Well-Aged Like Swiss Cheese

Chapter 10: Cupcakes Heal the Soul

There was a small funeral three days following the barn incident for Sara. She had been buried not as a hunter, but as a civilian. There was no field and burning the body with a whiskey toast. Rather, a small funeral in the local Methodist Church. Among others, in attendance were her sister, best friend, and two phony FBI agents. There attendees sang Amazing Grace and listened to those who knew Sara best talk about her contagious laughter and wit, her inventive imagination, and dedication to those she loved. It was a sweet, simple funeral for a girl who had been given a few extra years of life.

At the gravesite, Susan leaned into Dean. He firmly wrapped his arm around her. She felt safe and secure. He had been her rock during the planning of this funeral. She'd never known any man to be sensitive and strong at the same time. She only wished he'd stay with her. They'd talked about it the last few days, but she ultimately knew he was a hunter and as long as there were monsters out there; he'd hunt them.

To the surprise of almost all of the grieving, a small pack of dogs joined them at the graveside. When the priest had concluded and the casket was being lowered, the dogs began to howl. To anyone who heard the howling, it sounded musical. Almost as if the dogs had practiced and were singing a farewell melody. They disappeared as quickly as they came causing many to question if they had been real or just some strange dream.

Clara's funeral was much more low-key. There were only three in attendance. And since there was no body to bury and no report of her death, it was much more of a memorial service then an actual funeral. The three stood in the field by the barn each holding a single black rose. Journey had been Clara's favorite band and it played softly in the background. Susan's face was red and puffy as she began pulling off the petals of her black rose. The brother's followed suit. At her very last rose petal, Susan whispered, "I love you mama. Rest in peace."

Silently they left the open field carrying the portable CD player.

The next morning, the three stood outside of Susan's apartment. The condolences were over and the funerals were complete. Sam had caught wind of a hunt outside of Omaha and the brothers planned to check it out. Sam excused himself from the group to ensure everything was packed in the trunk. He knew Dean needed time to say good-bye.

"I'll miss you," Susan said staring into Dean's eyes.

"I'll miss you to." He'd never met anyone quite like her before. He'd been with lots of women. But he'd not found a woman who could be so strong and weak at the same time. He was strangely pulled to her. He desired to stay with her and protect her. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible.

The two kissed passionately. Sam had finished checking the trunk, looked up, and quietly cleared his throat. The two pulled their lips away from each other. Still looking deep into Susan's eyes, he said, "We should get going. I'll call, I promise." Dean smiled.

Susan hugged him, "Will you ever come back?"

He hugged her back and said, "I will. I promise."

"Okay, then," She pulled away and walked to Sam. She hugged him, "Take care of your big brother. He needs someone to keep him out of trouble."

Sam laughed, "I will".

As they drove off Sam said, "You know most likely we won't be back."

"I know." Dean turned up the music and focused on the road. He wasn't about to tell Sam that he had every intention of finding his way back.

Six months had gone by since Dean had left Susan tearful. Susan opened Crazy Cupcakes a small cupcake shop on the town's square. Her business had been booming and she found herself working late and getting up early. She was a one woman baker and was known for individualized cupcake designs and unique flavors. She'd poured her heart and soul into each cupcake she made. She knew her mother would have liked cakes and Sara would have loved the trendy atmosphere. Cupcakes had been one of the bonds that had tied the three together.

It was a late Tuesday night as she approached her apartment door carrying a large box full of unfrosted cupcakes. Her exciting evening plan was to pour herself a glass wine and decorate 24 cupcakes for a ten-year-olds birthday. The theme for the party was flowers and butterflies. This was one of her specialties. The cupcake design was bright with color and playful. It was one of the reasons people came to her, they sought out her masterpieces. Since the cupcakes were handmade, no cupcake was the same.

As she approached her door, something felt odd. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something wasn't normal. She slipped her key into the lock and turned it slowly, listening. And then she heard it. A single male voice inside, quietly talking on, she assumed, a phone. She pushed the door open and immediately recognized the man's backside. She squealed in delight, dropped the cupcakes and tackled him to the ground.

He grinned at her, "I missed you too!" Dean rolled over and kissed Susan They reconnected on the floor; the forgotten cupcakes toppled out of the box at the entry. There would be no frosting cupcakes that night.

The End

AN: I hope you've enjoyed it or at least were mildly entertained. Please review and provide some feedback. I wouldn't mind some constructive feedback as that helps me to improve. Thanks for reading!