you're doing?"
Braden reluctantly stopped and glared at Mrs. Stolski. "I'm playing the drums, Ms. West said I could, she called Mr. Lutz and he said it was fine," he explained.
Braden returned to what he was doing when he felt a hand come down preventing him from playing. "What?" he yelled.
"Excuse me?" the teacher replied.
"I told you I had permission," Braden screamed. "Your name should be West, since you are the wicked witch of the west."
"That is it you go to Mr. Osborn's office right now," she said red faced.
"Screw you, I'm staying right here," Braden responded. He had heard his dad say that to his uncle last week.
Mrs. Stolski looked like she was going to explode at any minute. Braden hadn't hated anyone in his life as much as he disliked that woman right now. He decided he had to leave because if he didn't he might get into even more trouble. So he put his drumsticks away and slammed his backpack over his shoulder and stomped out of the gym amongst the nods and smiles of his peers.
"You better go straight to his office," was the last thing he heard as the door shut behind him.
Dean glanced up at the clock that read 4:05; he had less than an hour before he had to leave to get Braden. He promised the boy he would pick him up no later than 5:15. Braden still despised the after school program as the 5th and 6th graders had combined to make a large group and Mrs. Stolski was a constant in his life something he constantly hated. Dean sighed as he plopped back down on the creeper and slid back underneath his current project. He had just gotten back to work when his cell phone rang; he thought seriously about ignoring it but he knew as a parent and a business owner he did not have that option.
"Hello," Dean answered followed quickly by, "he did what? I'll be there in a few minutes."
Braden settled himself down on the curb in the parking lot as he so proudly gazed at his work before him. He knew he would be in huge trouble but he felt so vindicated that he didn't care. He took joy in hearing Mrs. Stolski squawk to Mr. Osborn. He nodded just a bit and the smile only grew.
As Braden was soaring in the aftermath of his labor his heart sank the second he heard the rumble of the Impala; he was in for it now. Dean drove by the scene slowly his heart sinking as quickly as his sons. How did it come to this?
Dean got out of the car and marched right over to the small group as he saw Mr. Osborn trying to calm the teacher down as Braden just sat with a smug look on his face that quickly changed to show a touch of fear. Dean ran his hand over his short cropped hair and inserted himself into the middle of the uproar.
"I told you Mr. Winchester that this is where your boy was heading – I told you last summer," Mrs. Stolski screeched.
Dean stepped back to check out his sons work. There before him sat a blue sedan with the license plate reading 'teach' with four nearly flat tires. "Well the good news is that he left enough air in the tires so that the rims won't be damaged but the bad news is that he let a lot of air out of your tires," Dean said.
"I can see that Mr. Winchester, now what am I supposed to do with four flat tires," she ranted.
"I've got it covered. I brought two air tanks I can have all four tires at their recommended air pressure in no time," Dean said as he ran back for his tanks.
It didn't take long before everything was made right and Braden knew his good time was slipping away.
"Mr. Winchester I think it would be best if we could meet tomorrow at 10:00 in my office to discuss what needs to be done. Please bring Braden with you and we'll have a long talk about what happened here today," Mr. Osborn said. "And thank you for coming prepared and taking care of everything."
"It's the least I could do. I don't know what got into Braden but I can assure you that he will be severely disciplined for it," Dean said shooting a look at his son.
Braden shifted uncomfortably and as he stood up motion across the street caught his eye. He thought he saw the same woman from the soccer field in between two houses but as soon as he found her she was gone. He scanned the area but was roused from his effort by his father calling out to him.
"Braden John, get into the car right now," Dean snapped.
Braden climbed in and tossed his backpack behind him into the backseat and prepared himself for the onslaught that was to come.
"What were you thinking? Huh?" Dean demanded.
"I told you it wouldn't work out, that there would be problems," Braden answered.
"That is no excuse young man, you can't commit vandalism because you have a personality conflict," Dean continued.
"It's more than that; she never leaves me alone she is always picking on me. I can never do anything right and even when I just go sit by myself she finds me and has to start something," Braden pleaded his case.
"I don't care what she has done; none of it gives you an excuse to do what you did today."
"You're mad at me aren't you?" Braden asked.
Dean looked over with a very harsh look and said, "I can tell you this, somebody in this car is going to get beat and here's a tip, it ain't me."
Braden gulped and should've known what was coming, but if he had been able have more foresight he would've known that things were going to get so much worse for him.
"Go straight to your room and wait for me," Dean said crisply as soon as they cleared the front door.
Braden raced up the stairs fighting the urge to cry the entire way. He slammed the door behind him as he threw himself on the bed. He was in such big trouble and it was all her fault. Why couldn't she just leave him alone, why couldn't his father understand how much she hated him and how miserable she made him? Now he was the one in huge trouble…again. At that moment Braden hated Mrs. Stoloski and all she represented and he wasn't too fond of his father either. Wasn't a father supposed protect his child and be on his side? Why was he waiting to be punished after being picked on for weeks Braden thought as he struggled out of his jacket and threw it across the room?
"Do we slam our doors?" Dean asked as he opened the bedroom door.
"No," Braden said in a shaky voice as he stared at his carpet.
Dean walked into the room knowing he had to be tough. He tried to draw strength from his experiences with John, remembering how much he disliked being disciplined but understanding now how very important it had been.
"Braden look at me when I talk to you," Dean said as he pulled up a chair to look directly at his son.
Braden raised his head but found it very difficult to look his father in the eyes.
"The reason you are having difficulty looking at me is because you know what you did was wrong," Dean began remembering the same feeling from long ago. "Things are going to change young man, this or anything like it will never happen again. You have fallen big time little boy and your grace is gone and it is time for you to understand the consequences. First of all you are grounded for a month and you will be writing an apology to read to Mrs. Stolski tomorrow when we are at that meeting. I can only imagine what Mr. Osborn is going to hand down in the way of punishment, but of course you will accept anything that he says."
"Okay," Braden whispered looking at the floor again.
"Oh, I'm not done," Dean informed his son. "Since you seem to have no respect for the adults around you I think I will enforce a rule that Grandpa used with Uncle Sam and me when were kids."
Braden glanced up at his father his lip threatening to quiver.
"I think for at least the next month you will be referring to me and any other adult by their last name or by sir or ma'am, understood?"
"Yeah," Braden mumbled.
Dean glared right back at the boy.
"Um I mean yes sir," he said.
"Better, now about what I said in the car," Dean began as he stood up.
Braden hoped he was going to get a reprieve about the whole getting beat thing, but as Dean turned back around he realized that was the farthest thing from happening. When Dean turned he had pulled a belt from somewhere and looked at his son; there was a touch of regret in his eyes for what he was about to do, but not enough to release his son from what was coming.
"Grab the chair son," Dean said indicating the back of the desk chair that he had just been sitting in.
It wasn't until the first blow landed that Braden realized that Dean was wielding John's belt. The images flooded Braden's with such intensity that he didn't know if he would be able to continue to stand. He saw John catching Dean as a boy with a cigarette and the severe punishment that followed. He saw Sam arguing with John as a teenager with such passion that John had shoved the boy into the wall. The visions flew by distracting him from his own physical pain until he realized his father was done and telling him he had an hour to write an apology to Mrs. Stolski.
Braden clung to the chair trying not to sway as Dean closed the door behind him. He felt as though he was going to throw-up and barely made it back to his bed. Beads of sweat had popped out on his upper lip and his heart was racing. He closed his eyes tightly hoping that would help but instead more visions flooded his brain: Dean as a young boy learning how to shoot, being trained being taught how to hunt. There were vampires, hanging in hammocks he saw his father, uncle and grandfather behead the vampires, he saw his uncle shoot a woman because she asked him to, he saw a woman on the ceiling and his very young grandfather reach out to her screaming her name, he saw his very young father run downstairs carrying his even younger uncle. He saw people with yellow eyes, red eyes and black eyes like he had seen on his father and grandfather in earlier visions. He saw blood, guts and unbelievable gore and completely understood why the past was not ever mentioned. Braden rolled over and looked at the clock seeing he only had 20 minutes left before his father returned to get the written apology. He had to get it done before Dean returned he couldn't let on that anything was going on, he was already in enough trouble. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and stumbled over to his desk grabbing the chair on the way by to use for support. He pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen from his drawer, his hand was shaking and it was only after several deep breaths he was able to begin.
Mrs. Stolski,
I'm sorry about what I did to your car. It was wrong and I shouldn't have done it. I hope that you accept my apology.
Braden Winchester
It took Braden nearly 15 minutes to get his words on paper to where they were legible. At an hour on the dot Dean walked back into the room. He glided over to the desk and picked up the paper and read its contents.
"That's fine; I'll bring you up something to eat later. I want you to say in your room for the rest of the day," Dean said keeping the apology.
"Yes sir," Braden answered quietly.
With Dean gone Braden crashed back on the bed. He closed his eyes and was met with John's face, his head shaking back and forth. "I'm sorry Grandpa," Braden whispered. In his vision Dean was the one whispering an apology to this father.
"I'm sorry Dad," the boy said.
"Dean you can't act like that, there are things you don't understand, things you can't take on by yourself. Son you have to trust me," John was saying.
Then the vision fast forwarded, Dean was an adult and John was telling him to trust him but Dean was saying that this man wasn't his dad.
"I know my dad better than anyone and you're not him," Dean was saying.
Then John had yellow eyes and both Dean and Sam were slammed to a wall and Dean began bleeding. Braden witnessed the car accident that followed and eventually witnessed his grandfather falling to the floor in death. Things didn't get much easier for Braden that evening and it wasn't until the wee hours of the morning that his mind was calm enough that he finally began to feel the discomfort of his earlier punishment.