More than a Memory

Chapter 3: Finding Answers

Mary sighed and touched Dean's arm gently, "Castiel didn't mention anything. For once, his face wasn't composed and I caught it. I shouldn't have prodded, but I did. He wouldn't tell me anythin', but I figured beer and pie would help me help my son."

Dean chuckled and shook his head, "Ya found my weakness, Mom." Despite himself, he could find his anger melting away inside of him. However, the guilt remained. He was defiantly very happy to have his mom back in his life. It felt nice to not have to fight so hard to protect his little brother. It felt nice to not feel as alone in this world.

Mary continued to smile as she pulled her hand back. "So, what happened this time?"

Dean picked up his plate and ate another piece, almost moaning with the pleasure and taste of the pie. It had been a whole lot than he realized without eating pie. He tried to change the subject by asking, "Didja make this?"

Mary's smile faded, knowing that trick of dodging a subject all too well. That seemed to be a Winchester thing. "Yes, but that doesn't answer my question." Her voice was stern and hard. She wouldn't let Dean wallow in self-pity. She was told during one of many talks with Sam that Dean was very good at doing that.

Dean tried to shovel more of the pie into his mouth, acting very juvenile, but he didn't care. Castiel really hadn't shown much of a reaction to finding out Dean was a father. Then again, Dean didn't give him much of a chance to, turning it to be all about him. He let the plate sink to his lap as his selfishness washed over him. He looked up at his mom, his green eyes meeting her blue ones and he felt more guilt wash over himself as he softly asked, "Am I really this selfish?"

She sat back in her chair and looked him over, noticing how rigid his back had become. In the short time that she had known her son, selfish was not one of the words she would have used to describe him. She wrinkled her brows and asked, "Honey, what do ya mean?"

Dean set the plate on the desk, suddenly loosing his appetite. He looked down at his callused hands and sighed. He really didn't want to explain to his mother that she was a grandmother, but she would never get the chance to meet her grandson. His heart sank even further in his stomach as he continued to think on this. He felt tears stinging at his eyes and he fought to keep them back. He swallowed hard and crossed his arms. He looked up at is mom and softly whispered, "You have a grandson." He felt tears running down his cheeks as he watched all the color drain from her face and her mouth gape.

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Ben had finally gotten on the road a little after 5. The sun was still high in the sky and felt good on his arm that was resting on the open windowsill of the truck. He had put on his aviator sunglasses and lit a smoke once he was off of school grounds. He had stopped once so far, to get a cherry Pepsi and a new pack of cheap smokes. His tape player was being used, an auxiliary chord sticking out so he could listen to music on his phone. "Owner of a Lonely Heart" by Yes was currently playing as he sped down a back road. He chose to take the backs so he wouldn't run into as much traffic, could appreciate the scenery and most importantly, go the speed he felt like without worrying about being pulled over. He continued this until he got closer to the salvage yard.

Around 3 am, Ben grew too tired to drive, so he pulled off the side of road and parked the truck for the night. It was warm enough in this part of the country in May for him to sleep in the back seat of his truck, pulling a light blanket over himself. He had stopped at an all night diner a few hours ago for a bacon cheeseburger and fries, wishing he was of age to have a beer to go with his food. He almost reached for one as he climbed into the back seat, but he would save them for another time. He had enough money with him for a cheap motel room, but why spend it when he could sleep somewhere for free. It didn't take him long to fall asleep, the combination of the day and the fresh air making him very sleepy.