I watched the car pull out of the parking lot, turning onto the busy Chicago streets. Soon the taillights were lost among countless others.
I sighed, turning and hitting the lights to the room. It was plain, boring, just like every other motel room I'd been in. Yellow walls and ceilings, with a beige carpet decorating the floor. A table on the left side of the room had two chairs, simple, with no carvings. A dresser on the center of the wall had a flat screen TV. At least there was that. There were two beds in the room, with a nightstand in between. I'd only need one.
I moved down the hall, noting the coat closet to the right, and turned on the bathroom lights. It wasn't very clean, and I crinkled my nose, put off more than a little. I turned the lights back off and closed the door.
I picked my bag up, hesitating between the two beds. Which one should I sleep in? On the one hand, if I needed to make a quick getaway I should choose the one next to the door. But at the same time, I would have more time to get out of bed if someone came in if I was further from the door. With a sigh I tossed my bag on the second bed.
I opened the bag, pulling out a change of clothes and my toiletries. I took a shower, scrubbing the dirt off my body as best as I could. It was hard to do with only one arm, especially since my shoulder was still hurting from the previous night. I'd tried not to move it much during the day, not very hard when all day was spent in a car, and hadn't told the boys.
I dressed quickly, struggling to pull on my shirt. In the end I managed, and curled up on my bed with a granola bar, flipping through TV channels.
"How are you?"
I jumped as Cas spoke from the side of the room, yelping. Cas moved forward, frowning.
"Sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to scare you."
"It's fine," I said. I laughed shakily; I needed to get a grip on myself. Nothing was going to find me here; we had only gone to all this trouble so that I would be out of danger.
Still, I remembered all too clearly the first demon I'd seen. I could remember its hand around my neck, slowly squeezing the life out of me. The bruises were only just fading.
"Did you guys get settled in somewhere?" I asked. Cas nodded.
"Here." He wrote an address down on a slip of paper, handing it to me. "Don't come to the motel unless something finds you. Don't leave the room either, and don't open the door. I'll always just fly in."
I nodded. "Anything else?" I asked. Cas nodded and pulled something out of his pocket. A burner phone.
"Don't use this unless it's an emergency," he said. He handed it to me, and I flipped to the contacts. Sam, Dean, and Cas's numbers were already programed in.
I nodded. "Thanks."
Cas nodded.
"How's the hunt going?" I asked. "Did you find anything?"
Cas shook his head. "We haven't had a chance to look yet. We just got to the motel."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" I asked.
Cas shook his head. "Just wait here," he said. I sighed and nodded.
"How's your shoulder?" Cas pointed to my arm, which I was unconsciously rubbing. I shrugged my good arm.
"Not bad," I said. "A bit sore."
Cas nodded. "I was worried you'd hurt it last night," he said. His blue eyes probed mine. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah." I stood, avoiding his gaze, and fiddled with my bag, which I had moved to the table. "I'm fine. They haven't said-"
"No." Cas stood and faced me. "They've already forgotten it," he assured me. I nodded, not convinced.
Cas sighed. "I have to go," he said. He stood. "I'll be back in an hour."
I nodded. "Tell Sam and Dean thanks for me." I wagged the phone, and Cas nodded. "And remind them to be careful," I added. Cas nodded again.
"Oh, and Cas?" I looked Cas straight in the eyes this time. "Thank you. For everything." I wanted him to know I remembered the previous night.
Cas nodded again, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Of course," he said. He raised his hand in a two fingered wave, then was gone.
I sighed. Alone again. This was going to get boring fast. I grabbed the remote and changed the channel. I didn't know what was on the screen, but it didn't look interesting.
I stayed awake for another two hours. I know because that's the amount of times I remember Cas popping in. He didn't stay long either time, just long enough to make sure I was doing alright.
I asked him about the case, and he told me that they hadn't gotten anywhere. They would need to check out the crime scenes the next day. I sighed and reiterated my warning for them to be careful.
I woke the next morning with the sun filtering through the window, the rays warm against my skin. I pushed myself up and looked around me. I was alone.
I glanced to the nightstand, where there was a small clock. 7:15 it read. I groaned and flopped back on the pillow.
I was just about to fall asleep again when Cas appeared, a breakfast burrito in hand. I pushed myself up, diving into the food as Cas waited patiently for me to finish, standing against the wall. I took my time, knowing that the longer I took, the longer he would need to stay. Yeah, I was that selfish.
"So," I licked my fingers, standing and bringing the wrapper to the garbage can. "What's up?"
Cas smiled, amused. "You're bored," he guessed.
I glared at him, pushing hair out of my face. "I'm stuck in the same room for god knows how long until you three can get rid of however many demons there are in this city. Yeah, I'm bored."
Cas chuckled. "Sorry."
I waved him off. "It's ok." I was determined not to throw another temper tantrum like the one two nights ago. "Have you gotten anywhere yet?"
Cas shook his head. "We're about to start," he said. "I'll let you know when we find anything."
I sighed and nodded, crawling back onto the bed. It seemed like I was gonna be stuck here for a while.
I spent the day leafing through the channels, then took a very long nap. When I woke Cas was standing quietly in the corner, a pizza box in his hand.
"Jeez," I exclaimed. "How long have you been standing there?"
"A few minutes," he said.
"Why didn't you wake me?" I asked.
Cas set the box down on the table. "You were asleep," he said. "I didn't want to disturb you."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm spending all my time with you three. I'm already disturbed."
Cas smiled, lifting the box's lid. The smell of cheese and grease floated over to me, making my stomach growl. I padded across the room.
"Is that double cheese?" I asked.
"Yes," Cas replied. I tore a slice off and bit in, closing my eyes as I savored the taste. It had been a while since I'd had pizza.
Cas chuckled at my face, and I scowled at him. "Why'd you bring me the whole box?" I asked. "What about Sam and Dean?"
"They have their own box," Cas told me. "This for you."
I frowned. "Does this mean you're not coming back for a while?" I asked.
Cas shook his head. "No," he said. "I thought you might like some leftovers."
I smiled softly. "Thank you," I said. Cas nodded.
"So," I drew out a seat as I ate, gesturing for Cas to take the other one. "What have you found out?"
Cas sighed. "There doesn't seem to be much of a pattern," he said. "Nothing that suggests the demons are up to something big. It seems like they're just causing mayhem."
My eyebrows rose. "All of them? At once? In the same city?"
"We know," Cas said. "Something's not right. We're just not sure what yet."
I nodded. "Are you sure there isn't anything I can do?" I asked. Cas nodded, a smile on his face.
"Just stay out of trouble," he told me.
I rolled my eyes. "Well, there go my motor biking plans for later."
Cas chuckled and stood. "I'll be back in-"
"Back in an hour, I know." I shot Cas a grin. "Tell the boys I said hi."
Cas nodded, and then he was gone.
I sighed. I was really getting tired of being alone. I settled for another slice of pizza.
For lack of anything better to do I took a shower. When I finished I pulled back on the clothes I'd been wearing; I had nothing else clean. A few minutes later Cas popped back in.
"Am I allowed to leave the room to do laundry?" I asked. I pointed to a plastic bag on the bed, containing all my dirty clothes.
Cas shook his head. "We'll take care of it," he said. I rolled my eyes and nodded.
"Do you have anything new?" I asked.
Cas took his time before replying in the form of a single nod. His eyes were now troubled. I frowned, worry growing inside me.
"Ok," I asked. "So what is it?"
Cas sighed. "I'm feeling… things," he said. "The same things that I was feeling before the first wormhole appeared," he elaborated quickly.
I nodded. "So is it going to open again here?" I asked.
Cas nodded. "Most likely."
I did my best to keep my face stoic, considering what he said. The wormhole was finally going to open up again. They could go back to their universe, and I could go home. Home. I felt a longing rising up inside of me, aching for my family. Yet why did I feel a sense of dread?
I choked back whatever emotions I was feeling. I could deal with them later. "Well, that explains all the demons," I told Cas. "They must be able to feel it too. They're getting ready to go home."
Cas nodded. His blue eyes moved up and down my face, trying to discern my emotions from it. Well, he wasn't getting anything. I kept my face blank, until finally the angel gave up.
"Yes," he said. He stood. "I have to get back. I'll see you in an hour."
I nodded. "See you."
After Cas left, I dug around in my bag for the anti-possession baggie that Dean had given me. I frowned, unable to find it. Moving to my jacket, I searched its pockets. Nothing.
I sat on the bed, thinking back. When was the last time I remembered seeing it? It had been the other night, just before my fight with Dean. I let out a stream of curses. It must have fallen out of my pocket in the woods.
I whirled around when a knock came at the door.
Who was there? I highly doubted it was Sam or Dean, they would just fly in with Cas. And either way, Cas had just left.
My heart pounded as I reached for the pocket knife Dean had given me. I unfolded it carefully, trying to quiet my heavy breathing. Maybe whoever was outside would think that no one was in.
The knock came again. "Hello?" called a voice. "This is the manager. Is anyone in?"
A key clicked in the door, and I bolted forward, slamming myself against it.
"What the-" the manager pushed against the door, and I gritted my teeth as pain shot through my shoulder.
"One minute," I called. "I'm getting dressed."
Immediately the pressure on the door ceased. "Sorry," came the response.
I waited a minute before opening the door, thankful that my hair was still wet from my shower. As I did I kept the chain lock in place, just in case. A balding middle aged gentleman stood in the doorway. He was shorter than me, which was saying something. He seemed a bit sheepish about almost walking in on a teenage girl getting dressed.
"Are you staying for tomorrow?" he asked, his voice resonating with a thick Italian accent. I narrowed my eyes and crossed my arms, ignoring the pain in my shoulder.
"I don't know," I said. "Most likely. Why?"
"I need the money," he said.
I frowned. The boys hadn't left me any cash.
"I don't have it," I said.
"You owe me money," the manager said. His eyes narrowed.
"No, I don't," I realized. "I read your pamphlet." I pointed behind me, to where it rested on the table. "I don't owe you a penny till ten o'clock tomorrow morning."
The manager grumbled, looking like he was fighting back some unpleasant words. "Have it for me then," he demanded.
I nodded and rolled my eyes. "Have a good night." I swung the door shut and locked it again.
I sat on the bed, resting back against the pillows. I had stacked the ones from the other bed with mine, so I had extra cushioning.
I needed to sort through the upcoming departure. Sam, Dean, and Cas would be going home. Back to their universe, to all the other angels and demons, to whatever new big plot event awaited them there. What would it be?
Never mind that, I had my own problems to worry about. After they left, I would need to get home. I didn't really feel like stealing a car was the way to go. I decided I could just walk into the nearest police station and tell them who I was. They would handle the rest.
The problem was though, they would want to know what had happened to me. Who had taken me and why, how I had ended up in Chicago, these were all questions I would need answers for.
Maybe I could tell them I didn't remember. It was the simplest way to go. As long as I kept where my memory dropped off consistent, and didn't change any facts up until then, there was no way they could disprove anything I'd said.
That settled, I moved on to the harder bit. Why was there a part of me that didn't want to go home? It was a question I had no answer to. Even after nearly an hour, I fell asleep with the question still tumbling around in my head.
Knock, knock, knock, knock.
I woke to a pounding on my door. Sitting up groggily, I pulled the string on the lamp that would turn on the light. Beside me the clock read 11:21. Cas had been here nearly a half hour ago.
And he'd left me clothes. A small pile, folded neatly, had been set on the other bed. I smiled softly.
Knock, knock, knock, knock.
I glanced towards the door. Who the hell was there at this time of night? I grabbed the pocket knife from the nightstand, rising to my feet.
"Who is it?" I called. I winced at the tremor to my voice, then compensated by holding the knife at a better angle. At least I hoped it was a better angle.
"Open up please." I instantly recognized the heavy accent of the manager.
I sighed, folding the knife and sticking it in my pocket as I made my way to the door. "I told you, I don't have your-"
I stopped as the door opened. The manager grinned up at me with a sardonic expression, eyes as black as the night sky behind him.
I tried to slam the door shut, but the demon stopped it easily. It's grin widened as it thrust its hand forward, easily breaking the chain on the door as it was slammed open.
I backed away, scanning around me. Where was that damn phone? With trembling fingers I pulled the pocket knife out of my pocket, holding it in front of me.
"Don't come any closer," I warned.
The demon laughed, striding up to me. I slashed with the knife, and the demon caught my wrist, twisting until the blade fell from my fingers. Then it threw me.
I crashed into the nightstand, crying out as I collided with solid wood. I landed on my stomach, on the floor, but before I could stand up the demon was there, lifting me by my neck.
I groped out, searching for something, anything I could use as a weapon. Pulling my left arm from the sling, I managed to grab the lamp off the nightstand, swinging it down on the demon's head as hard as I could. It stumbled, losing its grip on my throat just enough for me to tear my way free.
I crawled away, grabbing the knife from where it had fallen. As the demon came at me again I stabbed upward, knowing it would do no good, a pocket knife was no use against a demon. Still, I felt a flicker of hope inside me as the knife sank up to the hilt in the demon's chest. I stood and bolted for the door.
The demon grabbed me, throwing me again. This time I crashed into the TV, shattering its screen. Before I could move the demon grabbed me again, throwing me on the floor in front of my bed. Its mouth opened.
Black smoke issued out, billowing around its head. I watched in openmouthed amazement as it did, then with horror realized what was next. I clamped my hands over my mouth, over my nose, but it was no good. The smoke rushed forward, squeezing between the cracks between my fingers and up through my nostrils, into my mouth. I gagged and sputtered, choking on it. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't see. I couldn't think.
Then it was over. I was lying flat on my back in the motel room, looking up at the cracked yellow ceiling. I tried to assess the damage to my body. Everything hurt. I was sure I would need stitches. When I tried to move though, I couldn't.
I panicked. Why couldn't I move? I thrashed, all to no avail. I cried and screamed, but no sound came out of my mouth. Somewhere someone was laughing. Who was it? Who would laugh at this?
Then I realized who it was. Me.
As soon as the realization struck, my body started to move. Yet I wasn't moving it. Even still, my body got to its feet, looking around me. My eyes surveyed the room. It was wrecked, the lamp and TV smashed. The manager was lying on the floor; he wasn't moving.
My body started walking. Not out of the room, but further in, towards the bathroom. It wanted me to see something. The door opened, the handle moved by my hand, but I hadn't willed my hand to move.
I could see my figure silhouetted in the mirror. My hand reached up, again, not by my doing, to turn on the switch, and I stared in horror at the face in the mirror.
It was my face. I recognized it clearly. It was covered in blood, but it was still mine. Nothing was different except the eyes.
My eyes were black.
I screamed. I screamed and screamed, to no avail. The only thing that could hear me was the demon staring back at me. And as I screamed, it laughed.
