Born in Blood

Chapter 13

Leah's POV

Two Months Later

I'be been living with my dad for two months at this point, but honestly I rarely see him or my uncle. They're constantly going on hunts and won't let me tag along so I'm always stuck at the house with Bobby. I don't really mind though. The thought of going on a hunt actually terrifies me. I'm still plagued by nightmares of my time with the vampires. When Dean had explained to me what they really were I was awestruck so I've been spending a lot of time reading all the books Bobby has and doing research on the supernatural. I never would have guessed that all the creatures I thought were just stories were actually real. It freaks me out.

And it turns out Bobby's not so bad. I've been spending more time with him than my dad since he's always gone so we've gotten fairly close. He's still gruff and rough around the edges but he's kind of become the grandpa I've always wanted. I don't think I have the guts to say that to his face though.

I stretched out on the sofa and continued to read my book. I was researching skin-walkers this time. The guys had all told me about their previous run-ins with the monsters and they seemed pretty devious. I bit my lip and inwardly groaned. I was so bored.
There wasn't a TV here so that was out of the question. All I could ever do was read.
Bobby's old laptop was slower than molasses. Sam let me use his when he was home but that was hardly ever. I didn't even have a phone any more after Dead had made me get rid of my old one. I would have even been happy with doing schoolwork but that still hadn't been settled. They agreed it was too dangerous to enroll me in public school right now but none of the guys were equipped to homeschool. Except my uncle. But as I said before they were hardly ever home.

I shut the book and laid it on the floor, not bothering to mark my place. I still couldn't believe it had been two months. My medication was running low and my inhaler had been emptied ages ago. I was just lucky I hadn't had an attack. My dad constantly seemed like he was on edge so I hadn't told him yet. I wasn't sure there was anything they could do anyway considering I was supposed to be dead or missing according to records or whatever at this point. But a quick pain in my chest reminded me it would be bad if I was to run out. Maybe I could ask for a refill for my birthday? I laughed at myself. That was silly.

My birthday was in two days. I would finally be 14. I wasn't sure they remembered though. Everyone stayed so busy and it hardly ever got brought up. They didn't seem to be the kind to celebrate anyway. I didn't really mind. Thinking of my birthday just made me think about my mom and my friends back home.
I didn't want to think about them. It just made my chest hurt.

A sudden bang made me sit up, startled, but it was just Bobby coming in from ousting. He had grease smeared across his face and a layer of sweat that glistened even in the low light. He must have been working on one of the pieces of junk outside. He wiped his hands on his jeans and looked over to me for a moment before heading into the kitchen to get some water.

"Sam just called. Him and Dean should be home by tonight sometime."

"Oh. That's good." was all I said in reply. I think Bobby could tell things were still kind of awkward between me and Dean. I hadn't called him dad yet. Not to his face...and I wasn't sure if I ever would. Or rather could. I didn't think he'd like it. Every time he was around me I could practically feel the tension and the stress. I often wondered if he took so many jobs so that he could avoid me. I thought it was pretty obvious he regretted taking me in but I was just glad he didn't throw me out. I felt safe with them and despite Bobby being a grumpy old man it seemed like he was gladly taking care of me so I felt relieved that at least one of them seemed to want me around.

"You can go wash up and I'll make us some sandwiches for lunch." I offered, getting up.

"Sounds good. Thanks, kid." Bobby replied with a quick smile. He gave me a quick pat on the head before heading to the bathroom. I quickly got the stuff out and made the sandwiches. It was a simple lunch but it was one I had gotten used to. Bobby cooked occasionally but usually if there was cooking I was the one doing it. Otherwise it was sandwiches or take out.

  I set the plates down on the little table just as Bobby came back in and took his seat. I sat across from him and we ate in silence. The two of us didn't talk much but it was a comfortable sort of quite.  It contradicted the tense silence between me and Dean.    

  After lunch I went up to my room and dug out the cigarettes I had stowed in the back of my dresser.  I hadn't smoked much since I'd been here.  Especially not since I had run out on my inhaler.  I didn't want to risk an attack without an antidote but thinking about my dad made me anxious and the craving started stirring.  I'm sure it would be fine. 

I shoved them and a lighter into my pockets and bounced back down the stairs.  Bobby was sitting at his desk in the living room, drinking and talking on the phone.  He seemed exasperated as he glanced up at me. 

"I'm going outside." I silently mouthed as I pointed towards the door.  He nodded and waved me on as he started fussing at someone named Garth over the phone.
    I smiled as I made my way through the maze of junk and scrap vehicles.  Towards the back I found an old truck and opened the door as I crawled in.  It didn't have windows anymore and was tucked away, easily hidden behind the others piles of garbage metal.   This truck had quickly become my favorite place to retreat to.  The cracked, practically disintegrated, leather seats, were hot against my skin even through my jeans.  It was still surprisingly warm but cooler weather was finally coming in. 

I lit the cigarette and took one, long, drag.  I let the heat travel down my throat and settle into my chest.  It radiated outward and I savored it a moment before blowing the smoke back out and the tendrils danced out of my mouth and nostrils. 
Instantly I could feel the effects and my nerves were calming. 
I sighed, unsure of what to do next.