Chapter 6
(I don't own anything. Please read and review thank you!)
"Look at her shoes."
They snicker. Bella clinches her pencil so hard it snaps in her hand. Bella's right knee trembles something she'd picked up from John. She returns to her notes as the teacher continues to discuss the periodic table.
"I bet she's not even a girl."
"Sure doesn't dress like one. Maybe she's just a pretty boy."
The other boy shrugs.
"She's developing some nice tits though."
Bella's entire face grows red. Bella leaps out of her chair and turns around decking the boy across the face.
"NO!" The teacher yells holding her back.
"LET ME GO I'M GONNA KILL HIM!"
"To the office now Ms. Winchester!"
The entire class is now laughing and looking upon Bella.
"GO!" The teacher known none other than Mr. Derski demands.
He had a way of pretending like nothing was happening. He'd wait till the last minute or so it seemed to Bella. Just waiting for her to be the one that screwed up and did something wrong; while the actual brats responsible never got caught.
Bella sit outside the office waiting. It was the typical day for Bella. She'd keep to herself like always still there always seemed to be someone that had a problem with her. She wasn't like the other middle school girls; where they'd be off making out with their boyfriends, doing their makeup or hair, talking like they were 16 rather than 13. Bella would be off to a corner of the school yard with her head phones blaring doing her best to ignore the rest of the world. A day for Bella was just another day of surviving the beginnings of her teen years. Just another part of her life she realized she truly hated. It wasn't that she didn't notice boys. It's just all the ones she knew were assholes. There was just no appeal there whatsoever. Not only that but all Bella knew was not to get too attached to anyone or anything for that matter. You'll only wind up getting hurt.
Today she turned 13 she didn't feel any different though. It was just another day. The only thing that made the days even half bearable was Ellen, Bobby and Jo. They were the only ones she could even stand to be around. She thought of Jo like a sister and Ellen had become the mother figure she didn't have after she lost Renee'. Not that she could even remember her real parents. She pulls out the Impala matchbox from her jacket in thought, remembering the one person in this world that truly got her. She hadn't seen him in a little over 7 years now. Hell she wondered if he was even still alive. It had hurt that they never called. Even as young as she was she still remembered it like it was yesterday. But she never blamed him she thought as she wrapped her fingers around the car placing it back in her pocket. She blamed her father. She felt abandoned, unwanted even more so when there wasn't even so much of a letter.
"Ms. Winchester…" The principal calls and Bella takes in a deep breath.
"I've made a call to your guardian they will be here shortly and we will discuss these matters further."
She nods and leans back waiting for it, any moment Ellen or Bobby would walk through here. Mrs. Williams would counsel her in front of them embarrassingly. Ask them if Bella was having any troubles at home that could be causing her behavioral issues at school. Cause heaven forbid it's ever an issue with the school or children attending it. Ellen or Bobby would quietly listen and agree with everything the principal was saying. Bella would follow them out with suspension for the rest of the day. Once she got home Bobby or Ellen would sit her down asking about her day. They would ask her why she thinks she reacts the way she does when confronted. Jo even tried to explain to Bobby and Ellen once about how kids were these days how the 13 is the new 16. How evil their minds can be and no matter how hard you try to stay out of trouble it's not always an easy task. But Jo also didn't get in trouble as much. Jo was pretty and even though she was edgy she had an easier time making friends. Her grades were also better but then again Jo was 18 and would be graduating this year. She'd be going to college and moving away soon, another person that would soon be absent from Bella's life.
Bella's continuing to look down as the office door opens. She takes notice the blue jeans and laced up leather boots. Knowing it wasn't Ellen or Bobby. She hears the clearing of a throat. A deep voice following.
"Yes I'm here for Isabella Winchester."
Bella narrows her eyes not recognizing the voice. She raises her head up seeing the man at the principal's desk. Something about him seemed so familiar. The principal nods Bella's way and the man faces Bella. He wore a navy blue shirt and a black unbuttoned dress shirt over a brown leather jacket over that, his eyes a familiar hazel green and his hair just the same only thicker. Bella's heart skips a beat as she stares upon him in disbelief.
"D?" She says softly.
He smiles warmly.
He looked upon the brown eyed teenage girl with long brunette hair that flowed along her shoulders, she wore red converse shoes and ripped at the knee blue jeans, a tank top with the Metallica logo on it, blue denim jacket, a leather wristband with a silver cross on it. That's my sister he finds himself thinking he could have picked her out in a line up.
"Bells?"
Bella jumps up from her seat and wraps her arms around his neck. He laughs softly trying to keep from falling back.
"Easy now…" He says as he hugs her.
He hears the sound of her breaking down against him.
"It's ok Dean's got ya."
The principal clears her throat rudely.
"And who are you exactly?"
Dean rolls his eyes. He releases his sister and grabs her back pack.
"Let's go kiddo."
"Um sir we really need to discuss her behavior."
"I got it from here thank you."
"SIR! We really need to discuss this child's disruptive behavior!" The principal rises from her chair.
Dean pauses and turns around he wasn't liking this woman's tone. The principal swallows and sits back down.
"What's that exactly?"
"Well for instance she hit a student in class today."
He turns back to Bella.
"Is that true?"
Bella shrugs.
"What'd he do?"
Bella blushed in thought not wanting to explain that to her brother of all people.
"He was just being a jerk D. He had it coming."
"If she says he had it coming then by all means. Tell me Mrs. Williams." Dean looks to the name on the desk. This woman didn't know how to put on lipstick obviously as it was lopsided. He wanted to tell her that 1980 called and wanted their blue eye shadow back. It didn't go with her vibrant red hair and polka dotted dress of navy and white.
"Why don't I see the little punk as well?"
The principal's jaw drops as she just sits there.
Dean nods "that's about what I thought" and leads Bella out.
"Wow D you're like tall and stuff."
"Yeah well you're like tall and stuff too."
They both laugh but it's in both their eyes. Bella clears her throat wiping her face with her jacket.
"Oh my God." Bella says as they step outside.
She automatically runs up to the car in aw running her hands along it.
"You did it! I can't freaking believe this!"
Dean can't suppress the smile on his face. He couldn't believe how much she'd grown up. He also couldn't help but to feel he was looking back in time. Bella wasn't a little girl anymore in fact she was turning into this… well woman practically. What the hell? Dean thought to himself trying to shake it off. He wondered just how many boys he needed to beat the shit out of.
He approaches the car and opens the door for her.
"And what if you had just run up to a stranger's car?"
"I knew it was yours the minute I saw it."
He nods prideful. He taps a hand on the hood.
"Yep this is Baby, Baby this is Bells."
She climbs on in. Dean does his best to control his emotions not realizing just how hard this would affect him. He wanted to squeeze the daylights out of her and never let go.
"So frickin' awesome!"
Bella looks around.
"Where's your CD player?"
Dean cocks a brow.
"Who needs a CD player when you have this?"
He pulls out an eight track and puts in the compartment.
"An eight player? Really?"
"What?"
"Ugh you're so old school. You need a CD player."
"Um no I don't."
"Um yes you do!"
They both turn to each other and smile. Both lean back in their seats not sure what to say next.
Bella digs into her jacket and places something on the dash of Dean's car. He chuckles and takes his out as well.
"That's how I knew."
She bites down upon her lower lip and looks out the window.
"I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever see you again."
He narrows his eyes running his thumb along the stirring wheel.
"You didn't visit, call or write D."
He notices how his sister's hands tremble.
"Never again. I promise."
Bella nods trying to mask her tears as they fall.
"He didn't let you did he?"
Dean sighs.
She looks upon her brother.
"I knew it! I knew it was because of him!"
"He thought it would distract me. He also thought it would make it harder for you to move on."
"Move on?" She questions softly and half laughs.
"Gee thanks dad." She sarcastically says.
"I'm sorry Bells."
"Why are you apologizing for him D? We were just kids."
"Because I still should have found a way to contact you after all these years; Jesus there wasn't a single day that went by that I didn't think of you kiddo."
Bella nods sadly.
"Same here."
Dean clears his throat again.
"So'd you really hit a boy?"
"Punched his face in." She shrugs.
"Nice…" He grins and high fives her.
Once pulls into the Harvelle bar parking lot she stares at the familiar truck.
"He's here?"
"Well yeah…" He says unsure of the look on her face.
She closes her eyes shaking her head.
"I don't even know what to say to him."
"He feels the same way about you."
"Please don't tell me you're defending him D!"
She looks to him bitterly.
"Of course not. But he's our father."
"Well I'm not about to start coloring pictures or buying any number one dad trophies anytime soon."
"Damn Bells."
"What?"
Dean sighs.
"You sound like me."
"Good. I'd rather be like you then him!"
She says and gets out of the car.
"Wait Bells."
He watches though as Bella rather grabs at her chest her face turning a bit red.
"Hey now breathe…" Dean pats her back concerned.
"It's just…"
"Just what."
"He wants to meet at the very place he ripped us apart?!"
Dean closes his eyes.
"I told him this was a bad idea."
Bella turns to Dean.
"Things I fear are about to get worse."
"What do you mean?"
But as Bella ask this she opens the bar doors and Dean flinches waiting for it. It's dark so Bella cuts on the lights.
"Surprise." They shout.
Bella jumps back and Dean breaks her fall. Jo, Ellen, Bobby, a few of the bar originals that were friends of the Harvelle's were there and of course John. She takes one look at John and dashes towards the bathroom locking herself inside. Bella buries her face into her knees feeling a full on anxiety attack hit. Dean shakes his head at his father. John sighs and takes a seat.
"I told you!" Dean snaps and he makes his way towards the ladies room.
He knocks on the door. But she doesn't answer. He can hear her though and his heart breaks.
Way to go John you horse's ass. He thinks and knocks once more. When she doesn't answer he helps himself inside by jamming the lock. Just something he picked up in hunting. He pauses seeing her rock back and forth in the corner of the bathroom. He shuts the door behind him. Dean doesn't say a word he simply sits down beside her and pulls her into his chest.
"Let it out. There's nothing wrong with that. If you want to hit me you can. Just not too hard I got one hell of a bruise on my left bicep."
He feels her laughing against him. He smiles but finds himself shedding a few tears himself. Dean wipes them away before she can see.
"Want me to tell them all to go to hell?"
She pulls away from him smiling.
"Would you?"
"Hell yeah I would."
Bella takes in a deep breath and rises. She washes her face off and dries off her face.
"Just don't leave me D."
"Never again." He says and holds up his hand for her to help him up.
She grins and takes it.
"Gotta put some muscle in it. I've been eating a lot of burgers."
"Yeah I was about to mention you're getting a bit tubby there D."
"Ha ha funny girl aren't you?"
Bella goes to open the door.
"Hey…" He softly says.
She turns back towards him.
"Give hell em hell sis."
She laughs and braves the birthday party awaiting her.
"You picked out the balloons didn't you?" She turns back towards Dean.
"Can't go wrong with black…"
John nods towards Bella. She slowly approaches him.
"Dad…" She says with a hint of quiver in her voice.
He nods and opens his arms to her. A mixture of emotions hit Bella. Part of her resented him hated him even. Yet the other part was happy to see him again. She accepts the embrace but it's not near as warm as her brother's.
"You're all grown up." John says looking her over.
"Yeah well 7 years dad."
"I know hun. I know." He kisses her forehead.
"You're not starting this party without me now." Bella turns with a smile as Jo walks in.
Jo comes up and hugs her.
"Heard you got in trouble again."
"That's my Bells." Dean says proudly.
Jo turns to him and blushes.
"So you're Dean?"
"Last time I checked."
"Damn…" Bella hears Jo mutter checking him out.
Bella playfully pops Jo on the arm.
"Sorry I know he's your brother…" She says but continues to gawk.
"Jesus Jo why don't you just go lick him." Bella whispers harshly.
"Maybe I will."
"Ew." Bella makes a face.
They both laugh as Jo forces herself to turn away from Dean. Dean smiles vainly however picking up some of that. He simply crosses his arm and shrugs. He however checks out Jo's ass as she walks away. His father nudges him.
"What?"
"I swear."
"I didn't do anything."
"Sure ya didn't."
Dean shrugs thinking Jo was a bit of a knock out herself.
"Um what is that?" Bella says looking towards something massive on one of the tables.
"That there is Bobby's famous armadillo cake."
"What?"
John pinches the bridge of his nose looking to Bobby.
"You didn't."
"What?" Bobby says drinking from his beer.
"You made my little girl a rodent birthday cake?"
Bobby shrugs.
Dean however couldn't help but to notice how Ellen and Jo were whispering back and forth behind the bar. Ellen looked as though she was about to lose her shit. She kept looking to Bella then to John.
"Mom!" Dean heard Jo say.
"Calm down."
"I'm trying sug I really am but that man has me all kinds of stirred up. I love that girl and now he's just gonna come and yank her away from us like it's fucking nothing! 7 years Jo! 7 years where was he!"
Dean knew things were going to get ugly tonight. He couldn't blame Jo or Ellen for being upset. He remembered all too well what it was like to have her ripped away like that. All he knew was he wasn't losing her not ever again.
They sang happy birthday and cut up the nasty looking grey armadillo cake that was made with red velvet and marshmallows. Then came time for Bella to open her gifts Jo and Dean both began to hand them out. Jo reached for the one in blue. It was Dean's and it was special. He runs his hands along Jo's and winks taking it from her hand.
"I got this one."
Jo smiled.
"By all means boss."
Dean held it behind his back as Bella opened her gifts. The first one from Bobby it was a vest and fishing hat Bella's size.
"The last time we went fishing I noticed you were a bit unprepared."
Bella smiles.
"Thanks Bobby."
He chuckles a bit. Ellen rolls her eyes and elbows Bobby.
"Hell Ellen…" He mutters.
"She's a teenage girl."
"And one hell of a fisher."
"Fishing is not a skill."
"Says the woman that couldn't catch a stick."
Ellen sighs and Bella opens Jo's gift. It was every Metallica cd Bella didn't own yet.
"Awesome I can add to my collection in my room."
Dean's heart dropped a bit at this. Her room? He hadn't thought about that for some reason. She had her own room… He wondered what it looked like. He couldn't believe how much Bella took after him. Metallica was one of his favorite bands. How was that possible after 7 years apart?
He found himself wanting to know more and more. Had her favorite color changed? What friends did she hang around? Did Bella have a boyfriend? He felt slightly nauseas on just how much he'd missed out. He began to feel rather jealous of Jo in the aspect of how much time she got with Bella. The 7 years he'd lost.
"You alright there?"
Dean clears his throat and nods as Jo makes her way beside him.
"Yep."
"You don't look it."
He shrugs as Bella opens Ellen's gift.
"It was a scrapbook of the last 7 years."
John noticed this and rather winced. Bella looked towards Ellen as Ellen forced a smile and nodded.
"I love it." Bella said with that lump dancing around in her throat.
Ellen turned away as soon as Bella wasn't looking. Bobby sighed and put his arm around her as she began to lose it. He led her out of the room Dean noticed. John remained still and stared upon Bella as she made her way to his gift. Dean hadn't a clue what his father had got Bella. He was curious though as Bella began to unwrap it.
"Oh no." He heard Jo mutter.
He looked to Jo oddly not seeing what it was at first. Bella scooted back in her chair and looked upon John as if he'd lost his mind. He narrowed his eyes. Dean pinched the bridge of his nose and flung the gift back away from her.
"What the hell son?" John snapped.
"Really?" Dean popped off.
John shrugged.
"You really are fucking clueless." Ellen mutters returning to see what the fuss was about.
"What the hell is everyone's problem? I thought you'd like it." He says looking back to Bella.
She says nothing just keeps eyeing the box.
"Oh come on. Don't you remember anything!" Dean says slamming the lid down on the box and shoving it back into his father's hands.
"The tooth fairy ring a bell."
"Oh come on that was years ago."
Dean gritted his teeth he wanted to punch the living hell out of his father.
"She had better get over that and quick in this field."
Dean shakes his head staring upon his father severely.
"She was five!"
"She's 13 now time to grow up and get over it!"
Jo couldn't believe her ears she takes Bella's hand leading her out of the area. She takes her outside. Bella hunches over catching her breath.
"Bella?"
"I'm fine just give me a moment."
"You're all red? Can you even breathe?"
"Please just give me a sec."
They turn towards the ruckus coming from the bar.
"Shit." Jo says running that way.
Bella takes in a breath and walks in. Ellen and John are fighting. Bobby's holding Dean back and Jo's rushing to console her mother. Bella shakes her head and backs away. She makes her way out of the bar and runs. Not even sure where she's going she just couldn't take anymore. She keeps running wishing it would all go away. She makes her way to the playground and hides in one of the tunnels. She lays down covering her face with her jacket. Bella closes her eyes and doesn't budge.
The sound of knocking against the tunnel startles her at first. Bella hears the sound of climbing and feet heading her way. She grumbles irritated. Someone pokes her on the head.
"GO AWAY!"
"Well ok guess that means you don't want my gift."
She removes the jacket from her face as he peers inside and places the box on her stomach.
"What is it?"
"Just open it will ya?"
He says crouching down beside her. He grins as she takes it out.
"Just like mine."
"You got me a knife?!"
"Not just any knife." He takes it from her hand and shows her the B engraved into it on the other side it had from D in small italics.
Dean pulls out his knife and shows her the D engraved into his. Bella slides out of the tunnel and reaches for the knife again.
"I love it."
She runs her hands along it.
"Easy Bells that's sharp as hell."
"Does this mean?"
Dean swallows once again trying to keep his cool.
"Yes Bells. You're coming with us."
He watches her reaction not sure what to make of it at first. She places the knife back in the box. Then without warning she crashes into him hugging the daylights out of him.
"I can't breathe." He says patting her on the head.
Bella drops her hands.
"He can be a real dick. He's thick as hell when it comes to any real emotions."
"But he's our dad." Bella finishes.
"That he is."
"Aren't we lucky?"
Dean laughs shaking his head.
"Might as well go break the bad news to everyone else."
Bella nods but Dean stops before they make their way to the car.
"Bella I want you to look at me for a moment and really think about this."
He puts a hand upon her shoulder.
"Is this truly what you want? To give it all up? Lose any sort of life you've built here? I have your back no matter your decision. If you wish to stay I'll make it happen."
"I hate school, I have no real friends and the only life I have revolves around Ellen, Jo and Bobby."
She looks down to the ground.
"But they don't make up for what I lost."
Dean was split down the middle at this point. This was what he wanted to hear right? But this was his kid sister. She was only 13 and a girl at that. He'd seen things far worse than the tooth fairy. He and John had almost died more than a hundred times. He also knew John was right once you're in your in that's it.
"I've seen and done thing Bells, things that change you."
Bella cuts him a look.
"Are you trying to push me away?!"
"Absolutely not but I want you to have the choice I didn't. I want you to be given the opportunity to say no, to live a normal teenage life Bella, to finish school, go to prom, date, even graduate one day. I never had that! All I know is this! You must understand everything you're saying goodbye too."
"I don't care about any of that stuff D! I want to be with you! I can do this. Why can't you believe that?!"
"I don't doubt that but on the same note Bells. What we do is dangerous. Our lives are at risk everyday. It's no longer about being split apart it's about survival."
"Such as biting the bullet?"
Dean grimaces at this but nods.
"Every day I had to wonder if you or dad died. I'd no way of knowing no phone calls, letters nothing. How do you think I felt D?!
She shoves him against the stomach.
"Good you should be mad at me!"
"But I'm not!" She literally cries.
"I thought I lost you! YOU BIG JERK!"
She hits him and Dean grabs at her wrists.
"You never lost me. I'm right here and you really need to learn how to hit better."
Bella pulls away from him her jaw dropping. Dean's eyes widen as she dead legs him.
"FUCK!"
"I can hit just fine!" She snaps and storms off towards the Impala.
"By the way you said a bad word." She smarts reminding him of when she was five.
Dean hobbles that way but with a smile. Once they get back things have calmed down are at least somewhat. Everyone sits down and all eyes are on her once her and Dean walk back in. John takes in a breath and makes his way over.
"Are you ready to go?"
Bella nods but looks upon the three that'd raised her for the past 7 years. She makes her way over to Ellen. Ellen embraces her tightly.
"God I'm gonna miss you sugar bug. I love you so much you know that."
Bella nods tearing up as well.
Ellen kisses her cheek and pulls back looking Bella in the eyes.
"You had not better forget about us. You better call! Or I'll find you and give you the biggest ass busting of your life."
Bella smiles.
"And I'll hold ya down as she does it kid." Bobby adds.
Bobby had become like an uncle to Bella. He was stern like John but once he let you in to Bobby you were gold. Bobby had grown quite fond of Bella begun to think of her like a daughter. He knew he'd always look out for her. He and John had been in the hunting business for quite some time. One look upon John was all it took and John understood. Bobby would be there around the clock if need be. They shared a silent nod as Bobby hugged Bella.
Then came Jo…
Jo took Bella's hand and led her away from everyone else.
"I'll help you pack." Jo said and drove her to the house.
Jo and Bella stood upon the room that once was decked out in the one thing Bella feared most. But now it was much like Jo's room. Ellen often referred to Bella's room as the Vortex II. Jo and Bella share a smile and began to take things down from the walls and packed anything they knew would fit into John's and Dean's vehicles.
"Anything else mom said we'd have shipped for you."
Jo picked up a picture of her and Bella at Christmas.
"It's not going to be the same you know. I always wanted a sister."
Bella nods looking back towards the picture Jo's holding.
"We can still have that." Bella says as Jo places the picture in a suitcase with some of Bella's clothes.
"I'd expect no less."
Once the room is pretty much bare. They turn to each other.
"You're sure this is what you want?" Jo questions.
Bella nods. Jo sighs.
"You're certainly braver than I'll ever be. If I were you I'd runaway and hide where I couldn't be found again."
Bella shrugs.
"Just between us girls though. It's because of him isn't it?"
Jo watches Bella's reaction.
"Yes."
Jo presses her lips together and nods.
"He must've had quite an impact on you."
They hear the clearing of a throat and John's standing in the doorway.
"You about ready kiddo?"
Bella nods looking to Jo.
"Come here brat." Jo teases and hugs her close.
"I'm gonna miss you."
"I'll miss you too Jo."
"Just do us all one big gigantic favor…" Jo says but with a serious tone.
Bella looks upon her waiting for it.
"Don't get yourself killed."
Dean walks in at that point and looks around.
"So this is the throne room?" He taunts and starts to grab her things.
"Leaving your posters?" Dean questions eyeing the ACDC one.
"Giving them to Jo."
He nods and winks at Jo as he exits the room.
John and Dean get Bella's things all packed. Once Bella walks outside everyone's waiting.
"Who ya riding with?" John asks.
Bella smiles looking upon her brother Dean has a good laugh.
"I saw that one coming…"