"I wish you didn't have to leave," I pouted.
"Babe, I'm only going to be gone for a few days anyway. I'll be back before you can miss me!" Dean reassured. I giggled.
"I don't know, Dean. I'm already missing you enough. Where are you going anyways?" I asked, curiously.
"Maple Springs, New York," Dean chuckled. "Look, believe me, if I could stay, I would. We have some… great four months together. A lot's happened but you and I both knew that I'd have to go out on the road again at some point anyways. A case came up and well, I just think it's time I get back out there."
I nodded. I understood, "And remind me why I can't come with you, again?"
"You have a job, Mer," Dean said.
"I know," I grumbled. "It's just the first time we've ever really been apart ever since we got married."
"I know, I know. It's weird for me too," Dean said.
"Alright, well I've got to get ready for work soon. I love you and call me," I said back.
"I will, babe. I love you," Dean said. He leaned down and kissed me passionately before pulling away. "I'll see you in a couple of days, alright?"
"Yes. Be careful out there, babe," I advised.
"I will," Dean chuckled, before getting into the Impala and driving off. I sighed to myself. It was weird that I wouldn't have Dean with me for the next couple of days. I went back inside and got ready for work. When I went to my mailbox at school, I had a note that read: New student, first period. Cameron Morgan.
I took the note with me on the way to my classroom. I got ready for the day while kids were filing into the classroom. October had come and we had had a warm September so wardrobe was just now changing from shorts to jeans, scarves, and long sleeved shirts. I loved Fall. Honestly, it was my favorite season.
Everyone was seated and were socializing or getting out notebooks, pens and the book that we were currently reading at the moment. I scanned the classroom and didn't see any new faces. Where was my new student?
"Alright class, today we're going to start off with our discussion from yesterday on Catcher in the Rye," I started the class. "Um… Evan, can you read off the discussion question we had yesterday?"
Just then, someone walked into the room. I looked over to the guy. He had grown out brown hair, brown eyes, and he was wearing a plaid flannel shirt with some jeans. He had an army green back pack slung over his shoulders as he stood at the front of the class.
"Class, we have a new student that'll be joining us today. This is Cameron Morgan," I introduced. "Is there anything you want to tell us about yourself?"
Cameron shrugged casually as if he were 'too cool', "Not much to tell." He strutted over to the empty desk next to Blake and she glanced over at him.
"Cameron, I'm Mrs. Winchester and we're happy to have you in our English class," I started.
"Well that makes one of us," Cameron mumbled.
'Oohs' and other noises came from the class as they were shocked at Cameron's response. I watched as Blake raised her eyebrows and then sat back in here chair.
"Do you have a book?" I asked.
"Nope," Cameron answered, popping the 'p' at the end of the word. He slouched in his chair carelessly.
"No notebooks? Nothing to write with? What exactly were you planning on doing in this class?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. This guy was really starting to get on my nerves. He was one of those 'reluctant' students and frankly this guy didn't care at all.
He shrugged, "It's not like I'll be here long enough anyways, sweetheart." He smirked which elicited another response from the class. I was not going to let this kid get under my skin but I wanted to smack him.
"Well, lucky for you, I have an extra book. It's Catcher in the Rye and from the looks of it, you'll have a lot to relate to," I shot back which yet again, the class responded. Cameron looked taken aback that I had said something like that but I set the book down on his desk and walked back to the front of the class room. I had dealt with guys like this before. Hell, I was married to one of them.
"I assume you haven't done the reading yet?" I said coldly as I raised an eyebrow at Caleb.
"Nah, I don't do homework," Caleb replied.
"Of course you don't. Well, if someone would give Caleb a recap on what we've read so far… Stephanie, great. And Mr. Morgan, I'd like to see you after school. And that's an order. You don't show up? Your detention sentence will only get longer," I warned before returning to the original lesson plan.
Cameron Morgan was going to be a handful and I knew it but from the looks of it, he was a hunter. Not only did he look like one but the fact that he hinted at that he moved around a lot with his earlier comment only confirmed my suspicions.
After school got out, I waited at my classroom, half expected Cameron not to show up. It took him ten minutes but it was better late than never.
"Take a seat, please," I demanded, an authoritive tone in my voice. Wow, I sounded like Bobby when he was giving Dean some lecture. Cameron dropped his book bag on the floor and then slouched in his chair, his knees apart and his feet planted firmly on the ground. "Do you know why I asked you here?"
Cameron shrugged, "I wasn't prepared?"
"Well that and the way you behaved in class was no way to talk to a teacher," I answered.
"I won't be around enough anyways for it to matter," Cameron shrugged.
I sighed, "Are you going to keep saying that or are you going to explain why that is?" Cameron seemed surprised by my response. Most teachers weren't snappy and witty back to him. I know I shouldn't be but I knew this was the only way to deal with people like this and I've dealt with way too many.
"Family business," Cameron replied simply.
"And what exactly do your parents do?" I asked, getting closer to the answer I was looking for.
"Dad fixes up cars and when he doesn't he gets drunk," Cameron answered. Oh, so now he was selling me some sob story?
"I see. Well that would explain a lot. Are you having a rough time at home?" I asked, my voice softening up a bit.
"Look, lady. I don't need a therapist or anything," Cameron started, defensively.
"If you need someone to talk to-," I started.
"No, I don't! What? And you're going to tell me you've been there? That you know life is hard. I've heard the talk. You came here as a high school student, had a perfectly normal life and now you're married to some guy. I highly doubt you know what I'm going through," Cameron snapped. "Look, I've gotta get out of here." He started to get up but I wasn't going to have it.
"Sit!" I ordered. He looked at me and for some reason, sat back down. There was an awkward silence where he avoided my gaze and I debated whether or not to say anything. I went over to
the door and closed it. The slam of the door broke the silence and Cameron finally looked at me. I had to fight my laughter. I was so uncomfortable right now that I just wanted to laugh! It just felt like the only thing I could do but I fought it. "You're a hunter, aren't you?"
His eyes lit up, "Wait… how do you know?"
I began to laugh, "Ahhh, that's funny. I knew it. The minute you said you wouldn't be here long enough anyways… and the family business? Really? That's the oldest excuse in the book. You're so busted!" I couldn't help it even though I knew it was terribly inappropriate.
Cameron chuckled, "So I'm guess you're one too?"
"Born and raised," I answered.
"No way," Cameron said, smiling a little.
"Yes, way," I replied.
"Hah, wow. Well, does that mean I get out of trouble now?" Cameron asked.
"Cameron, you were never in trouble in the first place. I simply wanted to talk to you about coming to class prepared and not acting like a hunter in the classroom because, dude, I can smell a hunter a mile away. It was more of a warning but what I really wanted to do was make sure you were one," I explained.
"So I'm not in trouble?" Cameron asked.
"No," I replied, chuckling.
"Cool. Well, that's a first," Cameron said.
"And also, I want you to know that I don't want to be your therapist but if you really do need someone to talk to, I do know what you're going through," I offered.
"Really?" he asked.
"Yes, my life isn't so normal," I replied, emphasizing the word normal to tie back to his previous rant. He looked down, embarrassed. "Mom died when I was young so my dad brought me on the road for a while until I turned seven. He dropped me off at a friend of his, Bobby Singer's, and I lived there. My dad was always out and we got into tons of fights. Yes, I was raised in a home and wasn't on the road all the time, but my life was far from normal. In college, my dad was killed by a shapeshifter and uh, trust me, I've had my hunting days."
"Seriously?" Cameron asked.
"Yeah," I answered.
"You're totally a badass!" Cameron exclaimed.
"I wouldn't go that far," I replied. "How about you?"
"I told you. Dad brings me on the road all the time and when he's not hunting he's on the couch or in a bar with a bottle. It sucks but uh… I find my own entertainment. I've been out on some hunts myself. Dad sends me out when he gets sick of me. Vampires are my favorite. They're the messiest," Cameron shrugged. I chuckled. He was such a boy.
"Ah," I said back.
"Yeah," Cameron said.
"Alright, well I'll let you go. Have a nice evening Cameron and uh, if you ever do need anything, this is my cell phone number. If you're ever in trouble or if Dad's giving you a hard time, feel free to call," I offered, scribbling my number on a piece of paper.
"Thanks, Mrs. Winchester," Cameron said, taking the piece of paper. "Oh, and a quick question."
"Yeah?" I asked back.
"Why are you so good with me? I mean, you could tell I was a hunter, for some reason I listen to you, and… you're probably the first adult that I haven't completely hated," Cameron asked.
I laughed, "I deal with guys like you all the time. In fact, you remind me a little of my husband."
"Huh," Cameron said. I shook my head.
"Bye," I said back.
"Bye," he replied before leaving. Cameron seemed like a diamond in the rough. He seemed like a good kid and I wanted to help him.
Later than night Dean called me and I was happier to hear his voice. I knew it was pathetic, but I missed him already. I was also just grateful to know that he was safe. God, I sounded like such a wife.
"Hey, you," I answered the phone, smiling at the sound of Dean's voice.
"Hey," Dean replied.
"How's the hunt going?" I asked.
"It's weird. We have no idea what it is," Dean replied, before explaining what they knew so far on the case.
"That is pretty weird. Well, I'm sure you guys'll figure it out and if you need anything, I'm just a call away," I reminded.
"I know, Mer. So how are things back home?" Dean asked.
"Good, good. I just got a new student. He actually reminds me a lot of you…" I answered.
"Oh yeah? He's dashingly good looking and a lady killer?" Dean asked.
I laughed, "No he's just… I don't know you have to meet him. He's a hunter though."
"Wow, he really is the new me," Dean sighed.
"Yeah, you've been gone one day and I've already replaced you," I teased.
"Hey, I told you those horny high school boys would come on to you. See? I was right for once," Dean pointed out.
I giggled, "No, he was not coming on to me at all. I really want to help him though. Is that bad? I know it's none of my business but I can't help but want to. Ugh, I'm such a meddler. I just, I'm so nosy!"
"Yeah, you are," Dean teased.
"Shut up!" I groaned.
"Well, if he wants your help, he'll come to you. If he doesn't, there's nothing you can do about it, babe," Dean advised.
"I know," I nodded, trying to accept that fact.
"But uh, I could use your help right now. I'm in bed… wearing uh, just boxers. And I'm thinking about you…" Dean said, lowering his voice. His deep voice was such a turn on.
"Is that so?" I asked.
"Yeah," Dean replied.
"Well, you're so far away. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself all alone in this big lonely bed tonight without my sexy husband," I smirked.
"You're really making me regret ever leaving," Dean groaned.
"That's the point," I teased.
"So what're you wearing right now?" Dean asked, highly intrigued.
"Ew, Dean, can you please keep the dirty talk to a minimum? Actually, make that to zero. I really don't want to hear this right now," I heard Sam shout at Dean. I laughed, blushing a little.
"Sorry, babe, where were we?" Dean asked, returning to the phone.
"Uh uh. You heard Sam. No more dirty talk. Plus, I really need to get to bed. I'll see you in a couple of days though. I love you," I replied.
"I love you too," Dean said back.
"Good night," I said.
"You too, baby. I love you," Dean repeated. I smiled before hanging up the phone.
"Just a couple more days, baby. I'm sorry but we found another case. I'm going to be home by next week though, I promise," Dean said.
I sighed, "It's fine. I know how it is… And don't worry about next week. If something comes up, I understand. But I do miss you… it's hard to be home, all alone."
"Believe me, baby. I wish I was back with you," Dean chuckled. I missed him so much and hearing his voice was what I needed right now. Just to hear that he was okay and that he was alive was enough at the moment.
"So, how're the hunts going?" I asked curiously.
"Good, they're uh… you know, as good as they've ever been. Sam and I are both fine so you don't have to worry about anything," Dean answered.
I chuckled. He always knew that I worried too much. Just as I was about to say something else to him, there was a knock on the door, "Hey, Dean, someone's at the door. Will you hold on for a sec?" I asked.
"Sure," Dean answered. I unlocked my door and twisted the handle, opening the door. I was surprised to see who was at the door. There was a cop and Cameron.
"I'm sorry, Dean, I'm going to have to call you back, I love you," I said right before hanging up. "Hi, um, can I help you?"
"We found him attempting to break into a car," the cop said. I sighed, glancing over at Cameron. "He said that we should call you but you didn't pick up the phone so we came here. Are you his legal guardian?"
"No, sir but uh, I'll take it from here, thanks," I said back.
"Have a nice night, Miss," the cop replied.
"You too," I replied. The cop left my door step and I silently invited Cameron into the apartment. He walked in and shut the door behind him. "Breaking into a car? Really, Cameron? What were you thinking?"
"Sorry, okay?" Cameron said back.
I sighed, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Cameron muttered. "Sorry to bother you Mrs. Winchester, it's just you gave me your cell phone number in case I needed anything and when they asked me for a phone number, I couldn't give them my dad's. Sorry."
"It's okay. I'm glad you called me. What's this all about?" I asked. I was somewhat angry with him but at the same time happy that he trusted me.
"It's… nothing. It's just, I needed a place to crash tonight and I saw a car, thought it was abandoned and apparently it wasn't," Cameron replied, avoiding my gaze.
"What do you mean?" I asked, concerned.
"Dad's home and he's really drunk. I'd just rather not be around that tonight," Cameron replied, looking up at me. By the look in his eyes, I could tell that he was telling the truth.
"I'm sorry," I said. "But you're lucky that the cop just let you off with a warning. If you… need a place to stay, I'm offering."
"Thanks, are you sure?" Cameron asked.
I nodded, "Yes, I'm sure. You can stay in the guest bedroom. Everything should be set up. Do you want a glass of water or something?"
"Uh, sure and thank you. Really, Mrs. Winchester," Cameron said.
I stopped in my tracks, "Out of school, call me Meredith. It's just weird… I mean, you're a fellow hunter so you call me Mrs. Winchester is kind of… well, just weird…" I chuckled. That was so vague.
Cameron laughed, "Alright then, Meredith."
Later that night, I was about to go to bed when I spotted Cameron looking at some stuff in the living room.
"What're you up to?" I asked.
"This is awesome. I can't believe you have… all of the Led Zeppelin albums," Cameron said, ogling our CD collection.
"Yeah, we have two copies actually. One's mine, the other's my husband's," I answered.
"You know, you're probably the coolest teacher I've ever had. Most of them don't even care," Cameron said.
"Well, you're a fellow hunter. We're supposed to be there for each other," I answered simply.
A week passed and Cameron was starting to better. He was doing better in school, at least in my class, and I had talked to some of other teachers to see how he was doing and they all were saying they've seen more of an improvement and that he's really been applying himself. It was after school and I was tidying up everything so that I could go home for the weekend. And then out of the blue, I heard a voice at the door to my class room.
"I think I'm failing marriage," the voice said. A smile curled upon my lips and I turned around to see Dean standing in the door way.
"Well, have you tried sleeping with the teacher?" was my witty retort. Dean smiled at me and I smiled back. I was so happy to see him.
"Come here, you," he said. I practically sprinted over to him and jumped into his arms. Dean kissed me and I kissed him back, happy to be back in his arms again. He held me close to him before setting me back down on my feet and kissing me one last time before pulling away.
"I missed you so much," I whispered, kissing him once more.
"I missed you too," he replied. We finally pulled away from each other and I knew that at this moment, words couldn't describe how I felt.
"You didn't tell me you were coming back," I pointed out.
"I wanted to surprise you," Dean answered.
"Well, it was a nice surprise," I said back. "Hey, listen, I'm pretty done here. How about you and I get out of here and go back to my- our apartment?"
"Sounds like a plan," Dean replied.
When we got back to the apartment, it was like he had never left. But there was something on my mind that I wanted to talk to him about.
"So how was everything?" I asked.
"Good. We worked three jobs. We were up in Maple Springs and then went to Rhode Island, and then back to New York but in the City this time. And now I'm home," Dean said.
"You're home. I like the sound of that," I said back.
"And if nothing else comes up, I'm not going anywhere for a while," Dean replied.
"That's nice to hear," I smiled.
"What… you worried?" Dean asked.
I nodded, "With reason," I replied.
"Right," Dean said. "I really missed you, Mer." Dean pulled me in for another kiss and now that we were in the privacy of our apartment, I knew what was coming next. But I couldn't get what I needed to talk to him about off of my mind. I continued to kiss him and he led us to the bedroom, laying me down on the bed. "I've missed you so much and… this."
"I want…" I started, breathing heavily as he kissed my neck. I let out a soft moan as he hit my sweet spot.
"Tell me what you want, baby. You can have it all tonight," Dean said.
"Mm, I love it when you talk dirty to me," I smirked.
"What do you want?" Dean asked.
"I-, uh, I want…" I started. This was getting too hard. Dean was slowly unbuttoning my blouse and leaving kisses after each button. I couldn't think anymore so instead, I just blurted this out: "I want you to let Cameron move in with us."
"What?" Dean asked, pulling away in surprise.
"I wanted to talk to you about it when you got back but… I was so happy to see you, and then we got caught up in this… and I just kind of blurted it out," I rambled.
"Wait a second. Back up. Who's Cameron?" Dean asked.
"The student I've been telling you about. The hunter. The new you?" I reminded.
"Oh, right! What about him moving in? Mer, don't you think that's a little fast?" he asked.
"Well, he's kind of been living in the apartment for the past week," I admitted. I hadn't exactly told Dean about it yet.
"What?" Dean asked.
"Look, a cop showed up one night with Cameron and I didn't know what to do so I talked to him and his dad was back from a hunt and drunk as anything. He needed a place to stay! He's doing a lot better in school and it really seems like he's trying… He went back to his motel two days ago and it's got me thinking," I explained. Dean got off of me and sat up, giving me room to sit up too.
"So you've really been thinking about this?" Dean asked.
"Yeah," I answered. "I just feel like, right now, all he knows is hunting and screwing around but if he had another option and a safe roof provided for him… And I'm not trying to force this, I promise! I think he wants. At least it seems that way." Dean sighed and then started laughing. "What? Dean, this isn't funny!
"I do however think it's funny that you just tried to use sex as leverage," Dean laughed. I laughed a little too.
"I'm sorry," I chuckled. I couldn't believe I had done that either.
"This is a lot to think about but what you're saying makes sense. It sounds like he's having a really rough time with his dad," Dean said. I nodded, confirming his statement. "Alright, fine but there's still a lot to talk about."
I nodded, "I know, I know."
"But yeah… it may not be such a bad idea," Dean said.
"Really?" I asked, surprised.
Dean nodded, "Yeah."
"Oh, Dean, thank you, baby!" I exclaimed, practically jumping on him and tackling him to the bed. I leaned down and kissed him. "Thank you. I know it's weird but… I think we could really help him. We're not just some people trying to help a troubled kid but we know what he's going through – you especially."
"Alright, but I want to meet this kid first," Dean said.
"Of course. I was actually thinking about inviting him to thanksgiving at the Falcon in a week and then we'd ask him then," I replied.
Dean nodded, "Okay."
"Alright, now do you want to have sex or did I just completely kill the mood?" I asked Dean.
"Well, you really did kill the mood but I'm always in the mood when it comes to you," Dean smirked. I giggled as Dean rolled me over on my back and we picked up from where we had left off.