"I don't want to be responsible for her anymore. When she wakes up, social services can take her," grumbled Darlene as she looked down at the hospital bed where Hanna was asleep. She didn't feel one bit of guilt in abandoning the child. "Let's go Ellen," she ordered.

"I want to stay," Ellen demanded. Darlene glared down at her daughter. She felt betrayed and jealous of the relationship between the girls.

"We have your father's funeral tomorrow morning," Darlene snapped back. "Don't miss it."

"I'll be there," Ellen replied. Darlene took a few steps backward toward the doorway, still facing Ellen. The child took a firm stance and looked back at her Mother. "And besides, Dad would want us to stay with Hanna. But why would you care? You hated Dad and I'm sure you're happy he's dead." Darlene was about to strike back at her daughter, but Ellen's eyes widened with surprise when she saw two officers appear behind her Mother. Darlene spun around to see what her daughter was looking at.

"Hello officers," Darlene greeted, "I don't think you'll be able to question her yet, she's still asleep."

"Are you Darlene Allister?" one of the officers questioned.

"Yes," she replied.

"Mam, we need you to come with us," he replied.

"What is this all about?" she demanded.

"You're wanted for questioning in the murder of William Allister," he replied.

"Mom?" questioned Ellen worriedly.

"This must be a misunderstand," Darlene gasped. "I was at church when he was murdered. I have alibi's."

"We need to come with us," the officer reaffirmed. Ellen was shocked when they led her Mother away and as soon as they left, the detectives walked in, but this time they were dressed in jeans and flannels.

"Hi Ellen," greeted the taller one. "I'm Sam and this is Dean."

"I know who you are," she replied. "I mean, I know who you really are." There was an awkward silence as Ellen looked from Hanna, to Sam, and then to Dean. "Do you know why they took my Mom?" she asked.

"I'm sorry kiddo, but I'm afraid your Mom might be in a lot of trouble," Dean replied.

"Did she kill my Dad?" Ellen questioned as tears filled her eyes. Dean took a step toward her and placed his hand on her head gently.

"I don't know the whole story," Dean lied. He didn't have the heart to tell her the truth. "How's Hanna doing?" He moved his hand to her shoulder.

"The Dr's said she would be fine," Ellen replied. "She just needs some rest, but they want to keep her overnight for observation." Dean nodded his head and sighed with relief. "Is she still in danger?" Ellen wondered.

"She's safe now," Dean replied. Ellen smiled slightly and looked down at her friend. Hanna's life was finally coming together, but now hers was falling apart. She couldn't help but feel some resentment even though she was happy for her friend.

"Excuse me?" interrupted a woman's voice. They turned to find an older woman with graying brown hair that was pulled back into a bun. She was dressed professionally in a skirt and blouse. "I'm Courtney Brown, the hospital caseworker, I'm here for Ellen. Her Aunt and Uncle are coming to pick her up and we're supposed to meet them in my office." Ellen sighed. She turned back to Hanna and grabbed her hand.

"Bye Hanna, I love you," she said. She released Hanna's hand and looked up at Sam and Dean. "Please take good care of her. She deserves a family who loves her."

"We will," Dean replied. "And thank you for watching out for her. She's lucky to have a friend like you."

"She's not just my friend, she's my sister, and I will miss her so much," Ellen replied as she wiped the tears from her eyes. She trudged toward the caseworker. Sam and Dean felt horrible for Ellen, and felt even worse that they were ultimately responsible for having her Mother arrested. Dean took a seat in the chair beside the bed.

"Want some coffee?" Sam asked.

"That would be great," Dean replied. "Thanks Sam." Sam nodded and headed from the room. Dean looked down at Hanna. He was still in shock that he was a father and that this human being was now his responsibility. It was terrifying to him. He thought back to his father and his childhood and he wanted to give Hanna so much more than he ever had, but he knew that wouldn't be possible with his lifestyle. Hunting was all he knew. The world relied on him, but now this child was going to rely on his too. Could he be a hunter and a father? He didn't know and that worried him. He rested his head nervously on the back of the chair and closed his eyes for a moment. He fought with the little voice in his head that told him he could leave and never look back. That Hanna would be fine and she would find a new family that would love her.

"Dean?" squeaked her hoarse voice from the hospital bed. Dean sat up immediately and peered down at her.

"Hey Hanna," he greeted gently. "How are you feeling?"

"My head hurts," she mumbled.

"Yeah, you took a nasty blow," he replied. Hanna reached for his hand. Dean took a hold of it awkwardly and squeezed it gently.

"What happened?" she asked. Dean took a deep breath. He rehearsed a lie in his head several times, but he knew he needed to be honest with her. She deserved that and he was pretty sure she could handle it. She was a Winchester after all.

"Darlene paid someone to get rid of you and Mr. Allister," he replied. Tears filled her eyes. "We figured it out before the wake, and we got there as soon as we could." Dean shook his head. "It was almost too late." The tears spilled down her cheeks and Dean wiped them with the blanket.

"Where's Ellen? Is she all right?" Hanna questioned worriedly.

"Yeah, she was here, but her aunt and uncle are coming to get her," he replied. "She'll be ok. She's a strong kid."

"Oh," Hanna sighed, feeling horrible for Hanna. Both their lives had changed drastically. "So what happens now?"

"Well...you get better and get yourself sprung from here and...you hit the road with me and Sam." Dean smiled slightly after he gave her the lowdown, not sure what kind of response he would get in return. Hanna was silent for a moment and gazed up toward the ceiling. "So...how are you feeling about that?" Dean questioned.

"I'm not sure," she replied as she looked back toward him. "But I'm willing to give it a try." Dean nodded his head in approval and gently ruffled the hair on top of her head. Their adventures together were just beginning.

THE END

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A/N: Please leave a comment and let me know if you'd like me to continue with Hanna's adventures with the Winchesters. Thank you all! :-)