Bab 10: 10. Realisation
The next morning, James woke up early, his alarm buzzing just as the sun was rising. He stretched, got dressed, and sat down at his desk before heading out for his usual exercise.
[Image of the 22 year old James]
The LSAT was only five days away, and he knew every minute of preparation mattered. Unlike Sam, who was naturally brilliant, James relied on hard work and determination. He dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but passion alone wasn't enough—it took long hours and discipline. Luckily, whenever he struggled, Sam was always there to help.
Over the past four years, James had grown close to Sam, Jessica, and Max. Sam had become his best friend, thanks to countless shared experiences, late-night study sessions, and deep conversations. Time worked in strange ways—it sometimes took years to connect with someone, but other times, it happened in an instant. That's how James felt about Sam now. Meanwhile, Sam and Jessica had started dating the year before, and their connection was clear. Jessica was kind, supportive, and quick-witted, a perfect match for Sam's sharp mind.
James's own love life wasn't as smooth. He had dated a girl named Olivia during his senior year, but they broke up when she moved to New York after graduation. Long-distance wasn't for James, and they parted on good terms. Since then, he had focused completely on his studies and his future.
With the LSAT so close, the stress was building. Thankfully, Sam suggested they study together, knowing it would help James stay on track. James was grateful. Sam didn't need the extra study time, but he was happy to support James. Over the next few days, they worked through practice exams, legal books, and case studies. Studying with Sam made things easier for James, especially when Sam's explanations helped clear up difficult topics.
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Two days before the LSAT, Sam and James were buried in books and papers in James's room. They had been studying for hours without a break, so focused that Emily eventually brought them dinner. The food sat untouched on the desk as they debated a case.
"I'm telling you," Sam said, leaning back in his chair, "the Griswold v. Connecticut case set a huge precedent for the right to privacy. The court said that this right is implied by the First, Third, Fourth, and Ninth Amendments."
James frowned as he flipped through his notes. "I get that, but how does a case about contraception tie into privacy rights? It seems like a stretch."
Sam grinned. "That's what makes it so important. The court wasn't just ruling on contraception—they were creating a foundation for privacy rights. It eventually led to cases like Roe v. Wade. You've got to look at the bigger picture."
James nodded slowly, jotting down notes. "Okay, but what about the dissenting opinion? Doesn't it argue that creating a 'right to privacy' from those amendments is overreaching?"
Sam chuckled. "Yeah, but dissenting opinions are just that—opinions. They're interesting, but they don't carry the same weight as the majority ruling."
Their discussion continued late into the night, the only sounds being the rustle of papers and James's pen scratching against his notebook. Near midnight, a knock at the door interrupted them.
"Come in," James said, not looking up.
The door opened, and Thomas stepped in with a serious expression. "Sam," he said, glancing between the boys, "your brother Dean is here."
Sam froze, his pen hovering mid-air. "Dean?" he asked, his voice a mix of surprise and frustration. "What's he doing here?"
James raised an eyebrow. "Your older brother Dean? The one you told me about? I thought you hadn't seen him in a while."
Sam stood up, putting his book aside. "Yeah, I haven't. Last time we talked… it didn't end well."
Curious, James followed Sam to the living room. Dean was standing there, looking out of place with his leather jacket and confident smirk, though his eyes showed unease.
"Sammy," Dean said, his voice rough. "Long time, no see."
"Don't call me that," Sam snapped, crossing his arms. "What do you want, Dean?"
Dean shrugged. "Dad sent me. He wants to see you."
Sam's expression darkened. "He sent you? What, he couldn't come himself? Still too busy with his 'business'?"
James stepped in, trying to break the tension. "Uh, hi. I'm James," he said, offering his hand. "Sam's classmate."
Dean shook it firmly. "Dean," he said briefly. Then, turning back to Sam, he added, "Look, I'm just here to deliver the message. Dad needs you. It's important."
Before Sam could argue, Emily appeared in the doorway. "Dean, right?" she said kindly. "Why don't you come in? You've come all this way."
Dean hesitated, but Thomas added firmly, "She's right. Come in and sit down."
Reluctantly, Dean stepped inside. Emily noticed how tired he looked. "Have you eaten?" she asked.
Dean started to say no, but his stomach growled loudly. Emily laughed. "I'll take that as a yes. Sit down—I'll make you something."
Dean looked like he wanted to refuse, but he gave in and sat down, glancing warily at Sam, who was still standing stiffly.
As Emily cooked, James leaned toward Sam. "Is this about the 'family business' you mentioned?"
Sam sighed. "Probably. It's complicated, James. I'll explain later."
Emily soon returned with a plate of food, and Dean wolfed it down as if he had been hungry for days.
After a few minutes Dean pushed the empty plate away, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied sigh. "Emily, that was amazing," he said sincerely. "It's been a ....long time since I've had a proper home-cooked meal. Thank you."
Emily smiled warmly, happy with the compliment. "You're welcome, Dean. You looked like you needed it."
Dean chuckled. "You have no idea."
He turned to Sam, his expression growing serious. "Sam, I need to talk to you. Alone."
Sam hesitated, his jaw tightening. After a moment, he nodded reluctantly. "Fine."
The two brothers stood and excused themselves, stepping outside into the cool night air. Meanwhile, James sat on the couch, his gaze distant and brows furrowed, as if trying to figure something out.
Thomas noticed his distracted state and leaned forward. "Kiddo, you okay?"
James barely acknowledged him, muttering, "Just a minute, Dad."
Emily glanced at Thomas and shrugged. "Maybe he's thinking about his exams," she said, though she didn't sound convinced.
But James wasn't thinking about exams at all. His mind raced, trying to place a nagging familiarity. 'Where have I seen him before?' he wondered. Dean's face seemed far more familiar than Sam's, and it gnawed at him. He suddenly stood up as he remembered something, pacing back and forth.
'Dean... He looks like Soldier Boy from The Boys. But that doesn't make sense. Is Dean into acting? Could he be playing Soldier Boy in the future?' He shook his head. 'No, no, no… I'm missing something important here.'
"James, seriously, are you okay?" Thomas asked more firmly.
"I'm fine, Dad," James replied quickly, waving him off. "Just… give me a minute."
Emily exchanged a glance with Thomas. "Maybe it's just stress," she said uncertainly.
James ignored them, his thoughts spiraling deeper. 'Dean can't be the actor. The guy who played Soldier Boy had the last name something like Heckles...Crackles...or something. Dean's last name isn't that. So why do I feel like I know him?'
His pacing slowed as the pieces clicked together. 'Dean… and Sam. Sam… and Dean. Winchester…' The name hit him like a thunderclap, sending chills down his spine. He froze, his eyes widening.
'That's it! Winchester! Sam and Dean Winchester! They're from that old TV show, Supernatural.' Memories surged through James, though they were hazy. 'It's been over what more than 30 years—if I count this life and my last—since I watched that show. No wonder it took so long to remember.'
He ran a hand through his hair, his pulse quickening. 'This world isn't just supernatural—it's Supernatural. And I'm living in it. A world full of ghosts, demons, monsters… This is bad. Really bad.'
James struggled to recall the plot. 'If I remember right, the show started with Dean going to Sam because their dad was missing. But… my reincarnation must've changed things. Instead of going straight to Jessica's, Dean came here.'
Just then the front door creaked open, and Sam and Dean walked back inside. James quickly masked his expression, though his mind was still racing.
Sam stopped in front of him, looking conflicted. "James," he said, his tone soft but firm, "I have to go with my brother for a while. Don't worry—I'll be back before the LSAT."
James nodded, forcing a small smile. "Got it. Be safe." He said the last part sub consciously.
Sam smirked faintly. "You're the one who needs to study hard. No slacking, alright?"
Dean glanced at James, then at Emily and Thomas. "Thanks for the meal. It was great meeting you all."
Thomas nodded. "Take care out there."
Emily added, "And make sure Sam comes back in one piece."
Dean chuckled. "I'll do my best, ma'am."
The brothers exchanged a few more goodbyes before heading out the door. James stood in the living room, watching them leave. Then he turned to his parents and Emily. "I'm heading to bed. Goodnight."
"Don't stay up too late," Emily called after him, sounding both light and concerned.
James shut his bedroom door behind him and sat on the edge of his bed, his mind whirling. 'Supernatural entities, hunters, demons… And I've barely scratched the surface. The show had what, ten or twelve seasons? I can't even remember the exact number.'
He rubbed his temples, frustration building. 'I need to figure out what's happening and what my role in this is.'
Before he could think further, a piercing scream echoed through the house.
"Mom!" James shot to his feet, his heart pounding. The sound was followed by Thomas shouting: "Emily!"
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