Snippets Fifty: The Road to Bobby's

Dean awoke late in the afternoon to the movement of a vehicle.  For one moment he didn’t know where he was.  He saw his brother sitting on the rear seat next to him without his car seat.  Confusion crossed his young face for a moment and the memory returned. 

Panic ensued as he sat up with a jerk and looked for his father.  Cas turned around and saw the fear in the young eyes.  He reached back and touched the tousled hair sending a feeling of peace through the boy.

Bobby looked in the review mirror.

“Afternoon, Son.  It’s about 4:00.  You hungry?”

A rumble erupted in Dean’s midsection and the child smiled. 

Bobby smiled and pulled into a  Denny’s.  He got out, opened the rear door and picked up Sam, noting the panic on Dean’s face.

“It’s all right, Boy.  You called me.  Remember?”

Swallowing hard, Dean nodded.

They got a seat and ordered a large meal.  Bobby watched Dean eat a small steak, mashed potatoes, and a vegetable that he wrinkled his nose at.  Bobby pointed to it and asked him to try it.  The boy made faces as he chewed it.

Sam was talking to his brother about the drive.  Some of it was understandable.  He watched the older boy listen and respond to the little boy.  Sam was covered with food.  His brother wiped the food from the smiling face. 

“Dean?” Bobby questioned.

“Sir?”

“Apple or peach?”

“Apple,” the soft voice replied with a tremor.

“You’re safe with me, Son.”

Hazel eyes met his.

“I know Unca Bobby. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Boy.  Enjoy your pie.”

For a second, a smile that would attract women from miles around flashed across the face, and Dean Winchester relaxed.