Author's note. Sorry for the delay and lack luster chapter. I have been battling a migraine for an entire week. More transitions and Easter eggs ahead.
Dean honked the horn twice.
Kate stomped out of the house. "I'm coming!"
"You are going to be walking if you don't get in the car." Dean shot back.
Kate fell into the backseat and shut the door.
"Hey, easy on her doors." Dean grumbled.
Taylor bounced his legs nervously. He felt more anxious about starting school since everybody knew him before 'the ordeal.'
Dean drove toward the middle school. "Both of you just chill. Kate, you have Ellie and it is not going to be any worse than last year. Keep your head down and do not throw any books. Taylor, I am going to talk to the front office and you just go on about your day like you usually do."
Kate rolled her eyes. "Great pep talk."
Dean sent her a glare.
Both kids were silent the entire drive to school. Kate as grumpy and Taylor was feeling exposed.
Dean understood the moods. He never liked school. He parked the car and got out with the kids. "I'll pick you up this afternoon too."
Kate gave him a quick hug and ran off.
Taylor shifted awkwardly.
Dean extended his fist and bumped it against Taylor's.
That made Taylor smile and gave him the confidence to approach his old friend group.
Dean made his way to the front office and spotted the receptionist.
"How can I help you?" Ms. Ray asked.
"I was hoping that I could talk to someone about one of the students." Dean said.
"Are you a parent or guardian?" She asked.
Dean smirked. "I guess I'm a guardian."
Ms. Ray smiled back. "What is the issue?"
"Taylor came in here with Bobby the other day." He said.
"Ah yes." She shut the door to the office and offered Dean a chair.
"Do you know anything about what happened to his family?" Dean asked.
Ms. Ray had heard a little but was dying to know more. "He lost his mother in that awful explosion."
"His father was responsible for that. Taylor has taken it incredibly hard. He found out that Craig wasn't his real father a few days before that happened. As a means to healing, Taylor has requested that his last name be changed. That paperwork is in the works but we wont have it available today. I was wondering if his last name could be changed, unofficially, until we get those papers. The tragedy is still fresh and he expressed concern." Dean played on the woman's sympathies.
Ms. Ray frowned. "Yes, of course. It will stay the same in the system but I can add it in like a nickname."
Dean gave her a smile. "Thank you so much."
Ms. Ray quickly made the change and took the note to Taylor's home room teacher so that she would know before she did roll call.
Dean had been tasked with sweet talking her into doing the name change. Bobby swore he had a way of charming people like her. He thanked her again when she returned to the office. "Oh, he and Kate both have appointments this afternoon so you will have those new records tomorrow morning."
Ms. Ray gave him a warm smile. "Thank you. You just let me know if there is anything else I can do."
Dean left the school and went to Lacy's. He knocked on the door and picked her up in a hug as soon as she opened it.
"Missed me?" Lacy asked.
Dean simply kissed her and put her back on her feet. "I am sorry. I've been busy."
Lacy took his hand and pulled him toward the sofa. "Can you tell me about it?"
Dean sighed. "Well I just got back from dropping Sam off at school. Before that, Taylor's family fell apart and you know how that all ended."
Lacy walked around the sofa and leaned over the back. She kneaded his shoulders and neck with her fingers. "Are things okay now?"
Dean sighed deeply as she worked the stiff muscles. "There is still a lot going on but both of the kids started school today."
Lacy ran her hand from his neck down the front of his shirt. "So I guess today would be a good day to get rid of all that stress you have built up."
Dean swallowed hard. "How do you suggest I do that?"
Lacy walked around the sofa and slowly backed away from him. "Come with me and find out."
Dean bailed off the sofa and slid after her. Thank god for school.
John felt the headache coming on and tossed a couple pills in his mouth. He was midway through another book of mind-numbing information. He didn't care how many cows farmer Brown got for a trade. He wanted to know who Isaiah was and why he took in a woman and two babies. He got a call to help another hunter and put the research to the side for the day.
Taylor picked out a seat next to Nate in his home room. School wasn't new for him but he still felt anxious. He missed the first time his teacher said his name.
"Taylor Harvelle?" The teacher repeated.
He sat forward. "Here, ma'am."
The teacher marked him as present and continued down the list of names.
Nate gave him a confused look. "Taylor Harvelle?"
"I'll tell you later." Taylor said. The name felt good to hear but it did come with questions from his friends.
Kate was bored with school and it had just started. She wanted to get to recess so she could shut her brain off. She felt on edge and was just waiting for someone to say something they shouldn't.
Ellie tried to ask Kate about Taylor but quickly learned that Kate didn't want to talk. It hurt a little that they had become best friends. Ellie felt left out.
Kate thought the first week of school was annoying. She didn't want to talk about her summer or write a poem about her favorite place she visited. She wanted to be on the road with Dean, kicking monster butt. She didn't mind research because it was a means to an end. She could use basic math but the history they taught in school was useless.
The bell rang to bring an end to the first class of the day. The halls filled with kids as they headed toward the next class.
Nate stopped Taylor. "Okay, what is up with the name?"
Taylor sighed. "I found out that Craig wasn't my real dad. Even if he was, he killed my mom and I don't want to use that name."
"So who is Harvelle?" Nate asked.
The hallway started to clear and Taylor knew the second bell would ring soon. "I will tell you at lunch, okay?"
Kate was relieved when the lunch bell sounded. Her brain was overloaded with things she didn't care about. She still wanted to know more about her family and why she and Taylor had a Grigori. School was going to take up too much time. She was mentally planning her schedule when she bumped into Taylor.
"Hey, earth to Kate." Taylor said.
Kate rubbed her face. "What?"
"I was asking how the day has been so far." Taylor said.
"It is fine. Has anyone given you issues?" Kate asked.
"Nate asked what was up with my name but nothing else. You look a little on edge."
Kate rolled her eyes. "I don't want to be here."
Taylor gave her a smirk. "Halfway through the day, you'll make it." He saw Nate waving and excused himself.
"So, Harvelle, tell me what is going on." Nate said.
Taylor got a lunch tray and decided what information he was willing to divulge. "Craig was an abusive dick. My bio dad's last name was Harvelle so I'm going by that now."
Nate shrugged. "Okay."
Ellie had more questions. "Why is Taylor staying with you? Why did he change his name? Did his dad really kill his mom? Where was he when his house exploded?"
Kate shoved her tray away from herself. "It is a long story. He doesn't want to use a murderer's last name, yes and he was fishing with my brother." She managed to get Ellie's mind off of Taylor but lunch was mind numbing.
Dean enjoyed his day with Lacy. He got to shut his mind off and just give in to what he wanted. He still felt guilty though. "I am going to be traveling more."
"Where are you going?" Lacy asked.
Dean sighed. "Family business. With Kate in school, I will be helping my dad more."
Lacy rested her head on him. "I'll be here when you get back."
Dean kissed the top of her head. That wasn't fair to her but he wasn't going to argue.
Kate went to go to her normal spot on the playground but there were too many people. She looked around for a quiet spot and quickly became frustrated. She picked up a ball and tossed it against the building. It bounced back so she tossed it against the wall again. She couldn't find peace and quiet but she could choose something to keep her mind busy.
Taylor fell right back into his friend group. They asked questions and there was some tension but over all his day wasn't going badly. He could fee the angst radiating from Kate and that did worry him. He walked over to her. "Are you doing okay?"
"Yeah, I'm great. Today is so much fun and I'd rather be nowhere else than here throwing a stupid ball against a stupid wall instead of actually doing something important." Kate said, dripping with sarcasm.
"The day is almost over. Maybe we can get something to eat after school." Taylor said.
"We have the stupid doctor's appointment after school." Kate grumped.
"Okay, so we can go after that."
"I just want to go home! By the time we get home I will have no time to do anything besides sleep and do school work. How are we supposed to find out what is happening to us if we are stuck at this stupid place all day?" Kate grumbled.
Taylor studied her. He chose his words wisely. "We will get into the swing of things. You have been in a mood since Dean got home. I know you are mad about not going on that hunt. I even get why you are upset about school. I want to ask a question and I would really prefer you didn't snap at me."
Kate rolled her eyes. "What?"
"Are you going to be able to drop... this... whole mood when we get picked up?" Taylor asked.
Kate glared at him. "What kind of stupid question is that?"
"Look, you are my best friend and I don't like seeing you in hot water. It makes me feel anxious. Dean is pretty chill most of the time. Did you notice the look he was giving you this morning?" Taylor said.
"Oh his, pretending to be John, grumpy glare?" Kate asked.
Taylor swallowed hard. "I mean the counting to 10 in his head because we were already running late for school and he didn't have time to talk to you glare."
Kate kicked the wall. "Same one. What about it?"
"I can feel the tension and, as a friend, I am trying to warn you, or to convince you to ease up. I want to leave here, relax, do the appointment and clear my head when we get home." Taylor explained.
"You don't want me to fuck up your evening." Kate said.
Taylor's eyes got big. "Shhh, don't say that."
"Are you a nark now?" Kate asked.
Taylor threw his hands up. "You know what? I am only trying to help. I will spar with you or whatever but you are on your own if you want to act like that."
Kate rolled her eyes again. "Once we get out of here, I will be happy."
Taylor backed away. "Suit yourself."
Kate threw the ball against the wall as Taylor walked away. She knew he was right. She had been pushing buttons for a day or two and she just felt angsty. When the bell chimed to signal the end of recess, Kate felt the angst returning. She did take a moment to explain to Ellie that she was in a bad mood and wasn't mad at her. "I am frustrated. If I snap, I'm sorry."
Ellie hugged her. "It is okay. I'm just glad you are okay."
Kate bit her tongue. She was far from okay. She hadn't heard from her Grigori, even though she had called out to him. She wanted more answers but her prayers fell on deaf ears. The last two classes of the day went by so slowly that she thought she might be in some warped version of hell for kids. Forget hellhounds and fire, English and a monotone teacher were the new hell.
Taylor had taken to chewing on his pencil. He probably picked up the habit from Kate. He hated conflict and Kate seemed to run straight for it. He could see a third world war brewing and felt helpless to stop it. Maybe he could warn Dean since warning Kate backfired. When the final bell rang he darted from the building. Dean was already in the parking lot so he made a beeline to the car.
Dean looked up and saw Taylor walking quickly toward him. He wondered if something had happened to Kate. "Hey, Taylor." He said.
Taylor looked behind him like he was expecting a creature to pounce. "Kate has been in a really bad mood. You know that. She is grumpy and school is making it worse. I don't want you two to fight. I want to have a nice day and go home and everyone be happy. If she is still in a crap mood can you give her some grace?" Taylor spat out.
Dean blinked a few times. "So if she comes out here with an attitude, you want me to let it go?"
Taylor shook his head. "I mean, just don't take the bait."
Dean laughed. "Thanks for the heads up."
Taylor saw Kate walking out of the school and got into the car and shut the door.
Dean rubbed his face. Hurricane Kate was at a cat 3 and gaining strength. He didn't blame Taylor for seeking cover. Don't take the bait. "Hey, Katie."
Kate walked by him and got into the backseat.
Dean took a deep breath and got back into the car. Don't take the bait. He drove to the clinic without speaking to either kid. He wanted to ask how their day was but Taylor was trying to become one with the window and Kate had her hackles up. He turned the car off. "Taylor, can you go in and check you two in?"
Taylor didn't even answer, he just bailed out of the car and went inside the building.
Kate went to get out as well.
"Wait." Dean said.
Kate gritted her teeth and shut the door again.
"What ever is wrong... you can talk to me about it. Okay? You can choose when but I will even give you 2 minutes to say what you want." Dean offered.
Kate shrugged. "I'm just tired."
Dean didn't push her. He got out of the car and waited for her so they could walk inside.
"Hey, Dean. I told them we are here but they need an adult's signature." Taylor said.
Dean smirked. "We are in luck, I happen to be one." He sent the kids to the chairs and turned to the receptionist. "I have papers if you need them. Taylor's living situation has changed and I've been given permission to sign stuff for him. If there is a big medical decision, that will be deferred to his maternal grandmother."
The receptionist was impressed by how Dean carried himself. He seemed young but he came prepared. "I will need them each to fil out these forms and you can bring them back up here or hand them to the nurse when you go back."
Dean took the two clipboards. "Thank you, ma'am." He turned and noticed that Kate was sitting away from Taylor. Don't take the bait. He looked between them. Should he sit with Taylor, who was less likely to piss him off or sit with Kate because she would get pissed off if he chose wrong. He made eye contact with Taylor.
Taylor realized what Dean's problem was and stood up. He walked over to Kate but sat on the other side of Dean.
"Here, each of you need to fill this out." He said and handed them each their respective papers.
Taylor had seen the form so many times that he had his answers memorized. He got to the part about mental health and paused. Should he answer honestly? They'd know about what happened to his mom so it was expected that he would be sad and depressed. So, not answering could seem suspicious. If he answered truthfully, would they try to hold him somewhere?
Dean looked down at Taylor's paper. "Just answer somewhere in the middle."
Taylor wondered how he knew exactly what his issue was. "Thanks."
Kate had done enough paperwork at school and this new set made her want to scream.
Dean glanced at her from the corner of his eye. Why did they ask woman questions for a kids' physical? He looked back over to Taylor and snapped his head back toward Kate. Oh god. She was too young for that. He got up and wiped his sweaty hands on his pants. He found the courage to talk to the receptionist again. "Ma'am?"
The receptionist looked up and smiled. "What can I help you with?"
"I had a question. Oh, maybe I shouldn't ask you." He said and started to walk away. He shoved his hands in his pockets and turned back around. "You know when a girl.. when she.. they get to a certain age and.."
The receptionist grinned. "Become a woman?"
Dean nodded but grimaced. "Uh... when exactly is that supposed to happen? Uh.. you know.. age."
She stood up and got a look at Kate who was still working on her questionnaire. She whispered. "Sweetie, they can do that anywhere from age 8 to 15."
Dean paled. "That soon?"
"Are you worried, honey?" The receptionist asked.
"No... no not worried. I just.. well she has been grouchy the past few days and I didn't even think of that until I saw it on the paper and could that be it? Should I ask her about it?" Dean asked.
The receptionist tried not to laugh. "Do not go ask that young lady if she is moody because she's on the rag."
Dean turned a few shades of red. "No... I.. I wasn't."
"The nurse can talk to her and to you, separately. It isn't a big deal at all. You acting like you are about to faint is going to do more harm than good." She said.
Dean thanked her and sat back down. He was uncomfortable with the subject but it wasn't foreign enough to make him squeamish. Ada said that when girls became women, they got their full set of abilities. That was what worried him. She wasn't ready for that. She was still impulsive and emotional. He wasn't ready for it. Nobody was ready for it.
A nurse came out and called Taylor's name. "It is up to you but if you all want to go back together, that is an option."
Taylor looked at Dean and shrugged.
Dean wasn't sure if he needed to be in the room but he wasn't about to leave Kate unattended. "Sure."
Kate followed them. She just wanted to get it over with and get home.
The nurse got their height and weight and then showed them to a room. "The doctor will be in momentarily."
While they waited, Dean sent Lacy a message asking her to get the stuff Kate would need at first.
Lacy read the message and giggled. "You wimp."
"Hey, she will be less embarrassed if it comes from you." He countered
The doctor entered the room and conducted the appointment rather quickly. There were no hiccups and they got out of there soon enough that Kate didn't lose her patience.
"Stay behind and use the bathroom." Dean whispered to Taylor and walked outside with Kate. Once they were in the car he cleared his throat. "There is an issue that I want to bring up."
Kate rolled her eyes. "What?"
Don't take the bait. "You are at that age where you may be going through some major changes."
Kate stopped him. "Oh my god, Dean. Stop. I don't want to talk about that with you."
Dean swallowed. "I am not trying to embarrass you. I can tell you that you can talk about it if you want or if you need something... that isn't the issue. Ada said that you would get your abilities when you became a woman. I didn't realize that could be so soon."
Kate sat back in the seat. "Oh..."
"Yeah, oh. If something happens I need you to let me know. We need to be on top of this." Dean said.
Kate sighed. "I feel fine."
"Okay, just... even if you just message Lacy. I promise that I will not humiliate you over something like that."
Kate covered her face. "I understand your concern and that it will be important to keep you in the loop. Can we stop talking about it now?"
Dean let out a breath. "Yes!"
Taylor walked slowly to the car.
Dean looked up and waved his hand to let him know it was safe.
Taylor picked up the pace and took his spot in the front seat.
"So, how was school?" Dean asked.
Taylor braced himself.
"School is stupid! All we did today was share how our summer went. I could learn 10 times the amount of stuff in half the time if you let me do homeschool. The day is nearly over and I have done nothing worthwhile." Kate spat.
Dean cranked the car. "How was your day, Taylor?"
Taylor drummed his fingers on the seat. "It was good. A few people asked questions but I think most people have parents who told them not to bug me about it."
Kate crossed her arms and leaned her head back.
Dean looked at Taylor and mouthed the word. "Diner?"
Taylor shook his head slowly.
Dean drove back to Bobby's. He made small talk with Taylor and wished for someone to delegate to.
Kate got out of the car as soon as it was parked. She dropped her backpack beside the door and went to her room.
"Did you have any problems with your name?" Dean asked as he grabbed a snack.
"No. One teacher who has known me for a few years used the old one but corrected himself." Taylor said.
"How about kids?"
"Nate wanted to know why I chose Harvelle. I am sure they are talking behind my back but no one grilled me to my face." Taylor said.
Dean sat down and ate his snack. "Dad and Missouri got a new lead but we aren't sure what it means yet."
Taylor sat down. "Really? Anything is helpful. Did they say what it was?"
"Old ship manifests and artifacts. If they can pinpoint Isaiah, we might be able to find additional leads from there." Dean said.
"Wow. Some days I forget what we are supposed to be looking for." Taylor admitted.
"If you want to take a break, that is fine. As long as you aren't having physical changes, we can take it slow." Dean said.
Taylor gave Dean some papers. "Can you look at these? It is just normal back to school stuff."
Dean nodded. He looked at his watch. "You both need to run today. I am going to pull my car into the shop to work on it. I can look at these when I get Kate's too."
Taylor shifted. "Do I need to tell Kate we need to run?"
"Please. If she gives you any issues just let me know."
Taylor sighed and went up to Kate's room. "Hey, Katie. We need to do our daily run."
Kate shot him a glare. "I'm too tired."
"Come on, we can get it over with and be done for the day." Taylor pleaded. "Dean told me to so we have to."
Kate growled loudly and got up. "Fine, let's do the stupid run." She stomped down the stairs and stopped in the hallway. "You know what? It is too hot. I am not doing it today."
Taylor swallowed. "It is just one lap. It is an order."
"If Dean wants us to run so bad he can run too." Kate said.
"He is going to work on Baby." Taylor said.
"Of course. He gets to sit on his butt in the shade and expects us to run." Kate grumped.
"Katie, just come on." He said through his teeth.
"No!" Kate said.
"All we have to do is run one lap. If Dean finds out you are refusing he will add on laps." Taylor reasoned with her.
Kate growled in frustration. "Well Dean can shove it."
"Kate, shh." Taylor said with wide eyes.
"Don't tell me to hush. Dean is acting like John and just gives out orders. We have been at school all damn day and I am tired. Screw Dean!" Kate said, loudly.
Taylor sucked in a breath of air and held it.
Kate heard a chair in the kitchen scoot across the floor and felt her blood run cold. "Is Bobby home?"
Taylor shook his head slowly.
"You said Dean was working on baby." Kate hissed.
"He said I was going to." Dean said.
Kate spun around and backed her way down the hallway. "I didn't know you were inside."
"It doesn't matter where I am. If I tell you to do something you do it. You don't take it out on Taylor. If you disagree you come to me and talk to me." Dean said, evenly.
"I was just venting. I am tired." Kate said as she bumped into Taylor.
Taylor squeaked from holding his breath, afraid to let it go.
"Taylor was worried about you and asked me to understand your point of view. I decided not to take the bate and try to reason with you." Dean said.
"Okay, so I can go run now?" Kate asked.
"Oh no. You are going to march yourself right back to your room." Dean said.
Kate stomped her foot. "Why? I am down here, my shoes are on. You wanted me to run and now you don't."
Don't take the bait. "You and I are going to talk."
"I don't want to talk." Kate said. "I need to run first so my head is clear."
Dean took a step toward her. "Katelyn."
"Dean." Kate said.
"Amelia." Dean said in a lower voice.
"Eric?" Kate asked, sarcastically.
Taylor nudged her. "Are you kidding me?"
"Do you want to play the name game too?" Kate asked with a smirk.
Taylor gritted his teeth. "I tried to help you when we were at the school. I told you where this was headed. Do you not see how badly this ends?"
Kate rolled her eyes. "Not all of us are perfect, Taylor."
"I'm not perfect. I just don't purposefully make people mad." Taylor shot back.
"I am freaking tired. You are the one that bothered me. I was resting." Kate said.
"That is enough." Dean ground out.
Kate crossed her arms. "You hated school so I don't know why you are in a twist about me hating it."
"It is your attitude and I know it isn't about school." Dean said.
"Then what is it, oh wise one?" Kate said.
"Taylor, you may run or you can go hang out in the shop." Dean said.
Kate grabbed Taylor's arm. "No. If he goes I go."
"Kate, unless you want Taylor to witness this, you are going to let him go." Dean said.
"That is your solution for everything. God forbid I have an opinion about anything." Kate said.
Taylor pulled his arm away and left as quickly as he could. He did try to warn her.
Kate's mouth dropped open. "Coward."
Dean closed the gap and grabbed her arm. "What is your problem?"
Kate tried to pull back. "I told you I am tired!"
"You are acting like you did when you absorbed the demons." Dean said.
Kate stopped pulling and glared at Dean. She ground out a reply before her brain caught up with her mouth.
Dean closed his eyes and counted in his head. When had she started using that word? He slowly opened his eyes again and was met with a defiant glare. Screw it. Bait taken.
Note: Oh Kate, what have you done this time? What could be causing her defiance?