Chapter 9:
Mary stilled as her son started to interrogate John for the lack of a better term. She felt proud of the way he handled the entire confrontation, never losing his cool throughout the emotionally charged conversation. A part of her wanted to step in and ask Sam to show John some respect but she shook it away, rightly identifying the urge as left over sense of propriety from her times. Besides, respect should be earned not demanded and she really wanted to know John's reasoning. By the end of the, ah, conversation, she was done with John. She was Samuel Campbell's daughter. Her father for all his faults had never made her question his love for her nor had he been such a hypocrite. She knew well enough to read between the lines. John had refused to inform the Milligans about the supernatural world because he wanted somewhere he didn't have to worry about things that go bump in the dark, somewhere he could pretend that he was a normal person leading a normal life. At the same time when Sam craved for the stability and security a life like that would bring, John had derided him and then kicked him out of the family. If there was one thing Mary hated the most in this world it would be hypocrisy. She could stand and even forgive minor cases of it but this took the cake. Once this hunt was over, she was going to cut him out of her life. This wasn't the man she had fallen in love with. She wondered if he had always been this pathetic and she too stupid notice.
Sheesh Mom! You are even worse than Dean when it comes to self-flagellation. You cannot change the past but the future is not set in stone. Never forget the truth of time, fight till your last breath for what you seek. Self-pity won't change anything. While I can't decide anything for you, I would like to remind you of Dean. He might take it in the wrong sense if you just abruptly cut Dad out of your life. Ease him into it. You are free to do as you please. After all, this is your life. But please consider what I said. Thought. Projected. Whatever. Anyhow, don't forget your promise!
When did you get so wise? Mary sent the thought to Sam with an internal chuckle.
Mom, I'm at least a few centuries older than all three of you combined and I spent the majority of my life with two of the oldest beings in existence. Wisdom comes with the territory. I've got to go now, remember your promise! And again, stop wallowing in self-pity! The last line rang out sharply in her head giving her a slight headache. She had slipped into a morose mood when she remembered that her son had spent an inordinate time in hell because she couldn't let go of John and made a deal. She may have not done it on purpose but it was her decision that ruined her children's life later on. But at the same time if she hadn't made the deal then she wouldn't have had children if not for the deal in the first place. She was mad at herself for having made the deal, that too for that pathetic excuse of a human but at the same time she couldn't bring herself to hate the decision that almost destroyed the world because it had given her Dean and Sam. She felt very confused but then decided to follow her son's advice. She couldn't change her past but could create a better future- be a better parent to her boys that they deserved. Maybe she shouldn't leave John just like that. Sam was right, that would devastate Dean.
She leaned back with a sigh while fiddling with her fries. The men were eating in a subdued fashion, too shaken by all that had taken place. She went back to her meal while wondering what Sam had meant when he had asked her to remember her promise. Were they walking into a trap? Was this Judgement person (?) waiting for them in Erconsky? Was he really a good guy or was her Sam being manipulated into trusting the wrong person? Either way she had a bad feeling about this entire affair. Suddenly she realized what exactly she had been thinking. She had fallen into the same thought pattern John and Dean had about Sam. Mary shook her head attempting to clear her thoughts. No she would trust her son. She would go to Erconsky and stay relatively out of Judgement's way. As long as he doesn't attempt to harm her son's permanently that is. They are strong enough to deal with a bit of rough-housing. John though, John was fair game.
A/N:
1. I wanted to present the last chapter through Mary's eyes and I hope I did justice to her. Should I do one for John as well or should I continue with the rest of the story? Do let me know!
2. Special thanks to beverlie4055.