I walked to the bar and casually leaned on it, trying hard not to let on that my heart was literally breaking in my chest. I just told my deepest, darkest secret and he goes and fucks Jo in the supply closet. The story of my attack was too much for him, I thought. He'll never look at me the same way again. I'm tarnished.

Sam lifts his head, looking away from the case file and smiles at me. "You, ok Nic?"

"Yea," I respond, hoping my tone of voice doesn't give my heartache away. "Ellen, are there any bus stops around here? I think I'll just head back to Sioux Falls." Glancing at the clock on the wall, she answers, "Sorry, sweetie. The last bus pulled out an hour ago. Won't be another until mid-morning tomorrow."

"Nic, what's going on?" Sam asks, his voice laced with worry. "Why don't you just hang here until we handle this case and you can return with us?"

"Sam, I just wanna go home."

Sam lays his hand over top of mine. "I don't like the idea of you being alone. I know, I know you can take care of yourself, but you shouldn't have to. Just wait for Dean and I to get back. Wont be more than a couple days, I'm sure. Hang out here at the Roadhouse. Get to know Ellen and Jo. I'm sure you could use some girl talk." He laughs. "You sure ain't gonna get it from us or Bobby."

"Sure, sweetie. You are more than welcome to stay here. I got some rooms upstairs. No use in wasting funds for a ticket." Ellen tells me. Feeling overwhelmed by Sam's concern and Ellen's hospitality, I make the decision to stay...It will be nice to just be by myself and try to figure out what to do next. I'm also starting to become aware of how worn down I'm feeling so I opt to take up Ellen's offer of a room and try to rest. "Okay, maybe I'll just go up and rest." Looking over at Sam, I tell him to be careful and I'll see them when they get back.

By that time, Dean has returned and is talking over the case with Sam and Ellen tells Jo to show me to one of the rooms upstairs. I reluctantly follow the blonde vixen. She points to one of the doors and mumbles, "You can use that one."

"Dean, she said she was gonna just hang out here and rest. She's had a tough day. I'm sure it wasn't easy for her to bring up all those bad memories," Sam tells his brother as they are rechecking their weapons and loading the van.

"Yea, you're right. That could not have been easy. It was hard to listen to." Dean says as he slides into the driver's seat. "Maybe some rest will do her good." Driving away from the Roadhouse, Dean steals a glance into the rearview mirror. He is determined to make sure you never have to relive that nightmare again.

Waking up, I was glad I had had the forethought to turn the desk lamp on before I had lain down earlier. It was dark outside the window of the room I occupied. I sat and stretched, the nap had helped with the fatigue I felt. Looking into the mirror over the vanity, I eyed myself. My auburn colored hair fell over my shoulders and down my back; chestnut brown eyes were just lightly rimmed with red, from my crying bout earlier. Gazing down, I took in my body. I wasn't fat by any means, but my 5' 4" figure held a few more curves than most women my age. My arms were slightly muscular, due to all the workouts from fighting plus I hadn't completely given up on my physical training. My thighs were strong and sturdy. A few scars littered my body, but most could be covered with clothing. A tattoo of a symbol meaning 'love' with a dragon wrapped around it adorned my ankle. No, I wasn't a typical 26 year old, but I am rather impressed with myself. I thought Dean was too, but after earlier, I felt as if maybe he was more into skinny, blonde bimbos.

Descending the stairs, I stepped into the saloon. The atmosphere was a complete 180 from earlier. The stools that lined the bar were all occupied as well as a few of the tables. The jukebox in the corner was playing a Red Hot Chili Peppers song that I didn't recognize. The only reason I knew who the band was is because I recognized Anthony Kiedis' voice.

Most of the men who were settled throughout the area were immersed in conversations with one another and didn't pay attention to my presence, which I highly appreciate. Settling at the table I had taken earlier gave me a full view of all the activities taking place. Ellen was happily serving her customers, Ash was at the pool table drinking and loudly proclaiming to be "the best damn researcher this side of the Mason-Dixon". That gave me a chuckle.

Suddenly the front door opens and in walks Dean's skinny blonde bimbo along with another female. They were walking arm in arm and laughing. I watch as they walk up to the bar and Jo leans over and grabs two bottles. As she bends one of the men closest to her smacks her ass.

"Hey, hands off the merchandise Luke!" The guy sheepishly grins at her and put his hands up in mock surrender. Jo and her friend make their way through the tables and sits down at the empty one right behind me.

"So, tell me about this new guy." Jo's friend says. "You said he's unbelievably hot!" I wonder if she's referring to Dean.

"Maizy, you have no idea! Light brown hair, cute little freckles and drop dead gorgeous green eyes." Yep, Dean is their topic of conversation. "And built like you wouldn't believe. And let me tell you, the man has moves." I hear her sigh and I can feel my anger rising. I clench my fist and bite my tongue to keep my composure. I shouldn't be eavesdropping on their chat, but they are talking about the man I want. The man I thought I had.

"So, what are you going to do? Are you gonna see him again?"

"Hell yea. Him and his brother should be back in a couple of days. And I plan on getting my hands on it, um, I mean, HIM again," Jo says and begins to giggle. She is joined by her friend, "Jo, you bad, bad girl!"

Next thing I know, there is a commotion throughout the saloon. Men are jumping up out of their seats, pointing weapons at the door and windows. Taking a quick glance around, I notice that the floor is covered with spilt drinks and shattered glass. Ellen runs over and tells me, Jo and her friend Maizy to get upstairs now! I stand and rush through the racket and quickly climb the steps back to my borrowed room.

A few hours later, Ellen knocks on my door.

"Hey. Just wanted to check on you."

"I'm okay," I answer.

"Don't know what happened down there. Thought it was a demon making itself known but it never showed up," she explains.

I don't want to tell her I know what happened. I let the anger of knowing Jo had been with Dean get to me and I unconsciously set off.

"Hey Ellen," I say as she turns to walk out my door. "Is there any way I can get a ride to the bus station tomorrow. I think I'd be more comfortable at Bobby's."

"Sure thing darlin'."