"You're sure you'll be alright now?" Sam looked back at me as he took a couple of steps down our entry way, Dean following close behind.

The day had been a lazy one. We'd talked, ate, cleaned up more of the chaos the werewolf had left behind and even squeezed in a movie. It had ended up being an excuse for Dean and Sam to nod off while Gramma and I watched.

I couldn't help but feel warm at how these two brothers were continuously concerned for my and Gramma's welfare. "Yes, we'll be fine. The pain meds have also kept the swelling down in my head and except for feeling occasionally woozy, I feel right as rain!"

"We're gonna swing back by periodically while we're still in town, just to be safe. We probably won't leave until day after tomorrow."

"Dean, that is extremely unnecessary...why don't you just stay the night and save yourselves a hotel room fee?"

"Nah, thanks for the offer, but we've got some research and stuff to do and we think you two are going to need some time to try and get back to normal."

I heard Gramma settling herself in her chair in the living room on the other end of the house. I stepped outside and shut the front door behind me, before wrapping the open front of my cardigan tight around me, pinning it under my folded arms.

"You see...I don't think 'normal' is going to be an option for us anymore..." I tried to find the words to describe how I was feeling. I wasn't having much luck.

"I know." Dean said softly from where he'd paused on the walkway. "It won't be easy, but you have our number. If anything ever comes your way again, you just let us know. Anything at all. Just give us a ring and we'll make sure to look into it." Dean smiled and gave a curt nod before turning on heel and heading towards his Impala.

Sam lingered behind, watching Dean walk away before turning back to me.

"Lynn, I know this is super hard for you, and the ability to call us might be a small comfort, but then again, it might not. You barely know us." I started to protest, but Sam continued, "the point is, I don't want to make light of how you might feel right now. I'm honoured if you trust us, but I understand why you might not. We lied to you. We gave you wrong impressions and manipulated you and circumstances, regardless of our reasoning. I just hope you always know that even if you don't trust us...you can trust us." He smiled softly, his dimple making the smallest recess in his cheek.

I looked at him and shook my head. "Thank you so much, Sam, for saying that. That means a lot. And what you said is 100% true, I agree with you, but you also saved my life. And my grandmother's life. And took care of her as well as if I had been here myself, while your brother took care of me. I can never repay that, and I will always be grateful." I paused, staring at my own feet before looking up and staring Sam directly in the eyes.

"I do trust you and I hope you two won't make yourselves all that scarce." I felt a grin grow on my face as Sam smilingly shook his head and turned to follow his brother down the walkway. 

Dean was just putting some of their weapons back into his false-bottomed trunk when Sam got there with his own duffel bag of weaponry. I felt a nagging sensation and I tried to stifle it.

No...they wouldn't appreciate your "energetic, bubbly, crazy" self...be cool and be normal. They deserve you to be normal.

I fidgeted as Sam and Dean both fished around in the trunk, talking quietly between themselves.

What if I never see them again?

To my own surprise, I felt tears sting my eyes and I realized how quickly these two men had come to mean so much to me. 

Who freaking cares? Go be yourself for once and see what happens!

"Dean! Sam! Wait!" I called out, rushing down my front steps and towards their car. 

Both brothers straightened as I jogged towards them, questions evident in their faces.

Sam was closest.

I put my arms out and wrapped them around his lean waist. I pressed my head against his broad chest and closed my eyes, letting all the thankfulness for who they are and what they'd done ooze out from my heart into this hug. I felt his strong arms wrap tightly around my shoulders and waist, comforting and reassuring. I held on for just a moment longer before leaning back and looking up. I couldn't speak or I'd cry, so I just smiled and nodded. Sam grinned back, showing his even white teeth and winked at me before letting me out of his embrace.

I turned to Dean, who looked at me and Sam curiously. I held my hands together just in front of me, searching his eyes for assurance...or something.

What the heck, I'm doing me.

I reached up high and wrapped my arms around Dean's neck and shoulders, just barely reaching. Instead of the stiffness I expected, I was immediately scooped up until I was on my tiptoes in a bear hug unlike any I'd had in...a very, very long time...

I buried my face in his shoulder while I felt his nose nuzzle in my hair, and for a second I thought neither of us would ever let go. Maybe this is what a near death experience does to you, creates the safe space where people can communicate without the pretence of civility and politically correctness. I communicate feelings through touch and affection. And for once, I just threw caution to the wind and allowed myself the space to show Dean how thankful I was for everything he did. For me. For Gramma. For our future.

I slid backwards down to my flat-footed height again and broke the hug. Dean let his arms loosen, but didn't let go of my shoulders.

"Take care of your Gramma, ya hear?" he looked me dead in the eye, and I knew it was a ruse so I wouldn't get all emotional on him...for a guy, Dean was pretty good at sensing when a girl was hitting her emotional breaking point for the moment...or day...or week...

"I will." I nodded curtly and stepped back from him. The two brothers got in the car and drove off. I stood there at the end of my driveway for a while, wondering what had just happened to me. So many emotions, so much had transpired! I finally wandered back into the house, musing over everything...two men changed my life. Two brothers saved my life. And I would probably never see either of them again anytime in this life. I knew that. They knew that. They would check on us, for sure, but neither Gramma or I would ever know. 

And that was the way it had to be.

Didn't it?

Yes.

It did.

What they were doing was too dangerous to be handcuffed or slowed by anything. What they were doing was too important to interrupt with simple life events, accomplishments, milestones. They knew that.

I knew that.

But I also knew I'd never be the same.

And that's ok...

I never wanted to be the same again anyways.

***

"Hey Gramma, I'm heading off to work now!" I called out to the living room from the kitchen.

"Are you positively sure you're going to be alright?" Gramma sounded extremely anxious. "Dean said you were supposed to take it easy for 48 hours."

"Yes, Gramma, I know what he said, but one, Dean was being paranoid," I paused as I stuffed my feet in my shoes. "Two, it's been 36 hours or so since the accident anyways," I bent over to tie them on. "And three, Donna needs me and I'm feeling fine. I need the money. If I was sick, I'd figure something else out, but for now, I'm fine, it's fine, we're going to be fine!" I smiled and hugged Gramma as she stood in the entryway with me.

"I know dear, it's just...Lynn, this run in with--" Gramma pointed in the vague direction of our makeshift bathroom "curtain" that Sam had helped Gramma set up before they left, "the monster has taught me that life is so precious. Darling, I love you more than you'll ever know. But I'm getting old. One day, I won't be here anymore. I need you to take care of yourself, keep yourself safe and do what's right for your health and well being, even if I'm not here to tell you."

Gramma reached up to cup my cheek with her soft wrinkled hand. "Life is short. Don't waste it, Lynn. I love you so very much!" Gramma's voice cracked a little and my eyes started stinging as I answered her.

"Thank you Gramma, I know. I love you so much too!" I giggled and squeezed her into a bear hug, before turning to head out the door.

"Don't watch The Valley of Decision without me today! I want to watch it together when I get home!"

"You've seen it 3 times already!" Gramma laughed aloud after me as I headed down the front steps.

"I know!" I called back, "But it's my favourite! Bye!! Love you so much!!" I waved as I headed down the driveway before turning to face where I was going and start untangling my earbuds. My forehead smarted when I accidentally touched my gash with my jacket sleeve while I was trying to get the earbuds in my ears. Thankfully, it was all along my hairline so I could actually hide the entire injury and no one would be the wiser.

I had spent the night on the couch while Gramma slept in the chair. To my surprise and somewhat embarrassed realization, I actually was still terrified and the thought of Dean and or Sam cruising by periodically had been the only reason I had gotten any sleep the night before. 

I guess I should give myself some room...it was a pretty dramatic experience that you can tell absolutely no one about...

As I turned on the music in my phone and heard it begin thumping in my ears, I quickly entered my contacts app and hovered my finger over where I'd inputted Dean and Sam's numbers...

No, you're fine, you don't need them anymore, and you really need to not contact them except for emergencies...you don't want them thinking you're a weak little pansy...

I know! I know...I just...I just wish I had someone to talk to! 

I huffed to myself and locked my phone before sliding it into my pocket and picking up my pace to reach work on time.

***

"Hey honey! How are you feeling? You're Gramma said you took a nasty tumble..." Donna gave me a big hug almost as soon as I entered the back door of the restaurant.

"Yeah, I sure did!" I chuckled lightly as I leaned down to place my bag in my cubby and change into my work shoes.

This lying stuff is going to be way harder than I thought at first...

"Girlfriend!!! How are you? What the heck happened to you? You were supposed to go out with those hot agent guys, and you "fell" amirite???" Somehow Rachel had the ability to make everything she said sound like it was in the superlative.

"Whoa, whoa, easy, I will answer all...just let me get a coffee." I smirked and winked before spinning on my heel and heading to the front of the kitchen where the drink station was. I figured if I majored on the fact that I went out with two extremely hot and mysterious men, I might get away with not lying at all...just skipping facts. Yes, I am an eternal optimist...in such cases.

"Sooooo..." Rachel sidled up beside me and leaned against the counter while I poured my cup of java.

"Oh. My. Gosh. They. Were. Hot." I said, emphasizing every word and finishing it up with a sassy sip of my coffee.

"Eeeek!" Rachel actually squeaked. "Did, you know, get up to anything??"

I looked her dead in the eye and winked. Rachel's jaw nearly hit the floor. "You didn't..." 

"I don't know Rachel," I sighed dramatically and pretended to act superior, "I don't know...do I kiss and tell? Do I not...? Did I kiss at all?" Before Rachel could reach out and choke me and make me tell her, the door opened and a van full of tourists just off the highway piled in.

"We got off on the wrong exit?" One particularly loud woman yodelled as she walked in.

"Well, I guess so! I don't even see Ennisbrooke on the map here!" An older gentleman called back. There were three kids all on the verge of screaming, a middle aged man and an older woman who was obviously deaf because she simply kept repeating loudly an incorrect version of what everyone had already said.

"What? You say you didn't have breakfast?"

"No Mother, we took the wrong exit!"

"You know what Rachel," I looked on at the melee as they made their way to a large table in the middle of the dining room floor, "I'm feeling extra generous today. You are more than welcome to take that lovely table first...I'll wait until a few more tables come in before I start."

I took off towards the kitchen without so much as a backward glance, giggling at Rachel's colourful protests. I'd take over for Ken in prep so he could start cooking, effectively avoiding anyone from asking me questions as I worked alone, and successfully staying as far away from that family as my job description allowed.

I traded with Ken and worked in silence for the first 10 minutes or so before Rachel popped her head into the back room.

"I hate you and I can't stand you and you're awful, oh, and by the way, I hate you!" she gritted her teeth as she spoke.

I laughed, "they're that bad, huh?" 

"Do you know how many chocolate milks a kid with irresponsible parents can drink before they throw up? I just found out. It takes four and three quarters..."

"Oh gross...oh gross!"

"Yeah! Tell me about it, oh friend-that-abandoned-me-when-I-needed-her. Anyways, you've got tables."

"Already??" I looked at the clock incredulously.

"Yep, looks like the interstate has a bunch of construction on it and the detours got put up wrong...a whole string of tourists...all. Day. Long." 

I cringed and winced and groaned simultaneously as I followed Rachel out into the dining room. Sure enough, we were already half full and cars were still pulling into the parking lot. This happened from time to time, but today was not the day I needed it to happen.

"Here's hoping these people know how to tip," I said under my breath as I tightened my apron and headed to my first table.

***

"Oh my gosh, what a freaking long day!" Rachel collapsed beside me as I moaned.

"I know...say, did you figure out how much money you made? It probably is half decent...neither of us stopped all day!" Rachel began fishing in her apron as she spoke.

"I didn't have a chance to look yet." The two of us pulled out our money and counted in silence for the next couple of minutes.

"Whoa..." I heard Rachel breathe out as she continued counting.

I had started counting, but I wasn't believing my eyes. I recounted what I owed the store from my float of cash and then recounted what was supposed to be mine.

"I made...I made two and a half times what I make in two days normally!" My eyes started stinging with unshed tears. I'd have enough to make the mortgage and then some...and it wasn't due for another week.

I know I was faithless, but now I know Someone is looking out for me.

I smiled a watery smile at Rachel. But Rachel had other plans...

"WHAHOOOOO!!!" She roared out, "Let's hit the town Miss Lynnster my friend! We've got some money to blow!" She laughed crazily and started dancing around the empty diner.

"Rachel, calm down," I chuckled in spite of myself, "I can't go out tonight, after my fall and everything...Gramma is waiting for me!"

"No-no-no-no-NO!" Rachel slammed her hands on the table beside my counted money. "I will not allow this! When is the last time either of us made this kind of money in one day...?? I'll wait.

"Oh that's right. NEVER.

"So guess what? I'm not taking no for an answer. We are at least going to get something to eat at that bar and grill on the other side of town. It can be a girl's night and you can tell me about your mysterious agent friends...or better yet, see if your agent friends want to come and meet up with us, eh? Yes! CALL them! I have such brilliant ideas sometimes." Rachel spun on her heels and ran towards the back room, untying her apron as she flew.

I looked after her and sighed. It was true. I did need a some girl time after everything that happened. I couldn't tell Rachel everything but I could tell her some of the good stuff about half-flirting with Dean and even Sam. Heaven knows she has told her share of stories to me. For once I was the one that had something romantic-ish happen, so I had every right to glory and revel in it.

"I'll give them a call...not sure if they'll be available but, sure...why not?" I slid my phone from my pocket as I stood up from the diner chair. The greasy smell in the air filled my nose as I took a deep breath and dialled Dean's number. It rang a few times before it went to voicemail.

I frowned at my phone as Rachel walked in. "Did you get them? Can they come?" She flounced her hair, trying to get some bounce back into it.

"I tried one number, let me try another..." I raised my cell to my ear in time to hear the first ring from Sam's number. A few rings later, I hit voicemail again.

"Sorry Raych." I said as I lowered my phone and hung up before leaving a message, "they're not picking up." I shrugged apologetically before heading into the back to change my shoes. "Aww man!!!" Rachel whined in the room behind me. Truth was, I was sort of relieved that they hadn't picked up. As much as I wanted to see them again, I wasn't sure how Rachel would behave around them and...I just wasn't 100% sure I was comfortable with that particular social mixture.

"C'mon, quit your snivelling! We've got a girl's night to have!" I threw my hands in the air and hollered while Rachel skidded past me in a run/jog to the back door. We went out, locked it and headed over to Rachel's car, a cute little navy-coloured Mazda 3.

We jumped in and Rachel started her up, Britney Spears music blaring over the speakers,

I must confess

That my loneliness 

Is killing me now!

Don't you know I still believe?

Rachel and I danced in our seats as we headed down the road. Windows down, music cranked, we belted it out:

HIT ME BABY ONE MORE TIME!