Chapter 39: impalas and volcanoes

The morning sun peeked through the curtains as Mrs. Faulkner gently shook the boys awake. “Alright, boys, up and at ‘em. You’ve got a big day

ahead—volcanoes to finish and an Impala ride waiting for you if you get everything done.”

Jake and Alex stretched and yawned, rubbing the sleep from their eyes. As usual, their mom checked their diapers and got them changed for the morning before sending them down for breakfast.

Asthey sat at the table eating their cereal, Alex nudged Jake. “Dude, we better get those volcanoes done fast. I don’t wanna miss out on that ride.”

Jake nodded, shoveling another spoonful of cereal into his mouth. “Yeah, let’s not mess around today.”

Just as they finished eating, Miss Harper arrived, dressed in her usual jeans and a t-shirt, but with a mischievous grin. “Alright, boys, you know the deal. Volcanoes first, fun later.”

The boys groaned but quickly got to work. They added the final details, painting lava streaks down the sides and using bits of cotton for smoke effects. Miss Harper checked their progress and nodded approvingly. “Looking good! Now, let’s make sure these things actually work.”

She helped them mix the baking soda and vinegar, and with a dramatic countdown, both boys poured in the ingredients. Instantly, red foam erupted from their volcanoes, spilling down the sides.

“Awesome!” Alex cheered.

Miss Harper laughed. “Alright, you’ve earned your ride. Go wash up, and let’s hit the road.”

Fifteen minutes later, the boys stood outside as Miss Harper pulled up in her sleek black ‘67 Impala. The engine rumbled as she revved it, grinning at their wide-eyed expressions.

“Hop in, boys,” she said, patting the roof.

As they climbed in, the leather seats creaked under them. Jake ran his fingers along the dashboard. “This is so cool…”

Miss Harper smirked. “Wait till you feel what she can do.”

Their mom says, "Have fun boys abs behave for miss harper. we will chat after I'm home from work.... as mrs. faulkner pulls out and heads off, Miss harper turns back to the boys and says, "Pick a cassette today. shotgun picks the music... the boys face light up with glee as they search through a while bin of old school rock bands.

Jake and Alex excitedly dug through the cassette bin, flipping through classics like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones. Finally, Alex’s eyes lit up as he pulled out a well-worn cassette of Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet.

“This one!” he announced, holding it up triumphantly.

Miss Harper smirked. “Good choice, kid. Can’t go wrong with Bon Jovi.” She took the cassette, popped it into the player, and cranked the volume as You Give Love a Bad Name blasted through the speakers.

The boys grinned ear to ear as the Impala rumbled down the road, the music making them feel like they were in an episode of Supernatural. Miss Harper drove them out to the outskirts of town, where the roads were open and empty.

“Alright, boys, you ready to see what this baby can do?” she asked, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Jake and Alex nodded eagerly. With that, Miss Harper pressed her foot down on the gas, and the Impala roared to life, speeding down the open road. The wind rushed past as the car smoothly glided through the turns.“This is awesome!” Jake shouted over the music.

Miss Harper laughed. “Told ya. My dad and I rebuilt this thing from the ground up. She’s got some power.”

After a thrilling ride, she pulled into a diner parking lot. “Alright, boys, let’s grab a snack before we head back.”

As they stepped inside, the smell of burgers and fries filled the air. The boys couldn’t stop grinning, still buzzing from the excitement of the ride.

“This has been the best day ever,” Alex said, sliding into a booth.

Miss Harper smiled. “And it’s not over yet, kid. Let’s eat, then we’ll head back before your mom gets home.”

As they order, another impala pulls into the diner parking lot, and the 2 passengers get out and walk inside

Jake and Alex froze mid-order, their eyes going wide as they watched the Sam and Dean Winchester—Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki—stroll into the diner like they had just stepped off the set of Supernatural.

Miss Harper, equally stunned, whispered, “No freaking way…”

The two actors casually made their way to the counter, chatting with each other like it was just another normal day. The boys exchanged glances, barely containing their excitement.

“Should we go say something?” Alex whispered.

Jake nodded frantically. “Duh! But what do we even say?”

Miss Harper chuckled. “You guys do realize they’re just regular people, right?” But even she was grinning.

Before they could overthink it, Jensen turned and caught sight of them. He must’ve noticed their awestruck expressions because he smirked and nudged Jared. “I think we’ve been spotted.”

Jared turned, his trademark grin spreading across his face. “Hey there, guys.”

Jake and Alex practically vibrated with excitement. “Uh—hi!” Jake finally managed. “We—we’re huge fans!”

Jensen chuckled. “That’s awesome, man. Thanks.” He glanced at Miss Harper and her Impala shirt. “Looks like you’re rocking some serious fandom dedication, too.”

Miss Harper laughed, still a little starstruck. “You could say that.

Miss Harper smiled. “Actually, my dad got me into Supernatural.

Jared nodded approvingly. “Good taste. Classic show.”

Miss harper then said We rebuilt an Impala together when I was younger, just like Baby."" He passed it down to me when he passed away.”

Jensen’s expression softened. “That’s incredible. Sounds like your dad was a pretty awesome guy.”

“He really was,” Miss Harper said, running a hand over the table as if lost in thought for a moment.

Jared glanced out the diner window, where her black ‘67 Impala was parked. “Wait… is that yours?”

Miss Harper grinned. “Sure is. Want to take a look?”

Jensen and Jared exchanged excited looks, and within seconds, the entire group was outside, gathered around the car. Jensen let out a low whistle. “Man, this is clean. You don’t see many this well maintained.”

Jared peered inside. “You even got the original interior? This is amazing.”

Jake and Alex were practically bouncing with excitement, unable to believe they were witnessing actual supernatural legends geeking out over Miss Harper’s car.

Jensen turned to Miss Harper. “You mind if we take a picture with it? Fans would lose their minds.”

Miss Harper laughed. “Are you kidding? I’d be honored.”

They lined up for pictures, Jake and Alex right in the middle, grinning from ear to ear. Miss Harper leaned against the hood with Jensen and Jared on either side, all of them flashing rock ‘n’ roll hand signs.

As they wrapped up, Jensen clapped Jake on the shoulder. “You boys picked a pretty cool babysitter.”

Alex beamed. “Yeah, we know.”

Jared chuckled. “Alright, we gotta head out, but it was great meeting you guys.”

Miss Harper shook their hands. “This made my whole year. Thanks for being awesome.”

As the actors walked back to their own car, Jensen called out, “Keep that Impala running, Harper. She’s a beauty.”

Miss Harper nodded. “Always.”

As they were about to leave, Jensen looked at his keys, unhooked the key chain that said baby on it, and tossed it to miss harper.

Miss Harper caught the keychain midair, her eyes widening in disbelief. She turned it over in her palm, running her thumb over the engraved word Baby. “Are you serious?” she asked, looking up at Jensen.

Jensen grinned. “I’ve got a ton of ‘em at home. Figured you’d appreciate this one more than I would.”

Jake and Alex were still stunned, holding their signed headshots like they were made of solid gold. “This is insane,” Alex whispered, staring at Jared’s signature.

Jared chuckled. “Glad you guys are fans. Keep watching, alright?”

Miss Harper was still speechless when Jensen popped his trunk, grabbed a few more signed photos, and handed them over. “A little extra for the road,” he said.

“And don’t worry about your tab,” Jared added with a wink. “We got it.”

Miss Harper’s jaw nearly dropped. “You guys don’t have to—”

Jensen held up a hand. “No arguments. Just enjoy the day. And keep that Impala running strong.”

With that, the two actors gave them a final wave and climbed back into their own car. The boys and Miss Harper watched as they pulled out of the lot, the taillights disappearing down the road.

Miss Harper exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “Well, boys… I don’t think we’re ever topping that.”

Jake clutched his autographed photo to his chest. “Best. Day. Ever.”

Alex grinned.

“No kidding,” Alex said, still staring at the parking lot where the Impala had just disappeared.

Miss Harper laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. “I don’t know about you two, but I need a second to process what just happened.” She glanced down at the keychain in her hand, running her fingers over the engraved letters once more. “I can’t believe I have this,” she murmured, tucking it safely into her pocket.

Jake grinned. “I can’t believe they paid for our food! That was so cool of them.”

Alex nodded enthusiastically. “And the autographs! I’m framing mine when we get home,” Alex said, still beaming.

Miss Harper chuckled. “Same here, boys. Same here.” She took a deep breath, shaking off the surreal moment. “Alright

as awesome as that was, we still have a ride to take. Are you boys ready to hit the road?”

Jake and Alex practically jumped with excitement. “Heck yeah!” Jake shouted.

Miss Harper smirked as she led them back to her Impala. “Alright then, shotgun still picks the music. Let’s cruise.”

The boys climbed into the car, still buzzing from their encounter with Jensen and Jared. As the engine roared to life, Alex quickly flipped through the cassette collection and grinned as he pulled one out. “Let’s go classic—AC/DC Back in Black.”Miss Harper nodded in approval. “Excellent choice.” She slid the cassette in, and as the first chords blared through the speakers, she pulled out of the parking lot.

The three of them hit the open road, windows down, wind in their hair, singing along to the music. The excitement from meeting their idols mixed with the pure thrill of cruising in the Impala made it a moment they’d never forget.

After a while, Miss Harper glanced in the rearview mirror. “Alright, boys. Do you think we should head back and check on those volcanos?”

Jake groaned playfully. “Do we have to?” Miss Harper smirked. “Unless you want to explain to Mrs. Caldwell, why you didn’t finish your project.”

Alex sighed. “Alright, fine. But this has still been the best day ever.”

Miss Harper turned onto the road home, the music still blasting, and nodded. “Damn right, it has.”

Miss harper than, thought for a second and said "ok you know what one more stop, i know the perfect place"... 25 minutes later, she pulls up on to a cliff side parking lot with the perfect view of the soon to be setting sun. She gets the boys out of the car and sits them on the hood before hopping on herself.

Miss Harper gazed out at the horizon, her expression soft as the golden hues of the setting sun bathed the sky. “My dad used to bring me here after long days, whether we were working on the car, having a rough day, or just needed a break from the world. He always said there was something about a sunset that reminded you that tomorrow is a fresh start.”

Jake and Alex listened intently as she continued. “He taught me everything I know about cars. We built the Impala from the ground up together, piece by piece. He wasn’t just my dad—he was my best friend.” She smiled, though her eyes held a hint of sadness. “Losing him was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. But every time I get behind the wheel, every time I hear the rumble of this engine, it’s like he’s still here with me.”

The boys sat quietly, taking in her words and the breathtaking view before them. Alex finally spoke, his voice soft. “He sounds like he was a really great guy.”

Miss Harper nodded. “He was. And I try to keep his memory alive by doing the things we loved together. That’s why I love this car so much—it’s not just a car, it’s a piece of him.”

Jake looked up at her. “Is that why you like Supernatural so much too?”

She chuckled.She said yes, that and he was actually on the show. Jake and Alex’s eyes widened in shock. “Wait, what? Your dad was on Supernatural?” Alex exclaimed.

Miss Harper grinned. “Yep. Just for one episode, but it was one of his proudest moments. He played an older version of Dean. When you boys get to that episode, I’ll point him out.”

“That’s so cool!” Jake said, completely in awe. “Did he ever get to meet Jensen and Jared?”

“Oh yeah,” Miss Harper nodded. “They were awesome to him. He always said Jensen reminded him of himself when he was younger, which I thought was funny.” She chuckled. “Jensen even joked that if my dad ever wanted to play Dean’s long-lost uncle, they could probably make it happen.”

Alex leaned back on the hood of the Impala, looking up at the sky. “Man, your dad must’ve had some amazing stories.”

Miss Harper smiled, a mix of nostalgia and warmth in her expression. “Yeah, he really did.” She sighed, then clapped her hands together. “Alright, enough about me. Are you boys enjoying the view?”

They both nodded. The sun was just about to dip below the horizon, casting a brilliant blend of oranges, purples, and pinks across the sky. The air was cool, the moment peaceful.

Jake broke the silence. “I think your dad was right. Sunsets are kinda magical.”

Miss Harper smiled, ruffling his hair. “Yeah, kid. They really are.”

For a while, they just sat there, soaking in the moment. Then, as the last bit of sun disappeared, Miss Harper hopped off the hood. “Alright, boys. Let’s head home. Your mom’s probably gonna be wondering where we are soon.”

Reluctantly, the boys slid off the car and climbed inside.

Miss Harper took the cassette from Jake, her fingers tracing over the handwritten label that read Dad’s Mix. A soft smile crossed her lips as she recognized it immediately. “Where’d you find this?” she asked, her voice filled with surprise.

“It was in the glove box,” Jake said. “I figured… Maybe we could listen to it on the way back?”

Miss Harper nodded, her expression turning bittersweet. “This was his favorite mix. We used to play it all the time during our drives.” She popped the cassette into the player, and as the Impala roared to life, the familiar opening chords of Carry On Wayward Son filled the car.

The boys grinned as they recognized the song, and Miss Harper tapped her fingers against the steering wheel, nodding along to the beat as they drove down the open road. The ride home was filled with classic rock, laughter, and the feeling of something special—like they weren’t just on a drive, but part of something bigger.

As they hop back on jake hands a cassetee up to miss harper.

Miss Harper took the cassette from Jake, her fingers tracing over the handwritten label that read Dad’s Mix. A soft smile crossed her lips as she recognized it immediately. “Where’d you find this?” she asked, her voice filled with surprise.

“It was in the glove box,” Jake said. “I figured… Maybe we could listen to it on the way back?”

Miss Harper nodded, her expression turning bittersweet. “This was his favorite mix. We used to play it all the time during our drives.” She popped the cassette into the player, and as the Impala roared to life, the familiar opening chords of Carry On Wayward Son filled the car.

The boys grinned as they recognized the song, and Miss Harper tapped her fingers against the steering wheel, nodding along to the beat as they drove down the open road. The ride home was filled with classic rock, laughter, and the feeling of something special—like they weren’t just on a drive, but part of something bigger.

As the Impala cruised down the road, the music wrapped around them like a warm memory. Carry On Wayward Son faded into Back in Black, Miss Harper grinned as Back in Black kicked in, revving the engine slightly as if the car itself approved. The boys bobbed their heads to the beat, fully embracing the rock ‘n’ roll moment.

“This is exactly how my dad and I used to drive,” Miss Harper said, glancing at them with a nostalgic smile. “Windows down, music blasting, just enjoying the ride.”

Jake leaned back against the seat. “I could get used to this.”Alex chuckled. “Me too. It’s way better than riding in Mom’s minivan.”

Miss Harper laughed. “I’ll pretend you didn’t say that when she asks how your ride was.”

The drive back home felt almost too short. By the time they pulled into the driveway, the last song on the tape was playing—*

Simple Man* by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Miss Harper turned the volume down slightly and let out a deep breath as she listened to the lyrics.

“My dad always said this song was like advice from a father to a child,” she murmured, more to herself than to the boys. “He used to tell me to really listen to it—‘Be a simple kind of man, be something you love and understand.’”

Jake and Alex sat quietly, letting the weight of her words settle in.As the song came to an end, Miss Harper shut off the car but didn’t move right away. She looked at the cassette player, then at the boys, and finally smiled. “Alright, boys. Let’s head in before your mom sends a search party.”

They climbed out of the Impala, still humming the tune as they made their way inside. Their mom was just walking into the living room, coffee in hand.

“There you are,” she said, giving them a curious look. “Have a good time?”

Jake grinned. “The best.”

Miss Harper tossed the cassette up and caught it again. “We even had a little family history lesson along the way.”

After Miss Harper dropped them off, she gave them a final ruffle of their hair and reminded them to behave for their mom. "I’ll see you boys soon. Sleep well,"

Mrs. Faulkner raised an eyebrow but didn’t question it further. “Well, I’m glad you all had fun. Boys, go get cleaned up for bed. You’ve still got a volcano to finish tomorrow.”

The boys groaned but didn’t argue, heading upstairs. Miss Harper watched them go before turning back to their mom.

“They’re good kids,” she said with a smile.

Mrs. Faulkner nodded. “They are. And I appreciate everything you do for them, Harper.”

Miss Harper shrugged. “What can I say? They reminded me a little of me when I was their age.”

With that, she stretched and grabbed her jacket. “Alright, I should get going. Same time tomorrow?”

Mrs. Faulkner nodded. “See you then.”

As Miss Harper walked back to her Impala, she ran her fingers over the Dad’s Mix cassette and smiled. It had been a good day.

As Miss harper put the tape back in the glove box, she saw an envelope at her name on it she'd never seen it before... she opens it it's a letter from her dad

Her hands trembled slightly as she unfolded the letter, the familiar handwriting making her chest tighten. Taking a deep breath, she began to read.

Harper,

If you’re reading this, it means you’ve found the mix tape. I always knew you would eventually. I want you to remember that no matter where life takes you, you’ll always have the road, the music, and the memories we made together. That Impala isn’t just a car—it’s a part of us, a part of our journey. Keep driving, keep exploring, and never stop chasing the things that make you feel alive.

*I know you’ve had tough times, and I wish I could be there to guide you through them. But if you’re ever feeling lost, just

just turn up the music, find an open road, and let your heart lead the way.

Carry on, my wayward daughter. There will be peace when you are done.

Love, Dad.

Harper let out a shaky breath, a small smile forming through the tears that welled in her eyes. She traced the words with her fingers, feeling the warmth of her father’s love even after all this time. She started the impalas engine with a smile before pulling out of the driveway and disappearing into the night.

The boys headed upstairs, knowing the drill. They brushed their teeth, washed their faces, and changed into their nighttime diapers. Alex yawned as he pulled on his pajama shirt, while Jake stretched, still humming Carry On Wayward Son under his breath.

Their mom peeked in on them as they got under their covers ready for bed. She tucked them in and kissed them Good night.

The boys nodded sleepily as their mom smiled down at them. “Get some rest, you two. I want all the details in the morning,” she said softly before turning off the light and closing the door.

As Alex rolled over, he whispered, “Today was awesome.”

Jake grinned. “Yeah… best day ever.”

The room fell into a peaceful silence as the boys drifted off to sleep, dreaming of classic cars, rock music, and new adventures waiting just around the corner.