Melinda jump started the impala. She knew he'd kill, but he'd kill her even worse if she left his car behind. Castiel clmibed into the passenger seat, not even bothering with the seatbelt. Melinda said nothing. She made no sound as she took the car out of park and began to drive away. Silent streams of tears clung to her face as she stared at the black road.
Castiel looked at her. "We've tried. You tried."
"Yeah, and what did that get us? Sam, Dean.. their both gone." Melinda tried to contain herself. She didn't want to cry, and she certainly didn't want to pick a fight with Cas.
Melinda silenced her sobbing. She bit her lip to transfer the pain from her heart to her mouth. Melinda gripped her fingers tightly around the steering wheel, squeezing it for comfort. Her head hung low.
She growled under her breath. "God damnit." Melinda let go of the wheel with her right hand, letting it drop to her side. Castiel instinctively moved his hand over hers, locking her wrist in his fingers. Melinda didn't look over this time, she remained ridged.
Castiel sighed. "Where are we going?" He asked, changing the subject.
"Back to Bobby's. We can't do anything now but hide." Melinda said defeated.
Castiel repelled his hand and rested it in his lap. Melinda took a deep and shakey breath.
"I'm scared," she admitted. "I mean, I know you're here and I'm glad," Melinda looked at him and smiled, "but they're my brothers. They've always made me feel safe. They've always kept me safe." Melinda looked back at the road solemnly.
"Now they're gone, my safety's gone with them."
Castiel watched the road ahead, thinking about what Melinda had told him. He tried hard to feel what she was feeling. He tried to feel her pain, but most of all her fear. He turned to her.
"I cannot begin to feel what you are feeling, Melinda," Castiel's eyes glued to the side of her head. Melinda continued watching the road, listening carefully. "I don't really know what fear and pain is."
"You're lucky." Melinda whispered.
"But I think wherever your brothers are," Castiel looked up. "They wouldn't want you to be afraid."
Melinda pressed her lips together. "They'd want me to be strong." She whispered again.
"I think that's what I mean." Castiel said unsurely. Melinda smiled slightly at his unintended joke.
"You're right." Melinda looked at him with a sad smile. "Thank you." She spoke innocently.
"I wasn't aware I was helping." Cas stated.
"You have no idea." Melinda's eyes went back to the road.
Then a stretch of silence fell between then again, from now until they reached Bobby's.
3 hours later, Melinda parked the impala in Bobby's drive way, then killing the engine. She looked at Castiel briefly, then together they climbed out of the car. Melinda slouched as she walked, her head hanging low. Castiel placed a hand on her back, guding her, providing comfort. Melinda didn't want to face Bobby empty handed. She didn't want anymore blame put on her, especially after blaming herself. She didn't think she could handle the shame and the loss.
Castiel and Melinda trudged up the steps, then knocked on Bobby's front door. A few seconds later, Bobby had opened the door, revealing himself seated in his wheelchair. His face first hopeful, then distressed when he realized Dean and Sam were not there.
"What happend?" He said as he rolled back, allowing Melinda and Cas to step inside. "We found them, but not before God found us." Melinda said shamefully.
Bobby looked at Castiel with wide eyes. "God?"
"I don't know." Melinda paced. "But Heaven's got Dean. They zapped him up like they did Alistair." She slapped her hands to her sides.
Bobby looked away and to the floor, dumbfounded. "They're going to break. I know it." Melinda confessed.
No one said nothing.
Silence fell upon Bobby's house. Melinda wanted to pray, but she felt there was no one to pray to.
"So now what?" Bobby asked. Melinda looked at him.
"We hide."