The Sacrifice

Chapter 12: Ashley's Lullaby

*Dean’s POV*

The Doctor led us back to the TARDIS just as I was lost in my own mind as I tried to register what was actually going on. She hates the day because she was remembered that she was supposed to keep strong while he was allowed to drink and hurt her and Harlow. Sure, Harlow is a smart ass but she is like a little sister to me and well, she was important to Ashley. “Dean, I think it is time we go back to our time, we need to check on Harlow too.” Cas starts to say something as I interrupt him. “Doctor, can you take me to January 2nd, 2008 please. I need to see something!” I all but shout as Stormy intercedes. “No dammit, we need to get back before something happens! I am not going around in her past so you can see what her favorite color is, you dumbass!” Stormy shouts into my face as I look at Castiel as he nods and I look back at the angry eyes of the red head.

“I want to go back to that day because that was the day John and Sherlock told her family about their relationship. I want to see how her life was changed by that!” I explain as I press a button and feel the TARDIS start up. “Are you insane? We could mess up something in the past!” The Doctor tries to explain as I then felt the entire room shake at our stopping point. I run out and see that it was not snowy anymore and that Ashley was older now, she was a happy 14-year-old girl that was holding hands with a 5-year-old Kaleb. Kaleb was skipping along the street as Ashley was singing gently. “Aunt Ash, who is this John and Sherlock and why are you excited about them coming?” Kaleb starts to ask as she keeps skipping. “John is a cousin of Nana’s and Sherlock is his friend. They said they have something to tell our family tonight and they were excited to see everyone too.” She smiles as she explains as they walk out of earshot.

“Are you insane? What if you get caught without me to help you?! You can’t risk that kind of exposure.” The Doctor tries to finish explaining as I look at Castiel. “Ready to go see what happened today?” I ask as he vanishes but not before I feel someone grab my collar of my jacket and yank me back. I turn to see a pissed off Harlow and a confused Sam. “Dammit Dean, can you not stay out of it?! First, you want to risk Ashley getting hurt more and now you want to see what happened that night? Just stop it ok?!” She yells in my face as I suddenly see Kaleb and Gabe behind her, realizing that they brought her. “I have to find out Harlow, I need to see why she still does not like that day.” I begin to explain until I turn and run. “DAMMIT WINCHESTER!” She yells as I keep running, wanting to keep her safe.

*Teen Ashley’s POV*   **TIME SKIP**

I was just finishing getting ready for their arrival. I was beyond excited because I had written several messages to John and even got some amazing pictures of their cases together. Their first case was about an elderly cab driver convincing people to kill themselves and it was amazing because Sherlock enjoyed all the deductions he was allowed to do. I was brushing my hair as I hummed along with the radio as I heard a car pull in. I quickly threw on my favorite blue shirt and heard Harlow telling me that some strange people were here and well, it was amazing because that meant John and Sherlock were ok! I quickly slid down the banister of the staircase as I waved to Harlow and she decided to copy me. I was laughing when I reached the bottom until I saw our mother’s stern face. “Stop that this instant! Behave like young ladies or I will ground you!” She starts saying as I roll my eyes and nod as I walk to the kitchen for a apple. Jeez, she never lets me have fun anymore.

My mother opens the door as they all come in, saying pleasant greetings and introducing each other as I sneak up on John and jumping on his back. “John! You are finally here!” I cheer as he laughs and hugs me in hello as I slowly come down and see the look of horror on my mother’s face. “Do forgive her. She forgets that she is to act like a lady.” Mother starts explaining as I look at the tall man before me and holding out my hand. “Hello, I am Ashley Foster and you must be Sherlock Holmes. I loved your work on the different types of Tobacco Ash, it was quite interesting.” I say in my introduction as his eyes light up and shake my hand back. “You are quite the little detective too, aren’t you Miss Foster?” He replies as I smile and nod.