I sighed as everyone around me hurried to prepare. This was probably my uncle's most important promotion ever, and yet I couldn't bring myself to care. I just wanted to leave. To see my mom again. But she was out on a hunt. A very important hunt that even her own brother knew nothing about. He thought she was a businesswoman who always went on long extended trips. But he was wrong. They all were. My mom was a modern day hero. I closed my eyes and leaned my head on the window. She was under appreciated. No one ever thanked her. That's just how it was. It made me mad.

"Ashlynn, time to come downstairs!" my aunt called.

I rolled my eyes, not answering. I hated my aunt. She always said my mom was a drunk who didn't want anything to do with me. That my mom was such a slut that she didn't even know who my dad was. Yet, my mother always told me stories about him. About his sense of humor, about how his family was torn apart so he ran. She told me that I got my love of sweets from him. She told me everything, so I knew my aunt was wrong.

Sighing again, I got up and ran out of my room. The house was busy, full of family and friends. I put on a smile, and ran to hug my uncle.

"Congrats, Uncle Jerry!" I exclaimed.

He laughed and hugged me back. He was much more loving toward me. He was my mom's brother after all. So when I pulled away, he frowned.

"Ash," he said, using my nickname, "I know you miss her. She said she'd be home Saturday."

I widened my smile.

"I know!"

Jerry gave a sad smile before leaving to greet more guests. I immediately got to work, heading toward the kitchen to help hand out drinks. Even though I hated almost everyone here, I still had to be gracious. For Jerry. I opened the door and froze. Somebody was already in there, talking to my aunt. She seemed mad at the man, ready to hit him. Yet he was calm, if not a bit sad. I stayed out of sight so I could eavesdrop.

"Gabriel, you can't just show up here," my aunt hissed.

The man sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

"I know, I know. Just, I need to see Dana," he said.

Why would he need to see my mom? I thought. I quickly knocked and entered. They both jumped and turned to look at me.

"Aunt Madison, Uncle Jerry needs you," I lied.

She sighed and rushed off. Immediately, I grabbed the drinks, putting them on a tray. Then I snuck over to the fridge, reached up, and stole a chocolate from the top. The man smiled at me.

"I think those are up there for a reason."

I winked at him.

"I'm afraid guests aren't allowed in the kitchen, sir."

He nodded and went into the living room. I watched him go. I wonder who he is, I said to myself.

The next morning, I woke up to arguing. Jerry was yelling at Madison, and she was trying to calm him down. Curiosity got the best of me, and I rushed downstairs to see what was wrong. They stood by the front door, Jerry holding a letter, the envelope looking like it was from Bobby Singer, a friend of mom's.

"What's happening?" I asked cautiously.

They both froze before looking at me. Madison had been crying. Jerry looked torn. My heart shattered. It all made sense now. A letter from Bobby, the arguing, the sorrow on their faces. I covered my mouth, trying not to cry. Mom...?

"Ash," Jerry started. "I'm sorry."