Title: tempered by regret
Disclaimer: not my characters; just for fun.
Warnings: spoilers for season 2
Pairings: none
Rating: PG
Wordcount: 220
Point of view: third
Sometimes, Jo wishes she could go back in time and kick her younger self's ass. She had never listened to Mom, ran away at least twice a month, and actually hitchhiked to Iowa once. Luckily, she got picked up by a grandfather-type who convinced her to call Mom.
At thirteen, Jo had been a brat of the highest order. One time, she told Mom it was her fault Dad never came home-He didn't die, Jo'd yelled. You chased him away!
Mom didn't slap her. Mom just looked at her, eyes sad, and swallowed, then turned and went to her room. She didn't come out for the rest of the night.
And now, Ash is dead, the Roadhouse gone, and Mom is nowhere to be found. Jo tries to call Bobby and Jefferson and even the Winchester brothers, but no one is picking up. The last thing she said to Mom was I'll be home next week. Not even I love you or Thank you or I miss you or You're the greatest, strongest woman I've ever known.
Joshua's base is closest. She'll head there and keep calling until someone answers.
Mom's not dead. She can't be. Jo won't believe it, not ever. Mom is out there somewhere, kicking some evil ass. Jo refuses to contemplate anything else.