Colors rushed by Dean in a mad churning. Suddenly, he found himself away from the image of his mother's death into a moment of soft hued contentment. The Sandman stalked around him as if he was still torturing him, but no sound came from the vile monster's throat. He felt the Sandman, but something stronger held him here. His head felt clear with a warm rush of jubilance coursing thorough him. It was then he saw his mother cradling his small self again. He remembered this day; it was one of the most horrible days of his childhood, but somehow was his fondest memory. All he could remember of it before was his mother's tenderness as she held him. The Sandman continued his soundless platitudes, but somehow Dean was safe here.
Mary rocked her son gently and was steadily getting his former self drowsy.
Screaming from the hall, John stormed huffily into the room. "Mary!"
"Shh," she scolded John. "John Winchester, I've almost got him to sleep and if you.."
"I'm sorry, Mary. When I got the message he was hurt, I... I ran every red light in two states.. I'm never going on a part run again."
Reassuringly, Mary smiled at John. "He's fine. Just bumps and bruises. The doctor said we were lucky."
"Stupid teenagers could have killed him. What were they doing speeding through here any ways?! I swear I'm going to give Johnson a piece of my mind about his kid."
"John, your son doesn't need you to be a hothead."
"Let's see how big of a hothead Johnson is, if his kid gets smacked by a car. Then you'll..."
Scolding, Mary stopped his rant cold. "John."
John looked softly at Mary. "And you in your condition."
"I'm pregnant, not infirmed." She gave John her most disapproving look, followed by her all knowing smile. The smile that she knew would melt away all the panic, fear, and anger in John.
"I'm sorry, Mary, I would do anything for my kid….kids." He corrected quickly. "I'd pretty much sell my soul," John joked. Crossing over to her side, he placed a hand on Mary's slight belly bump. He gave her a peck on the lips.
Mary's face became distant as if she remembered something that caused her great distress. "I know" she said blankly.
"Mary?"
"I'm just tired. It has been a rough couple of days, you know," she allowed her voice to return to its playfulness. "All that matters is that Dean's okay, no matter what, he is okay."
The word okay seemed to comfort John's panic over his son. Walking behind her, he rubbed Mary's stressed shoulders. Dean's sleepy eyes looked up at him. "And this sleepyhead is about to zone out on us." He scruffed Dean's hair and his hand traveled to rest upon Dean's cheek. He bent down and placed three light kisses on Dean's forehead. The boy looked up at his father contentedly.
The grown Dean found a peaceful joy emanated from his depths. He found himself wondering- was he dead now? Is this where your spirit goes? Does it bring you to the happiest memory? What about his deal and Hell? Whatever brought him to this place, he was grateful. He felt no remorse or sadness, but could remember how loved he was at that moment.
John tussled his child's mop top again and rested his hand upon his cheek. The boy nuzzled against it and blinked his eyes slowly. John rubbed his thumb upon his son's cheekbone several times before he permitted the boy's head to return to his mother's shoulder.
"Go to sleep kiddo, it's all okay, now. Daddy's home." A proud smile spread across John's face.
Abruptly, a grumble groaned from Mary's stomach.
"Have you eaten anything?"
Mary smiled."Not much, but once I get him to bed, I'l..."
"I'll go make dinner. Once Dean goes night night, I'll get him to bed. Just stay here and both of you take it easy for a while."
A jovial flirt entered Mary's voice "John Winchester, are you trying to spoil me?"
Winking, John returned her challenge. "Hmm.. Maybe?" He smiled at her one last time before he exited.
The grown Dean found himself smiling at the interaction. He lingered in the doorway of his room, watching his father leave until he could not even see the man's shadow.
Returning his focus to his mother, she began to rock the child lightly. Dean paced to her side and bent over to look at her warm face. He wanted to tell her many things, but somehow all that came out was "I love you".
Mary continued comforting her injured son. Speaking softly, she spun a story to lull him into slumber. "Dean, one day when I'm gone...I want you to remember how much I love you. You have the most wonderful caring heart…. and passion, even as young as you are now. When you're grown, I know how much you are going to give to this world. I know the world will seem unfair to you, but remember this world gave me you." Tears were rising in her eyes. "The road may get rough, but you will do so much good in the world. I could never let anything happen to you. So, if I leave you one day, I want you to be brave and strong..okay?" A corner of her mouth turned into a sad smile and tears flowed down upon her cheeks. Then Mary uttered a word strange to Dean. "Appoloin"
Puzzled by his mother's words, Dean's mind raced for meaning to his mother's strange message, "What do you mean? Mom, what?"
Okay, this chapter not only provides a safe place for Dean. It is setting up a mystery and a story for later. If you look up the word… I can't stop ya. :D
One more chapter and it's all done. Thanks for all your support and comments. It has helped me continue time and again. Reviews are really LOVE!
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