A/N: As a special treat and thank you to my readers, I am posting another chapter for your reading pleasure. NC

Chapter 10

The Impala pulled in beside a Dodge Ram Charger at the motel and the drivers got out heading to their room. They had just wrapped up a case in northern California and were going to shower, eat, and then head out. It was not good to hang around a town once the hunt was over in case the local law enforcement wanted to ask questions that couldn't be answered.

"You go ahead and shower Dad," Dean told his father. "I'll run over to the diner and get us something to eat."

"Alright, you know what I like," John grunted as he searched his bag for clothes to wear. He headed to the bathroom as his oldest son headed back out the door.

Dean's mind was on other things, including his younger brother. He hadn't heard from him in over two years except for the brief text that he had gotten a month after Sam had left. All hell broke loose between their father and Sam, and he left before Dean even got back home. Sam had stormed out without a backwards glance as John yelled at him to never come back.

That night changed his life and it still hurt deep down in his soul when he thought about it. He knew Sammy was unhappy and wanted something different in his life, but he didn't think he would do that. What made matters worse was he didn't confide in him and tell him his plans. Hell, he would have driven the kid to Standford instead of him taking a bus. Their father was livid and took part of his anger out on Dean over the next few months.

Without noticing, Dean had walked past the diner and snorted as he turned around and backtracked. He was too caught up in his thoughts to have noticed. After pushing the door open and stepping inside, Dean paused for a moment and slightly shook his head to dispel his thoughts. He walked to the counter to order their meals and took a seat on the bench to wait for it to be prepared.

His hand absently rubbed over his cell as an urge suddenly hit him to call his brother. His inner demons fought back and forth trying to decide if that would be a good idea or not. He didn't even know if Sammy would pick up or if he even had the same number anymore. He frowned and bit his lower lip as he weighed the pros and cons of the decision when his name was called that the food was ready.

"That will be twenty-two, sixty-one," the cashier told him as she sat the bags on the counter.

"Here you go," Dean replied pulling bills from his wallet and handing them to her. "Keep the change."

"Thank you and have a nice day."

"Same to you sweetheart." He gave her his best smile making the older woman blush and shoo him away. Dean chuckled and headed out the door to walk back to the motel. He let himself into the room and looked toward the bathroom door as John stepped out in a cloud of steam. "Food's here," he announced holding up the bags.

"Great, let's eat so we can head out," he replied stuffing his dirty clothes into his duffle.

Dean sat the bags on the rickety table and began to divide them up. He pushed cartons and a drink toward John before sitting down and opening his own cartons. They ate in silence until Dean spoke up as he finished his meal.

"I'm going to head down south for a few days," Dean said. He glanced up at John for just a second to see his reaction.

"You taking a vacation or something?" John asked.

"Yeah, something like that. We don't have any other jobs right now and I could use a break."

"Fine, I'll call if I get any work thrown our way."

"I'm going to get a shower before heading out."

"Okay. I'll get the truck packed and be leaving shortly."

"Drive safely." Dean told him as he rummaged around for some halfway clean clothes. He made a mental note to find a place where he could do some laundry. The bathroom was still warm from the previous shower and beads of moisture clung to the mirror. Once he had the water adjusted, Dean stripped off his clothes and stepped under the hot spray.

The water took his breath away at first, but after a moment it felt good on his sore, tired muscles. He stood there with his hands pressed to the wall and just reveled in the luxury. After a few minutes, Dean swiped a hand down his face to get rid of the water before grabbing the shampoo. Once he had finished his shower, he shut the water off and snagged a towel to dry with so he could dress.

When he stepped into the main room, Dean noticed John and his things were gone. Not wanting to linger any longer than he needed, he stuffed the rest of his clothes into his duffle and did a double check before shouldering his bags and leaving.

Spn

The campus of Standford University was huge. Dean slowly drove around looking for the administrative offices so he could find out where Sammy might be. He people watched as he drove, taking in all the variety. He followed the signs across campus until seeing the large admin building. Once he found a parking spot and parked, Dean strolled toward the glass double doors and inside.

"May I help you?" a woman at a desk asked him when he glanced around like he was lost.

"Yes, ma'am," Dean replied. "My little brother is going here, and I wanted to see where he might be at so I can visit."

"We don't usually give out that information sir. You could try calling him."

"You see, I haven't spoken to my brother in several years and well, I want to make amends and see how he's doing. Please, you would be bringing two brothers back together."

She looked into Dean pleading face and sighed softly.

"What's his name? I'll tell you what I can."

"Thank you, Doris. His name is Sam Winchester." He watched hopefully as she began to type onto her computer, pausing and changing screens several times.

"I'm sorry sir, but I don't have a Sam, Sammy, or Samuel Winchester enrolled here with us."

"Wait, what?" Dean asked, puzzled by her response. "He would have come here under a scholarship several years ago."

"Let me look one other place," Doris offered before typing again and checking screens. "There was a Sam Winchester registered to start fall classes several years ago and he was on scholarship…Let me see…It looks like he withdrew before the first semester was completed."

"You mean he's not here?" Dean gasped in shock.

"That's right sir. I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful."

"It doesn't say why or what he did does it?"

"No, sorry."

"Thank you," Dean mumbled as he got up lost in thought as his mind raced wondering what had happened to his brother. He walked back to the Impala and dropped into the driver's seat. He sat there not knowing what to do. The Impala cranked with a loud grumbling roar until settling into a steady purr. He headed off campus and decided to find a café with wi-fi so he could do some research. He needed to find out what happened to his little brother. If he wasn't in college, then where the hell was he.

A/N: Dean finally decides to look Sam up and see how he is doing only to find him not in college. Now the search begins for a missing Sam. Thank you for coming on this journey. I do like reviews/comments. NC