Chapter 20

Hailey woke up by the sound of a phone ringing. She lifted her head from her laptop, where she had falling asleep, sitting at Bobby's desk. She stretch out her arms yawning then cracked her neck, before getting up from the chair, walking to the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee.

She passed Bobby who was on the phone, passing himself as a FBI agent. She poured herself a cup and walked back to the desk. She quickly scanned her notes and resumed her research.

She had been looking for a way to get Dean out of hell ever since they had come back home, which was now a month ago. Sam had left right after they buried Dean, never calling them since. Bobby had tried several times to call him, but he never answered. Her father kept telling Hailey not to worry. He would come back once things settled down. Ellen and Jo mostly went on hunts, keeping an eye out for the grieving brother.

Hailey's routine was waking up, researching, being practically force fed from Bobby, shower, more research and a couple of hours sleep when her body would give out. She hated sleeping, images of Dean would taunt her, the sound of him dying, choking on his blood replayed in her subconscious. But the worst ones were the good ones, where she had to wake up to reality. She hadn't slept in her bed since he was gone. She barely got in and out to change. She was afraid of all the memories her room would bring back, not only of Dean but from Sam as well. They use to spend hours talking in her room, when she was lucky enough to call him her best friend, before she let him down when he needed her the most, before Sam left, never even sending her a glance her way. She missed him, almost just as much as she missed Dean.

Hailey found a couple of ways to bring Dean back, but none of them worked. She had tried making a deal with a crossroad's demon, but he had simply laughed in her face, saying no soul was worth as much as Dean's and taunted her about what they were doing to him. Hailey jammed the demon knife into the demon, satisfied of wiping his smirk off his face. She had also tried seeking witches but soon enough realised whatever would come back wearing Dean, wouldn't be Dean. She had tried calling to the voice she had dreamt about twice, but nothing ever happened. She was now seeking a way to get into hell and grab him herself, not mentioning it to her father, knowing it was practically a suicide mission. Actually Bobby didn't know any of the attempts she had tried. Thankfully he had his hands full with cases since Sam was nowhere to be found, they were down two of the greatest hunters they had.

Hailey, Rufus just called, he needs a hand... You think you can manage the phones? Bobby asked.

Dad, I'm kinda busy here... Hailey answered not even bothering to look up from her laptop.

I'll be back in a day or two... could only do you good to take a break-

A break!? You think Dean gets a break from... She trailed off.

People are still dying here Hails, they still need our help.

Dean needs our help!

When the phones ring you better pick it up, get it?

Hailey glared at her father but then nodded in defeat.

Good! I'll be in touch. He said and he was out the door.

Hailey returned to her research but after ten minutes one of the phones started ringing. She let out a frustrated sigh and got up to answer it.

Detective Holloway. Hayley answeredthe cell phone, which woke herup from a 20 minute nap.

Bobby had been gone for two straight weeks, leaving her to answer to hunters and do stupid research for them. She barely had time to continue her own search to get Dean back.

Wrong phone you idjit. Laughed Bobby.

Oh, right... what time is it? She asked rubbing the bridge of her nose.

Late for you... I just thought you'd be up. Bobby said recognising her sleepy voice.

I am now... what's up?

Just called to tell you were heading to florida-

You have got to be kidding me! Dad I have things to do too. You said Rufus needed your help on one hunt.

And he still does! I'll be back as soon as I can... How's your research coming along?

It's not... Too busy helping other hunters.

Right... Like I said I'll be back-

As soon as you can. Got it. Can I please go back to sleep?

Yeah... Be safe.

You too dad... love yah. She said and then hung up the phone, falling back into the couch and closed her eyes.

The cell phone rang again and Hailey answered not bothering to sit up.

What!?

... Hailey? She heard on the other line and sat up straight.

Sammy!?

Is this a bad time? He asked not sure if he should've called.

No! No... It's... It's good to hear your voice. She said as she sung her legs off the couch.

Yeah... Same here...

How... How have you been?

Same as you as I guess...

Right. Stupid question. Where are you?

About an hour out Sioux falls... I thought, maybe, we could talk?

Of course! Yeah...

I'll be there in bit. He said before hanging up.

Hailey took a deep breath, not knowing what to expect. She passed a hand through her hair and it got stuck in her knots.

Shit. She said before running upstairs to take a well needed shower.

Hailey was now picking up around the house as she waited for Sam. Soon enough she heard the familiar roar of Baby and her heart tightened. She pushed the feeling away and walked to the door. At the first knock she opened it and sure enough Sam was standing on the porch. At first they just stared at each other, not sure how to greet one another, but then Sam pulled her roughly into his arms. She squeezed his just as hard as they hugged in silence. Both their bodies relaxed into the hug, appreciating the moment.

I'm so sorry Hails... I shouldn't have-

What? No! I'm the one who's sorry... Hailey said pulling out of his embrace, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Sam smiled kindly and cupped her face, wiping the tears away with his thumbs.

Guess we both kinda sucked in the friend department lately.

I get the medal. She sniffed, moving to let Sam inside.

Sam sat on the couch in the living room and Hailey quickly got two beers from the kitchen and joined him.

So... what have you been up to? He asked taking the bottle Hailey handed and opened it, gave it back and did the same with the second bottle, drinking from it.

Thanks, well... for the past two weeks I've been stuck here doing dad's job. There are more cases than we can handle right now. She answered taking a swing.

And before that? He asked curiously.

Obsessing on research to get Dean the hell out of... hell. She confessed.

Sam nodded taking another sip of the cold beer.

Same here... Maybe a little more bloody.

I did kill a crossroad demon and scared the shit out of one or two witches...

Hailey... a crossroad demon?! If Dean-

Oh sush, he told me I was the second to ask. Sam's face changed into a sad one.

No one wants to deal... I just don't know how to get him back hails... I've been trying to track Lilith, to make her give him back to us but-

Dean burnt the book...

That and she's been under the radar ever since. No demon activity... I got nothing to go on... I just, I need him back. I can't stand it, knowing... Sam trailed off chocking on a sob.

Hailey's heart hurt for Sam and she placed her bottle on the coffee table before reaching out and hugging Sam, pulling him to her. She felt him shake in his silent crying and after a while she positioned herself so Sam could lie on her lap. She played in his silky long hair shushing him smoothly till his shaking stopped and Sam breathing turned into deep slow ones as he drifted to sleep. Hailey continued her soothing caress till she also, fell into a deep sleep.

Hailey woke up alone on the couch, with a blanket wrapped around her. She pulled it off looking around for Sam, but he was nowhere in sight. She quickly made her way to the window and was relieved to see Dean's baby in front. She walked to the stairs and heard the shower running. She went back into the kitchen, deciding to whip up some breakfast.

Hailey smiled sadly to herself as she remembered her dream; They were sitting on the ground leaning against Baby, Dean had just finally broke down about losing his father and they were now talking about silly memories. She could still clearly see his red ringed eyes light up with a hint of happiness, making her know things were going to be okay. When he had kissed her on the forehead a little bit longer, he had kissed her cheek and for the first time, well she didn't realise at the time, she saw love in his eyes. And Hailey was ripped away from the moment into the cold reality; he was gone.

She was flipping pancakes when Sam came in and started some coffee, Hailey had forgotten to start.

Sam? She called not looking at him but staring at the half cooked pancake. When she heard Sam's shuffled stop she continued.

The last time I spoke to him... I was a bitch. I didn't mean any of it. I was just so damn mad... You think... He knew it? God, Sammy what if he died thinking I hated him?

Sam came behind Hailey and took the pan and pushed it away before turning her so she was facing him.

My brother was deeply and completely in love with you. He knew the only reason you didn't come back was because you loved him too damn much, to just sit here and watch him give up. But trust me he didn't, give up, he fought till his last breath. Saved as many lives he could too.

Hailey nodded as a tear ran down her cheek. Turning back and putting the pan back onto the stove.

I thought he would have cleared things up in that letter-

What letter? What are you talking about? Hailey asked turning around to face him.

The one he left on your night stand.

I haven't... I haven't really stayed there since... Hailey trailed off looking up.

She exchanged a look at Sam before running upstairs. Sam watched her go and resumed cooking the pancake.

Hailey opened her door and ran to her nightstand. She spotted the envelope under a framed picture of her and her father. She took it with shaking hands and sat on the edge of the bed. She stared at it, running a finger on her name written in his handwriting. She flipped the letter around and opened it. She pulled out the folded paper and something fell on her lap. She picked up Dean silver ring he always wore on his right hand ring finger. She took a shaky breath as she inspected the ring, running a finger on the simple groove the silver ring had. She held it in her hand as she unfolded the paper and started reading it, blinking her tears away so she could see better.

Dear Hailey,

This is actually the tenth letter I'm writing.

Or maybe I'll grow some balls and actually call you

Who am I kidding...

I hurt you, I know. I was so pissed at you for putting

Yourself in danger like that, for me because of me.

I said some pretty shitty stuff. That weren't true at

All... I was hoping you'd be here. But I fucked up.

And that's on me, NOT YOU. So I'm written this to

Make sure I clear stuff up before I go.

Hailey, you are the love of my life. I thought I knew

What love was before but you showed me a whole

New side of it. I never met anybody like you, and

We both know what a manwhore I was! So that's

Saying something right? I'm sorry about having to

Leave. I wish I could stay, fix things between us for

Real, instead of leaving you a note like a douche.

Or maybe I should be grateful? For finding out what

True love felt like? Yeah let's go with the last thing..

( See this is why this is the tenth letter... Maybe I

Should ask Sammy some help... ;) )

I love you Hailey Elizabeth Singer. Where ever I

End up, my heart will always be with you. Take

Care of Sam and Bobby for me.

Thank you for loving me, even when I didn't always

Deserve it.

I want you to have my ring. So you can have a piece

Of me with you. I guess it's time for me to raise a

Little hell.

Take care shortcake,

Yours, for always and forever.

Dean W .

Hailey wiped her tears away and smiled as she re-read the letter a third time. She carefully folded the letter and tucked it back into the envelope, putting it back where she had found it. She got up and opened her jewellery box, which was practically empty, and pulled out a simple silver chained necklace and passed it through the ring. She looked at herself in the mirror as she tied it in the back of her neck. She played with the ring as she watched it shimmer in the morning light. She grabbed an elastic and quickly pulled her hair up as she left the room and went downstairs.

Screw breakfast, we have work to do.