𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇

APRIL 2003

The Chain // Fleetwood Mac

IT'S MY TURN NOW

April 2003

CAMPBELL GRACE and Dean had just completed another one of John's miscellaneous hunts. A simple, yet successful, salt and burn; nothing the two couldn't handle. To celebrate, Dean had suggested burgers and shakes at the only local diner open at 2 am; a classic Winchester move. They picked the corner booth, per Campbell's usual request, and had ordered their food within minutes. It's a tradition they've kept up since Sam left, and one that Campbell knows will be stained with the memory of what she's about to reveal. 

Campbell couldn't help but bounce her leg in anticipation. Should she just come right out and tell him, or should she slide him the letter and let him read it himself? How was she going to tell Dean, her best friend, that she was leaving?

The huntress was quickly withdrawn from her mind as Dean returned from the bathroom. "Alright kiddo, what's got you so worked up?" Dean clapped and rubbed his hands together as he took a seat.

"What?" Campbell stopped her leg, "I'm fine."

"Campbell Grace Winchester, I know you like the back of my hand. I raised you. What's got you so worked up?" Dean deadpanned.

"Dean... You know I love you right?"

Dean raised an eyebrow before his face drained of color, "oh my god. You're pregnant. Damnit, Campbell Grace! Who's the father? I'll rip his lungs ou-"

"Dean!" Campbell stopped her brother before he could fully explode. "I'm not pregnant, you idiot."

"Elle, what're you about to tell me?"

"I got this in the mail the other day," Campbell trailed off as she slid the letter across the table.

Dear Ms. Campbell Grace Winchester,

Congratulations! On behalf of myself and the rest of our admissions team here at the University of Southern California, we are pleased to offer you a place in our incoming freshmen class.

Dean's face fell as he finished the second sentence, and instead of finishing the letter, he looked up at Campbell. She did her best to hide her emotions, but Dean could see the tears brewing in her hazel orbs.

"It's my acceptance letter ... I have a full ride and everything. I just don't know," Campbell blabbered.

"Oh, Campbell Grace," Dean trailed.

Dean never called her that. Dean never called Campbell by her full first name; not unless he was incredibly pissed or being sarcastic. This was huge, and Dean's feelings were the only things standing in between Campbell and her freedom.

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what to do," Campbell offered.

"CG, I don't know what you want me to say."

"It's my whole future on a silver plate. I just don't want to leave knowing you hate me. I- I don't want to leave like Sam did." 

"I could never hate you, Campbell. You should know that."

"I know, I know ... but I just don't know what to do."

"Well, I do."

☾

It's been a few weeks since Campbell and Dean's conversation, but not a minute has gone by that they both haven't thought about it. Now here they are, crammed into a motel room with their father, Campbell spilling her guts. 

"And so," Campbell Grace paused to stop herself from continuing her rambling, "here's this." The blonde extended her arm with the envelope in hand, gesturing for her father to take it.

John skimmed it over while muttering to himself. Campbell and Dean held their breath waiting for his inevitable explosion.

"Southern Cal, huh?" John grunted, dropping the packet onto the table.

Campbell nodded her head, "yes, sir."

"Damn shame. You are a damn shame, Campbell Grace."

The scary thing was, John wasn't screaming like the two had expected him to. No, this was silent rage. He was eerily calm and collected, but Campbell could feel the rage seeping into the atmosphere. This time his voice was barely above a whisper. That's what scared Campbell and Dean — John wasn't exploding.

"Dad, come on," Dean pleaded.

"Did you know about this?" John interrupted him.

Campbell looked at her brother and shook her head no.

"No, sir," Dean whispered, "but it's what's best for Campbell. It- it's what mom would've wanted."

John flung his arm up to silence his eldest child. "Out!" He finally shouted, not making eye contact with neither Campbell Grace or Dean. "Out of this room! Out of this goddamn family, you hear me? Out!"

Campbell's eyes were now brimming with tears, but she couldn't let them fall. She couldn't let Dean see her like this, he would just convince her to stay.

"Out!" John shouted again, causing both of his children to jump.

This time Dean turned to Campbell, a look of fear spread across his face. They both knew if Campbell didn't leave now, she wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon.

After pulling herself together and gathering her bag, Campbell Grace made her way towards the door. As she reached for the knob she paused and turned, "I'm sorry, Dean," she whispered.

Dean couldn't help but let his first tear fall. He nodded, unable to respond for fear of his voice failing him. Campbell Grace threw the door open and then slammed it shut.

That was the last time Campbell Grace would see or hear from Dean in 2 years.