This is the last chapter, guys. I'm sure you're all relieved. My updating skills have gotten steadily worse. Sorry.

But here it is, Chapter 25, Chapter-the-Last.

Chapter 25

Dean stretched as he saw in the driver's seat of the Impala, slightly irritated that that Sam could never make anything brief, but glad to be finally out of the stupid motel room where he'd been holed up for the past week.

He was waiting outside Cecilia's apartment building, but Sam's two-minute goodbye to the girl he obviously had feelings for had turned into a fifteen minute ordeal, and counting. He considered giving Sam five more minutes to get his ass out to the car, but decided against it. It was too an opportunity to let go. He got out of the car and headed towards the apartment.

Little brother hadn't actually told him what her apartment number was, so Dean had no idea where he was going. He stopped at the desk to find out.

Finally enlightened, Dean headed up the stairs to where Cecilia lived. He didn't know what was taking Sam so long, but it was getting late. And other hunts were calling.

He knocked on the door, slightly afraid of what he would behind it. However, a moment later, the door opened. Cecilia's cheeks were flushed and her eyes were bright, but she didn't look happy. In fact, she looked almost angry.

"Hi," Dean said, stepping inside, confused. He'd had a few ideas of what Sam was doing up here, but this wasn't it.

The look on Sam's face plainly said, "Could you have come at a worse time?" Dean glared back at him, not caring at all what his brother did or didn't want.

"So, what are you guys doing?" Dean asked, trying to avoid an awkward comment and failing miserably.

"We're just saying goodbye, Dean," Sam said, his voice snappish.

Dean felt slightly guilty. He'd obviously intruded on something. He didn't know what, but neither of them looked very happy.

Sam sighed. "You know what Dean and I do," he said gently. "You've seen us do it, and I've told you all about it. The way we live – it's not safe."

"I know that," Cecilia said.

Oh dear God. This wasn't supposed to have happened. Dean thought of Sarah in New York. Now, Cecilia. Could people really fall in love within a few says of meeting each other?

Sam looked sad. "It just doesn't work that way," he said softly. "Believe me, you're better off far away from us."

Cecilia shook her head. "I can't imagine how that's even possible."

Sam's tiny smile was more like a grimace. "You just have to trust me."

She sighed. "I do trust you."

The grimace turned up almost into a smile. "We have to go now."

She turned her face away. "I'll walk you outside."

Sam sighed barely audibly, and started to head out of the room, leaving Dean and Cecilia alone. Dean glanced at her. She was wiping a tear out of her eye.

"Hey," he said awkwardly, "uh, thanks for saving my life." Damn it! Bad timing and a corny line all in one.

"What?" She looked surprised to see that he was still there. "Oh, yeah. It's what I do."

Dean nodded and started to walk out the door, knowing she'd follow when she was ready.

"Dean, wait." He stopped at the door.

"You'll, like, watch over him, right?"

Dean frowned, confused. "Who? Sam?" She nodded. "Have since he was born." He paused. "Why?"

She hesitated before she spoke, and when she did, she didn't meet his eyes. "When we met…the first time he touched me, when he tried to help me up…"

Dean stared at her.

"I felt something." She finally looked at him. "I've never felt anything like that, Dean, please – make sure nothing happens to him. Please."

Dean felt a chill run down in spine. "What was it?" he asked hoarsely. But Cecilia was already shaking her head.

"I don't know," she said. "What, when, where, why – I don't know. But, please – just take care of him."

He nodded. She closed her eyes, too late to hide the tears welling up in her eyes.

"Come on," he said, "Sam's probably at the car by now."

The walk downstairs was silent and uncomfortable. Dean still felt cold, disturbed by what Cecilia had told him.

Sam was at the car when he got there, waiting. If he was miserable, he was masking it well.

"Bye," Cecilia said quietly, her eyes on Sam.

"Bye," he replied, the mask down for a moment. Dean tried to get into his car quietly. The door squeaked.

Dean waited until Sam was in the car, too, to start the engine. "I'm sorry, Sammy," he said.

"Not your fault."

Dean looked back at Cecilia, now standing in front of the doors to the building. Sam was gazing at her, too.

He pulled out of the parking lot, preparing for another silent ride. Sam would be miserable, and now Dean had things to worry about, too.

What was going to happen to Sam?

THE END

Bear in mind, this is the PREQUEL to "Running Out of Time." If you read that, then you know what was gonna happen to Sam.

Anyway, thanks to all the faithful readers! lol! I appreciate all the comments, they make my day.

I have the third in the trilogy, the last one, that takes place after "Running Out of Time." Is it worth it to post it?

Thanks,
Caitlyn