Choices

Disclaimer: Supernatural doesn't belong to me, nor does Dean, Sam, or the other characters you recognise. I am making no money so please don't come looking for me.

Warning: some references and implied violence as the story progresses

Spoilers - post-end of Series 1 Devil's Trap so some passing mention of events in Season episodes such as Faith, Home, Devil's Trap etc.

Author's Note: Depending which episode I have watched most recently, my feelings about John Winchester vary. If you are a fan of JW - don't read and flame - this story for reasons best known to itself was not kind to him - if that is going to upset you, please don't read on.

Author's Note (2): Thanks Rae for your continued support.

Author's Note (3) - this story is a sequel to 'There's a Way Through to the Other Side' and 'Moving On'. Events in this story will make more sense if you have read those stories (I Hope!).

Chapter 3 - Time is Running Out

Friday! It doesn't matter what I think, what I decide I am going to have to deal with him one way or another tomorrow. Not that I know what I'm going to do yet. It's going to be nasty whatever I decide, I'm going to piss off either Dad or Sam and Bobby.

I can't say I've hidden it very well but I can say they haven't worked out what I'm hiding which is something I suppose.

I've played it out every way I can think of and short of just not being there when he comes, I can't think of any happy solutions to the scene. I tried to find my duffle bag, figured I could pack some stuff in case I decide to go with him, but not only can I not find it anywhere, I can't exactly load it into the truck with me in the morning without some reaction from Bobby. I haven't even managed to come up with an excuse for not needing picked up at the usual time yet. I just can't think straight.

It's time I started making something for us all to eat this evening before Sam gets home. Bobby will be in any time. I've achieved nothing this afternoon. I gave Bobby a hand this morning which at least kept me working with no time to think. On my own this afternoon, I've neither been able to concentrate on my work nor come up with any solutions to my dilemma.

I've opened the fridge and I can't work out what exactly I planned to make this evening. I'm standing staring waiting for something to occur to me.

"You know, Dean, the TV has more happening if you're looking for action to watch."

I jump back from the open refrigerator door. "I didn't hear you come in."

"No, I guessed that. You've been watching the food for a good ten minutes since I came in, so have you decided what we're having yet?"

"Er, no, not really."

"What's the problem?"

"Guess I'm just not inspired tonight."

"You okay?"

"Of course, just you know, not in the mood. How about I treat us all to take-out?"

"Sam in a rush tonight?"

"Not as far as I know."

"Sounds good then."

We wait for Sam to finish then phone his cell and get him to pick up the take-out on his way home. I feel like I might be saying good-bye to all of this. It isn't a good feeling.

The meal finished and cleared away and we're say in front of the TV. I've got a book I'm supposed to be studying for tomorrow but I haven't got a clue what it is about. I can't keep track of the conversation Sam and Bobby are having either. In the end, I figure it's pretty pointless my sitting here and it's only making matters worse, so I grab my stuff and say goodnight. I head off to think in peace and hope that I can come up with some sort of solution.

It doesn't pan out that way. No solution, no sleep and at four I get up, figure I may as well go for a walk as the sun rises.