Chapter 26

Sam tugged at my arm. I stopped and saw that Dean had not moved. John turned to his son.
"Dean, I gave an order and I expect it to be followed," John lowered his voice.

"If there's trouble you're going to need help," Dean returned evenly.

Sam took a step forward and I grabbed him.

"Dean, you get in that room with Kelsey and your brother," John repeated.

"No," Dean clenched his jaw. I recognized this as an act of defiance.

"Let me go Kelsey," Sam attempted wriggle out of my grasp.

"You're not going anywhere," I tightened my grip.

"Dean," John stepped forward, his fist was clenched.

"You going to hit me Dad?" Dean asked calmly.

Sam stopped struggling and we both watched with open mouths.

John narrowed his eyes and then grabbed Dean and propelled him toward us. Dean moved with the momentum and recovered quickly.

Caleb came closer. He seemed to be cautiously surveying the scene before him.

"Sorry John," Caleb said, "Didn't mean to freak out your family."

John turned to him, "No worries."

Caleb nodded to the boys and me, "Well, that's a mighty fine looking family you got John."

John flashed a smile and moved to stand between Caleb and us. "What brings you here?"

"Things can get pretty rough hunting," Caleb said to John, however his eyes were on us.

"Is there a problem?" John asked.

"No," Caleb replied, "you know, she just doesn't look old enough to have a boy that age," he pointed to Dean.

"She's one of those women who looks nothing near her age," John smiled.

The surprising thing was that he was quite correct. Dean went back to the car and John tensed.
"Don't worry Dad," Dean said, "we'll stow the gear and then go with Mom to grab something to eat."

At that point I was torn between laughing at Dean and hitting him. He had his father's charm as well.

"You know I don't mean to interrupt," Caleb said.

"It's all right," Dean continued smoothly, "We're used to just being with our Mom."

It was worth it to see how uncomfortable John appeared.

Dean strode past both Sam and me into the motel room and then we three got into the car and drove out of the motel parking lot. Dean was back behind the wheel, however, I said nothing. Sam sat in the back staring out of the window.

"I'm sorry about that Kelsey," Dean said through tight lips.

"It's okay," I smiled.

"I'm going to pay for that later," Dean told me.

"I thought it was brilliant," Sam spoke.

"Yes, you would," Dean smirked.

"Don't worry about it," I told him.

"Dad might lay into him," Sam voiced his fears.

"He won't," I assured him.

"How can you be so sure?" Sam asked.

"Because your father owes me," I smiled, "And this is just a down payment."

Both boys laughed and I felt a little bit better.

We found a greasy diner, similar to the one where I used to be a short order cook. The boys settled in and ordered food. I wondered what they would use for money.

"Dean," I said quietly.

"Don't worry," Dean smiled at me, "I have money."

I was pleased for it wasn't as though I had local currency with me. Which reminded me that I should probably find a way to acquire some. In fact it was working jobs that tended to get me into a lot of trouble.

"What can you do?" Sam asked, "I mean aside from cook and hunt."

"I was a dance teacher once," I said.

"Oh yeah?" Dean's eyes lit up with mischief.

"Were your students any good?" Sam asked.

"I had a brilliant girl once," I sighed, "Unfortunately she didn't do that well in terms of her choices. It happens."

"What happened?" Sam sounded curious.

"Well," I said quietly, "She could have had anything she wanted, but her mother used her to get revenge. When she realized that she was inconsolable and never danced again."

Sam's eyes widened at that. He glanced at Dean for a moment and then stared back at his hands.

The waitress arrived with our food and all discussion was cut short. I followed Bobby's advice and ate when the boys ate. It made them forget what I truly was or at least doubt it. Which was fine with me for they didn't need to be burdened with any more information about beings that weren't human.

"You know," Sam said between bites, "you're a really interesting person."

"Oh?" I was curious.

"Yep," Sam nodded, "I don't know of anyone who could…"

"You may be surprised one day Sam," I smiled at him.

Dean paid scant attention to us. His attention however was directed at the waitress. I crooked an eyebrow at him as I saw her blush at his attentions. I rolled my eyes in exasperation.

"Dean," I lowered my voice, "Aren't you a little young to be taking that on?"

"I'm not doing anything," Dean said innocently.

"Dean you're 14 years old," I reminded him.

"You think I should wait?" Dean grinned.

"I think you should wait," I agreed.

"How long?" Dean prompted.

I heaved a sigh. He was going to be difficult.

"Well?" Dean challenged.

"When you're 25 would be good," I said.

Dean threw his head back and laughed.

"No?" I asked.

"No," he said.
"Well when do you suggest?" I dared him.

"Now," he smiled.

"No, 22 then," I bargained.

"15," he countered.

"21," I matched his offer.

"15 ½," he continued.

"21 ½," I said.

"16," Dean announced.

"20," I said.

"16 ½," his eyes danced.

"18," I declared.

"Naw, 16," Dean's grin widened.

Sam had stopped eating and was wearing a grin from ear to ear.

"16 is a little young Dean," I pleaded.

"18 is the age that most people go to college," Dean reasoned.

"Fine, 18," I nodded firmly.

Dean smiled at me, "I might not make it."

I fixed him with my most serious stare, "Dean Winchester."

At that point Sam couldn't take it any longer and began to howl with laughter. Dean smiled at his brother's mirth and I laughed at them both. The food was forgotten as both boys shared a light moment.

"But you forgot the most important part," Sam said as he wiped the tears from his eyes.

"What?" I asked.

"Well, you forgot to tell Dean about protection," Sam's grin split his face.

Dean's eyes widened and he grabbed his brother, "Sammy!"

"Well, she didn't mention it," Sam reasoned, "I don't think she wants little Deans running around."

Dean continued to poke Sam and I realized that they had had this kind of conversation before.

"Your father has spoken to you about this?" I wondered.

Dean straightened up and looked at me directly, "Dad has made it painfully clear how we are both to conduct ourselves."

Sam's head bobbed in agreement.

I took a sip of my drink to forestall having to comment.

Both Sam and Dean again erupted in laughter.

"Well," John's voice sounded, "it's good to see my boys laughing."

Sam and Dean sat up straight in their seats as John sat next to me.

"Is everything okay?" Dean asked.

"Yes," John was succinct.

"So everything is fine with Caleb?" I asked.

"In a manner of speaking," John evaded.

My eyes went in the direction of the door and saw Caleb standing there.

"John," I was concerned.

"It'll be fine," John told me, "We're going to need help."

"Who's we?" Dean asked.

"Us," John stated, "Kelsey is going to leave us."

"I am?" I must confess that John was beginning to tire me with his orders.

"Yes," John stared directly at me, "I need some information."
"I'm not the yellow pages," I retorted.

"Maybe," John shrugged, "However you are going to want to do this."
"Oh?" I was faintly amused.

"Yes," John assured me.

"What is it that you expect me to do?" I asked.

"I need you to get in touch with Richard," John said.

I stared at him in shock. He wanted Richard. I was thrown for a moment.

"But wouldn't Bobby…" I trailed off.

"He doesn't know," John said, "But we figure that you do."

I stared at Sam and Dean for a moment. I sighed, "All right, just don't kill him."

"We won't," Sam answered. John remained silent.