Disclaimer: refer to chapter one
NOTE TO READERS: Sorry, for the late post. I usually try to post on weekends but real life hasn't been slow lately and I haven't had time to write. I had intended for this to be the last chapter, but alas it appears you'll get one or two more out of me before this story is finished. This chapter is around 10 pages long, so I hope you enjoy it. I wanted to thank everyone that has taken the time to leave a review or to PM me, Thanks!!
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Chapter Ten
By Dawn Nyberg
"'Till my body is dust, 'til my soul is no more, I will love you…" lyric excerpt by Fisher, I Will Love You
Two Days Later, Neurology Unit
"His right-lower extremity paralysis has finally begun to show signs of improvement," Dr. Lowe stood in the hallway near the nurse's station and spoke with Dr. Goosby. "And, there is marked improvement in his right-upper extremity weakness."
"Yes, I agree with your findings. His perilesional edema has improved but is still present, so I'd like to keep his current dosages and not adjust them down quite yet."
"I agree. I know his brother and uncle are biting at the bit to hear some reports and Sam, too." Dr. Lowe cast his eyes toward the hospital room. The beeper sounded on Dr. Goosby's waist. "I can talk to them and relay the new test results and scans you go answer your page." Dr. Goosby nodded a thank you to Dr. Lowe and excused himself.
A Moment Later, Sam's Bedside
"So, Doc, I want to know why my brother isn't up and walking yet … It's been way over twenty-four hours."
"Dean, let him talk," Sam urged quietly.
"The steroids are working there has been a great deal of improvement with Sam's right arm. He is able to grasp an eating utensil now and can squeeze my fingers on command with a lot more strength than he was able to previously before the new IV dosage of the dexamethasone. His right leg still has begun to improve and will continue to over the next handful of days."
"Handful of days!" Dean barked under his breath. "Doc my brother has been in this damn hospital for almost two months now. I want to take him home to our uncle's."
"Let him talk Dean," Bobby urged gently as he leaned forward. "So, doc you're sayin' that Sam just needs a few more days and his leg should be back to normal?"
"I'm confident the improvements will continue with the IV therapy and once we have him at a therapeutic level we'll switch to oral medication and stop the IV steroids. His leg is showing signs of movement and he is able to press against my hand minimally as opposed to two days ago when there was no movement at all."
"What about the brain swelling?" Bobby pushed. "The new scans show anything?"
"Dr. Goosby has seen a decrease in the edema but the swelling is still present, however the IV drugs are working. The anti-parasitic medications are continuing to work and of course this is lending to the edema, however we are being aggressive in his treatment." Dr. Lowe wanted to assure both men that Sam was being cared for and that they were staying ahead of any major issues.
"Doc?" Sam started. "So, this IV does it's thing … what happens after that?"
"Well, once we get you on your feet again, I'd like to see about discharging you with oral meds."
"Is he gonna be taking those anti-parasitic drugs when he leaves here?" Dean questioned.
"Yes," Dr. Lowe began. "As you know previously we had to stop treatment for a short while when Sam had surgery. However, now that he's on an actual dosage schedule I'm going to adhere to twice daily oral tablet for him." He shifted his eyes to the younger sibling. "Sam, your albendazole tablets will be taken twice daily on a 28 day cycle. Then you'll stop for 14 then repeat for a total of three cycles. Your case has been somewhat difficult, so I'd like to use an aggressive treatment schedule."
"That's a damn long time and a lot of crap pills to be takin'," Dean grumbled. "Is that treatment normal?"
"The treatment ranges differ, yes," Dr. Lowe stated simply. "But, I want to make sure we take care of this for Sam and there are no more problems. His care will be continued at the hospital near your uncle's home on an outpatient basis, so that his condition can be monitored." Dean and Bobby nodded.
"So, have you called Greene Memorial yet about Sam's continued care?" Bobby questioned.
"Yes, I have all ready spoken with a Dr. Brewster in neurology and he has stated he would take Sam's case once he is released. I will give you all of the information before Sam is discharged." Bobby nodded.
"Thanks, Dr. Lowe," Sam's voice was quiet, yet sincere.
One Week Later, Neurology Unit
"Man, Sammy those new scans better come back okay or at least okay enough for them to release your ass in another day or two," Dean said as he shifted in his chair. "Both Bobby and I are going nuts, you know cabin fever."
"Well, my legs moving and I can stand on it and even walk, so I should be out of here," Sam relented. "I'm sorry you've been stuck here, too." Dean looked at his brother and smiled.
"Sammy-boy don't worry about it, okay?" He leaned forward and swatted his brother's right leg and was happy to see his brother move that leg away in frustration. "Anyway, there isn't any other place I should be until you're out of here."
"Thanks," Sam offered the best thing he could at the moment, a lop-sided dimpled grin for his brother and Dean just smiled in return. "Dean?"
"Yeah?"
"Did Bobby have to close down the salvage yard to be here? I mean, he's been here for over three weeks actually closer to four."
"Nah, he got a friend of his Randy to run the yard while he's been gone." Sam nodded. "Hey, no worries Sammy," Dean assured. "There's no way in Hell that Bobby would have stayed away once he heard about you being in the hospital."
"Hey Boys," Bobby pushed aside the curtain enough to walk in. Sam and Dean both looked at the older hunter and looked like two deer caught in headlights. "What?" he looked at them with curiosity. "Did I miss somethin'?"
"Huh?" Dean answered quickly. "Nah, nothin' just sittin' here shootin' the breeze with Sammy." Both Dean and Sam exchanged quick looks and both were glad Bobby hadn't heard their conversation.
"Uh, huh," Bobby looked skeptical. "Why do I feel like my ears should be burnin'?" Both brothers simply smiled. "So, you hear from the doc yet?"
"Nope, not yet, but he should be here soon."
The hunters chatted easily among themselves for a few minutes just passing time waiting for the doctor. "Hey," Dean started. "I think I'm going to go get me a cup of Joe from the cafeteria … either of you want somethin'?"
"Nah, I'm good," Sam answered first.
"Nope, I'm good," Bobby replied. "I'll keep Sam company until you get back."
"Okay, hey, if the doc shows up … don't let him leave until I get here, okay? I'll be right back."
"Sure thing," Bobby replied. "You got it." Dean walked over to another chair he had draped his leather coat over and leaned over to grab his wallet from the pocket. Sam idly watched his brother and squinted as a piece of sunlight came through the window and hit his brother's amulet casting a bright reflection his way. He was suddenly mesmerized by the amulet and blinked. Dean stood back up and headed out of the room with a quick word that he'd back soon. Sam turned to Bobby with wide-eyes.
"Sam? What is it?" Bobby's voice was serious.
"I understand what that priest was sayin' now," Sam blurted out in rushed words. "I know what he meant now." Bobby sat dumbfounded as he tried to understand what Sam was talking about.
"What priest are you talkin' about Sam? What do you understand now?" Sam looked at Bobby and smiled.
"I know how to save Dean," he answered with excitement.
Twenty Minutes Later
Bobby sat trying to wrap his mind around the fact Dean had never mentioned talking with a spirit priest at the local Catholic Church down the street from his motel. Sam had filled him on what the priest had said to Dean and the message he asked him to pass along to Sam when he woke up. "So, you're saying the amulet might play a part in getting Dean out of his crossroad deal," Bobby eased forward keeping his voice low behind the closed privacy curtain.
"It has to be it Bobby," Sam answered excitedly. "It makes sense with what the priest said about it's been in front of my face for a long time and it wasn't until I saw the amulet I remembered when and why I gave it to Dean for Christmas. I was mad at Dad for lying to me and I lost faith in him and placed it all in Dean, it makes sense Bobby." The older man continued to process the information and theory that Sam was formulating. Sam had told him the cryptic message the priest had conveyed. "Bobby?"
"Just thinking," Bobby replied quickly when he detected Sam's tension in his voice.
"What was special about it Bobby? When you gave it to me you said it was special."
"It was just supposed to have some protection qualities to it," Bobby began. "Honestly Sam, I gave it to you so you'd have something to give your daddy for Christmas because you seemed a little upset you didn't have anything. I just thought it'd pass for a gift ya know?" Bobby answered honestly. "But, it is supposed to offer up protection or something like that to its wearer. I don't know the complete mythology around it."
"I gotta figure it out Bobby 'cause if there's the slightest chance it'll save Dean then I gotta know. I mean the priest had to have been talking about it, he had to!" Sam's voice was insistent and excited.
"Now, Sam I know you're getting yourself all riled up over this but you're still mending, okay?"
"Bobby I've wasted two months in this place and that's two months less that Dean has now," Sam's eyes liquid brown pools of angst and it tore at Bobby's heartstrings when he looked into the young man's eyes. "Five months Bobby, he's only got five months left," Sam lamented in a choked and quiet voice. Bobby reached out a comforting hand and placed it on Sam's right forearm and squeezed.
"Easy Sam," Bobby comforted. "We're gonna figure this out and I told you once all ready that I haven't stopped looking not since you've been in here, okay?" Sam nodded solemnly.
"So, you think the amulet might be something?" Sam's eyes held hope and Bobby wasn't prepared to dash that hope.
"Yeah, sure," he answered. "Anything is possible. I'll look into it and when you're on your feet again you can take over some of the research but that brother of yours is gonna be difficult," Bobby hedged.
"He can't know Bobby," Sam replied quickly. "If he thinks I might have a real lead he'll do everything in his power to shut me down because he's afraid I'll…" Sam left the sentence unfinished. Bobby looked at him grimly. He knew the terms of the deal, if Dean tried to mess with the deal or get out of that the deal would then be canceled and Sam would die.
"Ain't gonna happen kiddo," Bobby voice was filled with strong conviction. He wasn't going to lose either of the boys.
"What's not gonna happen?" Dean's voice chimed in as he gave a small shove to the privacy curtain.
"Huh?" Bobby masked. "Nothing," he looked at his watch. "You've been gone damn near a half hour Dean … what'd you do? Go hunt down Juan Valdez and make him harvest fresh coffee beans for you?"
"Ha-ha very funny," Dean mused dryly as he took a seat on Sam's left bedside. "It was a long damn line. I was behind at least fifteen people and one cashier," he grumbled. "I didn't miss the doc did I?"
"No," Sam answered easily. He shared a look with Bobby as Dean took a long swig from his steaming coffee cup.
"I miss anything while I was gone?" Dean looked from his little brother to Bobby.
"Nope, nothing," Sam answered deadpanned and Bobby couldn't help but suppress a grin at how easily that kid could lie to his big brother and not bat an eye when needed.
Four Days Later, Neurology Unit
"Well, Sam here are your walking papers," Dr. Lowe handed the discharge papers to Sam.
"Is this really necessary doc?" Sam asked as he frowned from his wheelchair.
"Sorry, it's hospital policy but as soon as you're outside the lobby doors you'll be on your own steam."
"So, everything is set-up with Greene Memorial for Sam's outpatient care?" Bobby asked as he pushed himself off the wall and approached the doctor.
"Yes, and he's due for a scan on Friday at noon, okay? Now, if you get any headaches Sam I want you to err on the side of caution and go to the ER near your uncle's place, okay?"
"Don't worry doc, if he so much as sneezes I'll have at the ER," Dean assured as Sam rolled his eyes. "So, you're really sure his head is gonna be okay?"
"Yes, and Dr. Goosby has found no further vascular problems to indicate any concern for another hemorrhage." Dean and Bobby both nodded.
"Well, no offense doc but I want to get the hell out of Dodge, all right?"
"No offense taken," the physician assured.
One Month Later, Bobby's Place
"That brother of yours catches wind of this and he's gonna pitch one hell of a fit," Bobby rubbed his face with a nervous hand.
"Well, he's not going to find out is he?" Sam pushed. "Look he's not here right now Bobby and he's not due back until the day after tomorrow with helping Ellen out with a mass exorcism. I still can't believe she and some hunters managed to sucker five demons into a devil's trap."
"Yeah, well he's been calling at least three times a day to make sure you're resting or that you're feeling okay … you honestly think I'm going to be able to stall him much passed two calls where he isn't going to demand to talk to you," Bobby leveled Sam with a hard look.
"Look, I know you're in a tough position Bobby but I gotta go talk to this psychic lady in Wyoming that Jefferson put me in contact with and he says she knows how to use the amulet and what I'll have to do to try and save Dean. It's getting down to the wire Bobby; four months … I have to do this."
"Fine, but you call me when you get there and you stay sharp," Bobby warned. "We got hundreds of demons running around and …"
"I know Bobby," Sam comforted. "I'll stay sharp," he affirmed.
"You're brother is going to go erupt when he knows you've run off."
"I know, but I'll be back in three or four days. Hey, it's not like I'm turning off my phone, I'll be in contact and he can call me. I'm just not telling him where I am."
"Your cell has GPS you know," Bobby countered. "It wouldn't be the first time he's thought to use it to find your ass."
"I know," Sam offered a mild smile. He did remember, his brother had told him when he had been possessed by Meg he had thought to use the GPS to locate him when he went after Jo while under demonic influence.
Three Days Later, Bobby's Place
"What in the hell was he thinking!" Dean paced wildly around Bobby's study. "And, you," he turned on the older man. "He still needs to rest after everything and you let him go on some goose chase. Where'd he go? Who's he talkin' to?" Dean barked.
"I don't know all the details Dean," Bobby admitted and it was part truth. He knew all he had to do was call Jefferson to find out the woman's name and location in Wyoming if he had to. "Look he called and checked-in when he got where he was going. He's fine. Anyway, you know the doc gave him a clean bill of health and he finished all of his anti-parasitic treatment, you've just been coddling him and driving him nuts might I add." Bobby replied. Dean's face showed clear frustration.
"You know what happened in Rapid City Bobby, how can you act like he shouldn't be resting, huh? He almost died," Dean shouted. He grabbed his cell phone up from a nearby desk and scrolled down to his brother's name and hit send. It rang and went to voice mail. "See!" he shouted. "You said yourself that he said he'd pick-up and he isn't … dammit all to hell," Dean spat.
"Well, maybe those last ten messages you left on his voice mail threatening bodily injury and calling him a stupid dumb ass might not be the best …"
"He knows better than this … what's he up to?" Dean ranted with his arms gesticulating angrily in the air as he paced. The clarity of the situation hit Dean like a semi-truck and he turned blazing eyes on Bobby. "It's about the damn deal isn't? He's out there following a lead isn't he?"
"Dean, it might not even pan out, you can't…"
"I can't what?" Dean yelled. "I can't stop him from trying to save me … I can't protect him from himself? Damn you! You should have stopped him; you know what could happen … you know the terms!"
"Dean he's never stopped researching and you know it … nothing has happened, maybe it was all an empty threat … maybe they want a Winchester bad enough to let Sam do whatever the hell he wants as long as he doesn't get too close to a way out before they follow through with the terms of the deal, maybe they won't risk letting you out."
"Maybe? Maybe!" Dean spat. "I'm not risking Sammy's life on a maybe, if anything happens…" Dean's throat constricted at the thought. Memories of Cold Oak swept over him and he felt cold. Dean was just about to start ranting again when his cell phone rang. The call ID sent a wave of relief through him it said: Sam's cell.
"Sammy! Where the hell are you? You okay?"
"I'm fine Dean," Sam's voice sounded strong and sure. Dean felt some of the tension over the last three days waxing away ever so slightly. "Look I'm about three hours away now, I'll be home in time for dinner," he joked.
"Dinner? Look you stupid ass," Dean barked. "You're an idiot looking for a lead on getting me out of this deal." There was a moment of silence on the phone. "What? You don't think I'm capable of putting two and two together? Bobby didn't rat you out but he should have," Dean gave the older hunter a pointed look across the room.
"Yeah, but I think this could really work Dean. I spoke to a lady and I'll tell you about it when I get back. It's a way where both of us will be fine, so I'm sure you'll go for this," Sam replied with excitement.
Three Hours Later, Bobby's Place
"I hear a car comin'," Bobby stood up from the kitchen table and looked out the window. "Yep, it's that clunker Ford Festiva I loaned your brother. Looks like crap but it runs." Dean laughed at the idea of his long, tall and lanky little brother folding himself it a thimble sized car.
"Ford Festiva," Dean choked on his beer. "I gotta get a picture of this," he ran out with his cell phone to catch a picture. Both men went outside to meet Sam.
Sam looked calm and at ease Dean noted, two countenances his little brother hadn't had as late, at least not since the night the Devil's Gate opened and he found out about the crossroad deal that was made. Sam was smiling as he climbed out of the car. "Funny Dean," he jested at the sight of his big brother taking a picture.
"Had to Sammy," Dean countered. "This is priceless, it's like the Jolly Green Giant driving one of those little clown cars from the circus."
"Yeah, yeah," Sam started walking toward Bobby and Dean who stood waiting on the steps of Bobby's house. Sam casually threw his backpack over his shoulder. Sam was stilling smiling when a black smoke materialized suddenly and coalesced into a human looking figure. The figure was of a man with dark hair and eyes black as pitch.
"Consider this your only warning Winchester," the demon spat and Dean's eyes flashed in anguish as he watched his brother's fading smile contort into a look of pain and agony. It happened in slow motion as Sam dropped to his knees and pitched forward into the dirt of Bobby's driveway. "You've been warned," the demon hissed and billowed up and into the air.
Dean's legs were moving before he even realized he was running for his brother. Sam was wearing jeans and pale blue T-shirt, and the red growing blossom of blood on Sam's back made Dean's heart hammer wildly. Bobby was at Dean's heels as they reached Sam's unmoving body.
"Sammy!" Dean skidded across the last couple feet in the dirt on his knees to reach his brother. One hand instinctively going to his little brother's bleeding back. Dean swallowed down the bile as the warm blood slicked across his fingers. "Sammy?" Dean's voice choked. His other hand shaking so badly he couldn't locate Sam's pulse point in his neck.
"Here let me," Bobby reached down. His hand was steady but his heart was hammering under his sternum. His fingers pressing inward to feel for a pulse as Dean looked expectantly at the older hunter.
To Be Continued
Well, best laid plans don't always work out, huh? I had intended for this chapter to be the last one but it looks like there will be at least one more maybe two. The story sort of took an extra turn and I've decided to go with the flow. However, I do hope to finish with the next chapter or two.
Thanks for reading, I appreciate it!!