How the hell did we wind up like this?
Why weren't we able, to see the signs that we missed
And try to turn the tables
Now the story's played out like this
Just like a paperback novel
Let's rewrite an ending that fits
Instead of a Hollywood horror
Someday, Nickelback
...

When Dean woke the next morning he could not remember falling back to sleep. For the first time in months he felt rested. He stretched lazily and noticed he was alone in the bed. He sat up and saw Jennifer sitting at the table, her hands wrapped around a go-cup of coffee. Her face looked like her dog had been run over by a car.

Dean's first instinct was to find Sam. Always Sam, but his brother was still asleep and lightly snoring in the other bed. He relaxed a little, just barely.

He carefully got out of bed so as to not creak the old springs too much. Then walked softly to where Jennifer was seated. Her eyes were glazed over and red as if she had been crying. Dean reached out and brushed her shoulder as he sat down.

She spoke so quietly that Dean had to strain to hear her. "Castiel was here."

Dean's stomach did a flip and knotted at the same time. He had just come to terms with his feelings for his angel and he was not ready to share it just yet. "Yeah, okay and did he say anything?"

"No, Dean, you don't understand." Jennifer looked up at Dean. Yes, she had been crying. "He was HERE." On the last work she motioned to the bed with her chin then lowered her eyes back to the table.

He looked at the bed then back at Jennifer. It still took about five heartbeats for him to catch on. When he realized that he had not only been here, but his angel had seen him in bed with someone else, Dean's heart knew the true meaning of pain.

"Fuck." Dean whispered. "Did...did he…?" He could not get the words out.

"No, he didn't say anything to me about it. He just said 'Jericho, California' and left." Jennifer reached out and took Dean's hand. "I'm so sorry, Dean." Her eyes started welling up again. "He didn't say anything, but I could feel him." She choked on the words and Dean took her hand in return.

"We didn't do anything wrong, Jennifer." Dean told her "And when I get to talk to him I'm going to explain everything. Everything, okay? And...and make this alright."

"Make what alright, Dean?" Sam had woken up and caught only a little of the conversation. The interruption had startled Dean more than he would ever admit. He sat up bolt right as if he had been caught with his hand in a cookie jar.

"I..uh…" Dean glanced nervously between Sam and Jennifer. Did he tell Sam now? Like this?

Jennifer came to his rescue and for that Dean could kiss her. "It's nothing, Sam. I was just thinking about Jimmy and I got carried away. Dean here was just trying to make me feel better." She stood up and chastly kissed Dean on top of his head. "But I do have news. We have a final location. Jericho, California."

"Great! Can we have breakfast first? I'm starving?" Sam got out of bed, walked into the bathroom, and shut the door behind him.

"Um, thanks, I guess." Dean said softly.

Jennifer smiled, "Don't worry." she ruffled his hair "If you think Sam didn't figure it out ages ago you're a lot dumber than you look." She sniffed one good last time and went to pack her things. "And you're right," she said over her shoulder "I do believe you'll make it alright before it's over."

Dean sat staring at the bathroom door. Why was he always the last to know?