Chapter Ten

William and Emily enjoyed spending time with Dean that he spent almost every weekend with them. They would go to museums, observatories and other cultural sites around the state, often inviting Sam, Jo and Adam to come along. The grandparents really got to know their grandchildren and vice versa. Emily was on the top of the world, because she suddenly felt needed by people who loved her.

William and Emily were stunned to realize that Dean had won the Willshire Award, not piecing together that he was that Dean Smith. They even bought one of his paintings for William's study and begged him to do another. Emily made one of the rooms into a studio for Dean and even cleared space for him in the greenhouse, thus he could create a masterpiece outside if he wanted too.

When Dean got the flu and it hit him like a ton of bricks. It attacked him suddenly when the whole family was having their regular Sunday dinners at the Harvelles. Emily insisted that they leave Dean there, so the other kids wouldn't get sick. Ellen demanded on staying too, but her parents stated that they would not hear of it.

Dean was moved into the guest room, all sweaty and feverish. About 2:00 am, the vomiting began and by 8:00 am, he was running a very high fever and was restless. This would repeat itself all through the night.

The following morning, Emily found Dean sleeping in the bathtub wrapped in towels. Since he was finally sleeping, she didn't have the heart to wake him up. He even looked better; as a result, she decided to finish some needlepoint that she had started. When Emily returned about an hour later, she heard Dean sobbing in the bathroom. He was full of vomit, as was the tub, the sink, the toilet…the smell was incredibly intoxicating, Emily actually threw up in her mouth. Dean was trying to clean it all up, but his hands were trembling and his voice was hoarse. "I'm sorry. I'll clean…up…sorry." More tears were flowing and then he collapsed.

"Dean! Dean!"

Emily pulled him into the fresh air of his bedroom then grabbed a wet towel for his face and then ran out to the staircase. "William! William! Help me! William! Theresa! Help me!"

Emily caressed Dean's cheeks, "Can you hear me? Dean!"

He gently opens his teary eyes, "Sorry."

Theresa ran in first, with William right behind her.

"Emily, what happened?" He questioned, "I thought you said he was getting better."

She explained to William what happened and they decided to take off his dirty sweat clothes and put a clean pair on belonging to Sam. Both had horror in their eyes when they saw his back. They gently washed him then put him back in bed, while Theresa cleaned the bathroom. William called his personal on-call physician, who was now on his way. They thanked Theresa and told her that she can leave for the rest of the day once the doctor arrived and they would pay her for a full day.

The doctor examined Dean and left medicine for him to take. He explained that it was the 48 hour flu, but because of Dean's past and current health problems, it will be the 96 hour flu instead. He stated that Dean was still a little underweight and because of the medical problems, the medicine that he had lately didn't help, but was expected to make a full recovery. Emily asked about Dean's back and he said that he would look into it and call William in a few days to meet with doctors and hear their advice.

The entire night, Dean was very restless, sweating profusely, as his hands and face were clammy, making him delirious.

"Dean, try to relax, so you can sleep tonight." Emily soothingly replied, "Please relax, honey?"

"I'm scared Grandma, so very scared."

Emily was in shock that he called her grandma. "What?"

"I'm scared; am I going to die Grandma?"

"No baby, you are not going to die!" she cried.

"Grandma, hold me."

Emily climbed into bed with Dean, holding him tighter than ever. "Better, baby?"

"Yeah, that's nice Grandma." Dean closed his eyes, "Grandma?"

"Yes."

"Grandma, I love you!"

"I love you too, Dean."

Dean slept through the night while Emily held him and smiled, because she now knows that he loves her as much as she loves him.

The next afternoon, Emily was with William in the study where they talked about Dean's future. It was decided that they want to speak to him about having him call them his grandparents.

Soon, Emily found Dean in the laundry room, lying by the dryer. "Dean, what are you doing out of bed? You still look a little flushed."

"I'm better now and I wanted to clean my room and do the laundry." He declared, "I made a freakin' mess everywhere and I'm very sorry, Mrs. Harvelle."

Suddenly, Emily felt like she had been slapped. Did he just call her Mrs. Harvelle?

"Dean, please go rest and I will finish the laundry."

No Ma'am, you have done enough. You put your lives on hold for someone useless like me." The sick teen remarked, "I'm sure you guys want me out of here ASAP, so I called Ellen and she will be here at 6:30 pm."

"Why do you want to leave us?"

"Duh, so you won't have to look at me…I'm disgusting."

"But Dean, I…we really want you to stay."

"Oh, do you have any chores or laundry that you want me to do?"

"No Dean! You're not listening!" Emily cried, "Please stay!"

"Why?"

"So you can get well." She said as he slightly nodded, "I will call Ellen for you."

"Okay, I guess."

Dean stayed for two more nights, then Ellen asked them to bring him home. Dean looked much better as everyone hugged him.

William took a hold of Emily's hand, "Excuse me everyone, may we please have your full attention? Please sit down, because we have an announcement. Emily and I really loved having Dean in our house and we would like him to come and live with us. What do you think, Dean?"

Dean had a look of concern on his face and took a deep breath, "What? You want me to…I can't…I won't. I really, really like Theresa and she needs that job…her job, because she has three children, no husband and her parents are living with her. I just could never take, uh, her job. Never!"

William and Emily have hurtful looks on their faces. Emily walks toward Dean and put her hand on his cheek, "No Dean, we do not want to hire you, we want to adopt you! It would be such an honor to be your adopted guardians. We love you."

Dean suddenly felt tears running down and removed her hand off of his cheek, "But, why?"

"Because you are a very smart, talented, funny and beautiful young man who deserves to have a name and family that will treat you with honor, respect and all the love that you merit." She proudly announced.

Dean was now embarrassed, giving a slight smile as William sat next to him. "Dean, we know that you will need time to make a decision, but please note that Emily and I have taken in all aspects and we will do our very best to make sure that you are healthy, happy and financially secured for life. As you all know, Emily and I are not spring chickens, but we are in great shape for our ages, so this might be a concern for you. It might be embarrassing having us as your guardians, but our attorney advised us that we can adopt you as our grandchild, so we would be your legal grandparents. Does this sound good to you?"

Dean glanced around the room as everyone's mouths were opened and speechless. The room was very quiet, until Emily asked, "Does anyone have anything to say? Ellen? Bobby? Sam? Dean?"

Adam finally blurted out, "You old people want to adopt Dean? I thought only young families can do that, you know, like us? I thought we were going to? Or can't we because Dean is in love with Sam?"

Bobby snapped, "Shut up, Adam, since you are not helping!"

Emily walked toward her youngest grandson, "Adam, you are right. But apparently a lot of older people are adopting their grandchildren because of unemployment, divorces, money troubles and incarceration."

Ellen cleared her throat, "Mother, Dean, Bobby and I need to talk about this in private and I will call you tomorrow. Plus, I want Cas and Dr. Erica to weigh in."

"Oh, of course Ellen and take all the time you need." Emily replied, then looked at the teen, "But Dean, either way, William and I would be honored if you call us Grandfather and Grandmother." William and Emily kiss all four kids and were walked out to their car by Bobby and Ellen.

Sam stood up, irritably looking at Dean, "What the heck was that all about?"

"Sammy, I have no idea, but its pretty cool, huh?"

"What? No!" Sam cried, "It is a terrible idea, because they are going to take you away from us!"

"Dude, Chamberton is only 25 minutes from here." Dean glanced at Jo and Adam, chuckling, "Well, 45 minutes if Sam drives and only fifteen if Ellen Andretti is behind the wheel." Jo and Adam laugh, but stop when Sam looked pissed.

"Dean, I can't believe that you are actually considering this."

"Sam, Of course I'm considering it. We all know that Bobby and Ellen are not 100% comfortable around me."

"Not true!"

"Yeah Sam, it's true! William and Emily understand my art, cooking, my love of history and I feel that I don't have to be phony around them." Dean added, "Plus, I'm living with my boyfriend and we haven't even been on a date. We are terrified to kiss, thinking that Bobby will kick me out. But all that would change."

"You think that grandmother will let us date?"

"Sure do, Sammy! That woman has more gay men around her than Liza Minnelli."

Sam and Jo laughed, while Adam stated. "But, Dean, I will miss you!"

"Hey little dude, I'll see you all the time. During school season, it will be everyday. We'll still be family, except that it would be legal." Dean started laughing uncontrollably.

"Dean, what is it?" Jo asked,

"I just figured out that I would be Ellen and Bill's adopted younger brother and your guys' uncle as well as Billy, Ethan and Emma's too."

All four of them are laughing so hard that they fall to the ground, crying and snorting.

"What's so darn funny, you idjits?" Bobby demanded, but no one was able to answer him.

The next morning, Dean told Ellen that he was really considering it. Ellen said she was disappointed and saddened. First, she told Dean that she was jealous of him.

"I always wanted a real relationship with my parents; I wanted them to take interest in my schooling, my family and me. I had a governess raise me and my brother and they never wanted us around. I always felt like an outsider in my own home. And now, they like being with you, take you places and want to adopt you. They know full well that I want you in this family, so now they are taking you away from me. It's not fair and I am mad as hell!"

"I'm sorry Ellen and I don't want to hurt you. I love this family and I love you. But, Adam was right last night, I'm in love with Sam. I know it's not right and I am confused as ever, but my heart melts around him. I know Bobby would freak if he heard me say that, but it's true." Dean paused, looking her directly in the eye, "I don't want to hurt anyone, especially you. Ellen, you gave me a second chance to have a life…a good life. You sat by me in the hospital, at therapy and in court. If the whole Sam factor was not an issue, then things would be totally different. Sam needs a mother and I need you in my life, but as a friend, not a mom."

Dean added, "I'm sorry about the way you were raised and if you honestly do not want me to be adopted by them, I won't consider it. The ball is in your court now and I will do whatever you want. I'm being upfront with you, but Ellen, I just wanna say that I really admire, respect and love you."

Dean gave Ellen a kiss on the cheek and left the room. After considering all the information, Bobby and Ellen invited Cas and Dr. Erica over along with William and Emily. They all sit down with the four kids and everyone got a chance to say what was on their minds. Everyone was being straightforward, including Sam who said that he loves Dean, making him say the same. Bobby was very agitated and Dean explained to him exactly what he told Ellen earlier.

At the end of the gathering, it was finally Dean's decision and everyone had tears in their eyes as they were hugging and kissing. William and Emily even apologized to Ellen for being terrible parents and she forgave them and they promised to do the opposite of raising Dean.

Bill and Marilyn were not happy with the news and even had a court order to stop the adoption, but it was dismissed and they did not go to the adoption hearing.

A couple of months later, the judge ruled that William and Emily Harvelle were now the legal guardians' of Dean Smith Harvelle. They celebrated a lot; first they had a party of certain family member and close friends. The next day, William took Dean to get his driver's license and he proudly smiled as it would have his new name on it.

Then days later, the Singers and most of the Harvelles drove to Serenity Falls, so Dean could tell Dan, Deanna and Debby Smith that he had been adopted and he took their last name as his middle. The cemetery was very small, clean and peaceful. Emma, Jo and Ellen brought three dozen roses, one for each grave. Also, Ethan, Charlie and Adam made small windmills and planted them next to their headstones. Sam wrote poetry about love and laid them next to the flowers. Grammy and Grampy prayed and sang Christian hymns, while Uncle Caleb played acoustic guitar and Bobby the harmonica.

Dean showed them around town and a lot of people were glad to see him. In fact, they had an impromptu block party. Almost everyone in the town showed up with food and they were entertaining Dean's new family with the school band, the church choir and karaoke. At one point, Emily and William were a little tipsy and sang (They Long To Be) Close To You by Richard and Karen Carpenter. Everyone turned red and laughed; even Adam had snot shooting out of his nose.

Since it was getting late, they were asked to spend the night, therefore, William rented out the entire bed and breakfast inn. There were only eight rooms, so it was Emily/William in one with a connecting room with Jo/Emma; then Bobby/Ellen with a connecting room with Adam/Ethan/Charlie, (who giggled most of the night and had to be warned several times); Grampy/Grammy; Caleb; Sam and Dean shared the two twin bed room. They promised no hanky panky and they ended up talking most of the night and were checked on by all.

At one time during the night, Dean was reading the town's monthly newsletter, while Sam was sleeping. Bobby came in and wanted to know why Dean wasn't sleeping. He stated that he was too excited to sleep, but was glad that everyone let Sam and him share a room, because he didn't want to be left alone.

"I've been alone my whole life and now I have a big family who I love very much. Who could blame me for not being able to sleep?"

Bobby walked over to the bed and leaned down to give Dean a peck on the cheek. "I love you, Dean and I'm glad that you are so happy." As he walked away, Bobby turned around, "Oh and don't worry, I will never kiss you again. I was caught up in the moment. And don't tell anyone or I'll have to kill ya, you idjit."

Dean smiled as Bobby left the room. Sometime during the late night, Dean must have fallen asleep with the light on. Next thing he knows its 9:30 am and the boys were bouncing off of Sam's bed and onto his. With one eye open, Dean quietly asked, "Why in the fucking hell are you in my room, at…" Dean tried to focus on the alarm clock. "At nine fucking thirty in the fucking morning?"

"You're in trouble…you said the 'f word'. Ethan stated. "Yeah and you said it three times. Boy, you are gonna owe fifteen dollars to the swear jar." Charlie declared.

"Well if you don't fucking like my mother fucking attitude, then get the hell out of my mother fucking room, you cock-sucking shit faces! I'm trying to sleep, bitches!"

All three boys laughed, while Charlie reminded Dean, "Now its $45.00. Dean threw one of his pillows at them. Adam tossed it back and said, "Dean's always a grouch in the morning and he's a real pussy to get up."

"Fuck off, Adam!"

"You fuck off Dean!" Adam shouted, "Oscar, the fucking grouch!"

"Adam Robert Singer!" Grammy yelled, "You watch your language or I'll wash out your filthy mouth with soap! You be hearing me, young man! Now what do you have to say to Dean?"

"Nothing, Grammy!" Adam replied, "He started this whole mess, right Dean?"

"Its okay Adam, I forgive you."

"You're the shit face, Dean! You pussy!"

"Adam Robert Singer!" Grammy pulled Adam by the collar, "Sit down next to Dean and apologize…now!"

"NO!" Adam held his breath. Charlie looked at Ethan, "I think we're up to $75.00 now."

While Grammy wasn't looking, Dean gave Adam the finger. Now fiercely pissed off, Adam attacked Dean while he was lying next to him. "Why are you being a shitty dick today?"

"Adam Robert Singer, stop it!"

"You wanna know why, you little shit face? Because you are always waking me up early with that bitchy giggling…dickheads!" Dean mumbled more profanities.

"That's $115.00 now."

Dean stood up, yelling, "Dammit, go to hell, all of you?"

"$120.00"

"That's it; I'm gonna fucking kill you…both!" Dean looked at Charlie and Ethan, who ran out of the room. "Good riddance!" Dean yelled as he slammed the door, mumbling more profanities.

"Now its $130.00" Charlie screamed from the hallway. Dean opened the door and the boys take off.

Dean turned around to Adam and Grammy, "Get out!"

Adam started to get up, when Grammy pushed him down. "Dean, I don't think that you are mad at Adam. So, what's wrong? Maybe we can help."

"I had…I'm not mad at Adam or the boys. I had…just go." Dean sighed, "Please, just go."

Grammy motioned for Dean to sit next to her on his bed with Adam. "Please, just sit." Dean sat then Grammy put her arm around him. "Dean, what's wrong. Please tell us."

"I had this nightmare that I, uh, lost all of you…just like I lost the Smiths. I was alone again and you all died because you loved me, like they did. Whenever I love…" Tears were now slowly falling from his eyes. "Whenever I love someone, they are taken from me. Bobby told me last night that he loved me and kissed me goodnight. So, why does God hate me so much?"

"Oh my darlin', God doesn't hate you! And we will never be taken from you. Dean, you are good luck and we're so lucky that you found us. We love you and you will never to be alone!" Grammy stated, "I would never lie to you. You'll always have us…forever. I love you very, very much! Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Yes what?"

"Yes, Grammy. I understand and I love you too."

"Dean, horrible things happen in nightmares, but that's all it is…just really bad dreams. Now boys, if sumthun like this ever happens again, talk it out with each other. Or call me or Grampy, we're only a dime away…got it, boys?"

Adam stood up and hugged Dean. "I'm sorry little dude, I was totally out of line. Forgive me?" Dean cocked his head and Adam gave him a playful slap.

"Oh by the way, Grammy, phone calls are not a dime anymore, we just use our minutes on our iPhone." Dean jokingly replied while looking at Adam, who chuckled.

"Darlin' I think you meant to say, my phone, not I phone." Grammy suggested.

For a few seconds the room was silent until Dean and Adam burst out laughing and this went on for many minutes. "What on earth are you boys laughing at? I don't understand and it's a little rude too."

Dean was crying, "Sorry Grammy. We're sorry, right Adam?" Adam nodded his head, then asked, "Dean, did dad really kiss you goodnight?"

"Dean, what the hell are you doing? I told you that was our little secret, you little shit! Damn idjit!" Bobby furiously replied, walking into the room. "Balls!"

"Now its $140.00" Charlie screamed again from the hallway."

Dean and Adam busted out laughing again. This time, they roll onto the floor for several minutes.

"You fuc…"

"Robert Samuel Steven Singer Jr!" Grammy interrupted him, "You watch your language or I'll wash out your filthy mouth with soap! You be hearing me, young man!"

Bobby was cursing up a storm as entered the hallway. Charlie reminded everyone, now it's $150.00."

Bobby barked more profanities, then "Balls! Balls! Balls!" More cursing as Bobby was now chasing Ethan and Charlie, who yelled back, "$180.00."

Dean and Adam were laughing so hard that they can't open their eyes, move or breathe.

Later, after Dean showered, he joined everyone in the dining room where they were waiting for him to eat. Adam filled everyone in on everything that happened this morning and they were laughing just as hard. Grammy got teased for her I phone comment and Bobby for giving Dean a kiss. The whole way home, Bobby kept mumbling profanities.

Charlie gave Dean, Adam and Bobby the final total from the trip when they all arrived back Magnolia Hills. The new grand total was $210.00! And all three guys cursed at the same time.

"The new, new final grand total was $225.00." Charlie declared. All three give Grammy the money for the swear jar, then Charlie and Ethan told Grammy that they want the money to go the homeless shelter for unwanted and missing animals. Everyone else also put in their money as well and Bobby gave $2,000.00. "This will be pre-payment for future swearing…it's enough for at least 12 months."

Grammy negatively waved her finger.

"Okay then, 6 months."

Grammy negatively shook her head.

"Three months?"

Everyone yelled, "No!"

"Fine then, it's for two months."

The crowd yells "No!" again.

"I don't have to take this ***************** from no one. FYI, assholes, I'm doing it for the f*****g animals! Balls! Balls! Balls!"

"Robert Samuel Steven Singer Jr! You watch your language or I'll wash out your filthy mouth with soap! You be hearing me, young man!"

Now the crowd was laughing their butts off as Bobby was being disciplined by his mommy.