Chapter 26
"Thank you again," Lina says as Sam and Dean walk to her dorm. The early sunlight is peaking through the clouds, and Sam notices that dorm lights are beginning to turn on for morning classes.
"You're welcome," Sam replies. He is still weak from his near drowning experience and is relying heavily on Dean to keep him standing.
Sam and Dean stop when they reach Lina's dorm building.
"Well I guess this is goodbye," Dean says with a shrug.
Lina nods her head slowly.
"Maybe I'll see you again one day," she says hopefully.
"If you see us again, it probably won't be for brunch," Dean replies in a joking tone before turning serious, "Just… stay good."
Lina nods in acknowledgement. She kicks a rock with her shoe and then looks up at Sam and Dean. She shifts uncomfortably and stutters an awkward goodbye.
"Well, uh… bye then".
She walks up the stairs to her dorm and turns to wave when she reaches the top of the stairs. She mouths "thank you" one more time before entering the building.
"We better get out of here," Sam says after Lina disappears inside.
"Good idea," Dean agrees.
Sam limps next to Dean as they make their way back to the Impala.
...
Sam exhales and deflates into the car seat.
"I love this car," he whispers.
"Hey, watch your tongue," Dean says defensively.
Sam chuckles and looks out the window as Dean pulls out of the parking lot.
They cruise back to Bobby's house with ease. Sam grins when he spots Bobby's car in the driveway.
"Hey Bobby," Sam and Dean say in unison when they enter the house.
"What happened?" Bobby questions as he takes in Sam's hunched form
"It's a long story Bobby," Dean answers lethargically.
"I just asked ya'll to watch a mermaid. How do hard could that be?" Bobby replies while shaking his head.
"Don't get me started," Dean complains as he lowers Sam to the couch.
Bobby assesses Sam's physical state and Dean's mental state, and holds his tongue.
"Why don't you boys rest? We'll talk about it later," Bobby relents.
"No problem," Sam mutters as he sinks into the couch and closes his eyes.
Sam is just drifting to sleep when he hears his brother whisper something.
"See Sammy, you're not a monster."
Sam immediately opens his eyes and looks towards Dean. Dean is sitting with his arms crossed and breathing deeply like he is asleep. His face is upturned and his eyes are closed.
Sam smiles, closes his eyes again, and utters a single word in return.
"Jerk."
The End ~ Thank you so much for reading! :)