Part Two: On the Edge of Dawn.
Feet don't fail me now
Take me to the finish line
All my heart, it breaks every step that I take
But I'm hoping that the gates,
They'll tell me that you're mine
The purring of the Impala's engine sent a warm tingling throughout Dean's body. He had finally gotten her to run properly, having spent the last few days fixing her up. To anyone else this car would be nothing more than a piece of junk to scrap. To Dean, this was home. He grew up in this car. He raised his brother in this car since his infancy. For the longest time it belonged to them and them alone; that was until Dean had met Haley and she joined them in their adventures across the country. From the moment Dean and Haley had decided to become serious the inevitable question always rang loud as church bells in Dean's head: When will the next step come? Three days ago Dean had thought that step had arrived when he found a pregnancy test that Haley had taken. Through sheer panic Dean overacted and their future together was put in jeopardy.
Though they managed to mend fences, that one scene occupied every one of Dean's thoughts. He'd been psychoanalyzing his life and the one-way direction it would always steer in and wondered where a baby would fit into all of that. Remembering the way his brother and him had grown up it psychologically scarred him. Dean doubted himself and kept wondering whether or not his baggage would weigh on their child. Haley had a way with words though; she always knew what to say. It was true too; Dean had raised Sam. Sam was proof of his soul, and he's still able to smile and laugh, so Dean thought he must have done something right.
Working on the Impala had brought back all the wonderful memories Sam and Dean had made together in that car. And while it is a frightening thought, Dean couldn't help but let his mind wander on all the possible moments him and his son or daughter could share one day in that very car; with every roar of the engine that is all he could think of.
Streetlights set fire to the pavement as the lights glistened on it from the dampness and puddles of water the rainfall had caused earlier. It was a pretty chilly night so it was no surprise when Haley had asked Dean to pick her up after closing time at Karen's Café. The Impala came to a stop as it approached the curb. Dean's celadon eyes assessed the darkened Café, searching for Haley since she wasn't outside. After a honk of the horn without a response Dean sighed tiredly and pulled the key out of the ignition. Dean stopped tugging on the handle of the Café's door after realizing it was locked and no one was inside. Confusion and a bad feeling knotted in his stomach with the disappearance of Haley.
A classic rock melody blasted from his jacket pocket. Without delay Dean grabbed onto his cell, hoping it was Haley to tell him she was with Brooke. Without fail it was Haley's number ringing. He let out a relieved breath with the confirmation. Dean didn't know why he was so paranoid when it came to Haley. With a smile Dean accepted the call, but when he heard the voice, the smile was wiped from his face completely.
Two Hours Earlier.
Walking through the city streets
Is it by mistake or design?
I feel so alone on a Friday night
Brooke's raven hair whipped as she feverly rushed around the counter to find her purse. She rummaged through the napkins, receipts, recipe notes, finding everything but her purse in the storage spaces. Brooke let out a frustrated groan. "What are you doing?" Haley asked with a chuckle as she set a tray full of dirty cups down on the counter.
"I cannot find my purse!" Brooke slammed her hand down on the shiny smooth surface, startling one of the customers sitting near her. "I am so late! I have to pick up paperwork from my lawyers on the settlement with Clothes Over Bros, pick up Angie from Mouth's, and then go over to Luke's and I just need to really find my purse!" Brooke exploded again in panic.
Haley was quick to calm down the customers and assure them one of the managers wasn't as crazy as she seemed. "Okay, okay." Haley's soft voice and comforting touch helped Brooke settle. "It's gonna be okay." Haley pulled the lid off a box and handed Brooke her purse. "You put it in there because you read an article about serial purse snatchers or something." Haley chuckled. "Oh, y-you put mine in there too, huh?"
"You're welcome." Brooke said with a satisfied smile as she put the lid back on the box and left Haley's bag in there.
"Welcome for what? Hiding my purse on me?" Brooke rolled her eyes.
"Oh, come on! Tree Hill isn't the place you leave anything unattended to. And purse snatchers do exist by the way. Just ask Millie."
"A kid stole a stick of gum from her bag in the park, Brooke, they didn't steal her purse!"
"Oh, whatever. That little brat stole gum from my purse too and deserves to be punished for it, the little thieves." Brooke latched onto the strap of her purse and made haste.
"Luke's huh?" Haley asked with a grin. Brooke stopped and turned around, kinking her eyebrows.
"It's not what you think."
"What? I don't think anything." Haley teased.
"Seriously." Brooke replied, re-approaching Haley. "He and I aren't rekindling the very old, very charcoaled flame. He's just been really sweet about helping me with Angie. He's going to watch her tonight while I sign the documents to give Bitchtoria the power of the company, and then he's going to take us to see Angie's doctor for evaluation tomorrow morning."
Haley smiled at her best friend's compassion; moments like this reminded her of what a great heart Lucas always had. "Give him a hug for me. And give the baby kisses." Brooke giggled and winked at Haley before turning around to leave.
One Hour Earlier.
Haley's kind smile and loving heart helped make this quaint Café feel like a home away from home for all of the customers that came here. It was established by a single mother in Karen, it was always a family environment – which was what made it such a special place to be. With the last farewell Haley turned the sign over to closed and tallied up the financial figures of the day. By the time the dishes and routine cleaning were done she was right on schedule for lockup. The Café was always officially closed by Midnight.
Feeling the chill of the cold air shoot through her spine Haley was quick to button up her red peacoat – one she wore since freshmen year of high school. Her hands rattled as she dug out her phone to call Dean to come pick her up. Before she could dial she heard a deep, odd kind of raspy voice, one a little creepy even to her. "Hello." The man greeted her with a leer.
"Hello." Haley politely replied even though she was getting bad vibes.
"Such a nice night, isn't it?" His voice was eerily low and calm.
"Y-yeah, it is; a little too cold for my taste though." Haley smiled.
"Is it? I hadn't noticed." The man chuckled. "Say, are you by any chance Haley James?"
The fact that he knew her name took her off guard at first, but in a one-pony town like Tree Hill it was common for people to know your name. "Ugh, yeah. I'm sorry, do I know you?" Haley shook her head, offering her hand to the man.
"No, you don't." The man smiled as he took her hand. "But I know your boyfriend." A shock vibrated through Haley's body with the revelation. It could have simply been a person he'd saved in the past before they met, but this man's reaction and tone said differently. "I've a little message for him and I need your help to send it." Haley's heart jumped in her throat as her breathing picked up rapidly in fear as the man yanked on her, pulling her into him.
Twenty Minutes Earlier.
Can you make it feel like home, if I tell you you're mine
It's like I told you honey
Dean tossed a wrench back in his toolbox. "Alright, let's see if that does it." Dean called to Sam. Sam turned the ignition and the engine sang a symphony. It was music to Dean's ears. "That's my baby!" Dean gleamed. Sam smiled through a silent laugh; his most genuine kind. Their home was repaired once again; some homes needed shingles replaced, theirs needed a new fan belt. Sam eyed his brother as he closed the hood of the car with a bang. "What?" Dean asked as he noticed the smirk on Sam's mouth.
"Nothing." Sam shook his head.
"What, Sam?" Dean pressed.
"It's just... you were so freaked about what happened with Haley, but you were also thinking that maybe it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world." Sam crossed his arms, still smiling, knowing that the idea of becoming a father wasn't like swallowing acid to Dean after all.
"Man, shut up." Dean defensively dropped the toolbox in the trunk of the Impala trying to keep busy.
"No, don't even pull that crap. I can totally see through you." Dean's head was hanging but as it lifted up Sam saw a difference in his state.
"You ever think about it?" Dean shoved his hands into his pockets and leaned against his car. "What it'd be like? I know the water hasn't settled but, you were going for it with Jess before…" Sam's eyes immediately sank with the mention of his deceased girlfriend's name. His puppy eyes were already making Dean regret opening up that can of worms. "All I'm saying is there's a chance. Look at Ellen. She had the whole package-"
"-Until her husband got ripped to shreds by a monster and her daughter resented her for the short leash and wanted to become a hunter so that she could be close to her father." Sam shot back. Dean's mouth closed. He knew Sam was right about it not lasting long. "Look, I'm happy for you, and for Haley, but, this dreaming and planning out your future? I mean, that isn't you, Dean. You're not that naïve." Dean's jaw was clenching at the realization. It was too long since he'd been out on a hunt; he was beginning to believe the cliché of white picket fences. "I know you're trying your best, Haley too, just…" Sam didn't want to ask Dean to be careful; he didn't even want to be saying any of this. Sam knows how much they love each other and he's not trying to push them apart, he's trying to keep them safe.
Dean could understand what Sam was trying to convey; he didn't need the words. Dean nodded with his eyes lowered to the ground. "Yeah…" Dean cleared his throat. "I, ugh, I need to go pick up Haley. It's closing time at the Café and she's expecting me to pick her up."
Dean began to walk to the door of the car. "Dean," Sam said, making Dean turn to see him. Sam felt as though there was more he could say; something to help Dean understand that he isn't that hopeful kid anymore believing he could have it all."It's okay, Sammy. I'll be back in a few." Dean gave one last look over his shoulder to Sam and slid in the front seat. Sam's heart sank in knowing he might be the very rift in the middle Dean's first real long-term relationship.
Now.
Don't make me sad, don't make me cry
Sometimes love is not enough and the road gets tough
I don't know why
Celadon eyes peered through the glass, scoping the Café for signs of movement. It wasn't like Haley to hitch a ride with someone else without at least calling Dean to let him know. A bad feeling tangled in his stomach with the silence; maybe he was over thinking it, maybe it was his talk with Sam, but whatever it was, it was very unsettling. Dean quickly dug for his phone as he heard his ring tone blasting. He was thankful it was Haley calling him. "Hey, where are you? I thought I was supposed to pick you up." Dean was trying to hide the relief in his voice to keep Haley from worrying, but as well as he was at masking, disguising emotion in your tone was a difficult task for even him.
"Haley's unable to come to the phone right now, this is her personal secretary." The man's eerie voice made Dean's blood run cold. He didn't recognize it, but by his tone, he wasn't here to make friends.
"Where is she?" Dean firmly demanded without regard for whom it was he is speaking to. He'd experienced this scenario all too many times.
"Oh, Dean, getting all bossy with me… it really makes those butterflies come around." The man teased. "I'm surprised with you, Dean. Sammy going for the apple pie is one thing, but you? My money was on you filling Daddy's shoes." Dean's jaw clenched with the mention of John. "You know, I lost a pool downstairs because of that tiny blonde."
Dean smirked as his eyes closed. "Yeah, well, it'll teach you to bet against a James girl. I made that mistake once, so don't feel bad." The man chuckled sadistically. "So, you're a demon then…"
"I'm Alistair. It's really exciting to meet you, Dean. Your soothing voice is making me tingly. You really are velvety smooth." The man sucked in a breath as his shoes tapped on the ground as he paced. "You know what else is exciting? Watching your darling damsel bleed to death."
The jokes were over, it was serious now. Dean couldn't speak against the impact of the implication that the demon had hurt her fatally. "What, Dean? Don't tell me you lost your nerve. I kind of liked your wit; it's charming."
"You touch her and I swear to-"
"-Sorry, Padre, God's a little busy answering Haley knocking on heaven's door." Dean's nostrils flared with anger at the mocking. "Y'know, you're so close and you don't even know it." Dean's brows furrowed with puzzlement. "I'll give you a hint, shall I?" Wrestling sound and static came from the phone as it was being set down. Dean could hear something being ripped off, like tape or something. "Say hi, sweetie." Haley's cries of agony shot through the phone. It was so loud, too loud for just being on the phone; it was close by. Dean dropped the phone and swung himself all over the place trying to find the direction of her screams. "Go, Dean! Run!" Haley screamed. She didn't want him to get hurt. Dean's ears twitched as they caught onto the source. It was the roof, the old playground on top of Karen's Café.
Don't make me sad, don't make me cry
Sometimes love is not enough and the road gets tough
I don't know why
Dean jerked his head back to look up as he ran towards the back where stairs led to the top. His heart banged in his chest like a drum, his feet stomped on the stairs, his hearing zoned out, and everything seemed like it was moving is slow motion. The hysteria was too real. Dean had lost so many people he cared for, and now he was on the verge of losing yet another. It was a different kind though. Dean had never lost anyone he loved romantically. Sam did. In this moment Dean finally understood what Sam had felt when he saw Jessica on the ceiling; nothing. His body was going through all the motions of horror, but his mind was empty. The fear of losing someone you love for the first time ever was too real. It was what Dean had imagined it would be like if he lost Sam, too real, too impossible to be true. It wasn't happening. She couldn't be in danger.
As he hit the roof his eyes darted to every nook and cranny until they hit the picnic table. Just between the seat and tabletop he saw Haley, his Haley lying crouched on the ground, arm wrapped around her stomach, other clawing the cement, and lungs gasping for air. Rushing to her side, Dean fell to his knees. His hands instinctively cupped her face, examining her for injuries. Haley's tears soaked his finger tips. The pain in her chocolate orbs stung like an arrow through Dean's heart. This was on him no matter what anyone said. This is because of the life he lives, because he didn't walk away for her protection. He knew that.
Before he could say a word Haley's gasping got louder, she was gasping in fear, trying to spit out words to warn Dean. Her reaction didn't require words; not for a hunter. Dean shot up and swung around to be greeted by a fist flying to meet his jaw. Dean teetered half way bent over from the collision. The demon didn't waste time throwing another haymaker to Dean's face. Blood started oozing from Dean's bottom lip and nose. Dean fell on his side from the repeated shots to his face.
"No!" Haley screamed, pleading with the demon to stop hurting Dean. The demon looked over his shoulder at her giving Dean an open. He yanked The Colt from his jacket pocket, the one gun that could kill almost anything. There was only one bullet left, and that bullet was meant for the yellow-eyed demon who took his parents and Jess from him, but he was desperate. As Dean put his finger on the trigger the demon quickly responded using his powers to rip the gun from Dean's hands and flinging it half way across the roof.
"So, you like to play dirty?" The demon snarled as he grabbed onto Dean's jacket, pulling him up to him. The sounds of closed fists pounding the life out of Dean's face fueled Haley to crawl and toward them. She's of went for the gun, but it was too far, by the time she'd of reached it, it could have been too late. Like a cat, Haley sprung to her feet, blood falling from her abdomen as she jumped on the demon's back. Dean couldn't hold himself up. With the release from the demon's grip, Dean fell to the ground and his head smashed against the concrete with a crack.
Haley threw her fists around in a fury, but it wasn't making any difference; if anything, this was entertaining the demon. The demon's fingers slipped in between strands of Haley's hair and wrenched back, making her cry out in pain. Dean's eyes rolled in the back of his head upon hearing Haley's voice, but he was having difficulty opening his eyes. The demon's pure white eyes locked with Haley's horrified eyes. "I have plans for him; great plans. And you're in the way." Haley's eyes found Dean. Tears formed in her eyes, ready to fall.
She suddenly felt a burning in her stomach, like her body had been set on fire. The demon twisted his hand inside of Haley's stomach and pulled out with blood covering him and dripping like a faucet. "No!" Dean screamed in terror as his eyes suffered to watch this tragic moment. As he scrambled to get to his feet the demon vanished and Haley's body collapsed to the ground with a thud.
"No, no, no. Hey, hey…" Dean's voice cracked as his arm wrapped under Haley's limp neck to support her. His other hand gently tapped on her cheek to awaken her. "It's me, I got you. It's okay. I've got you. Open your eyes." Haley's body remained limp and unresponsive. "Haley, open your eyes. Open your eyes, dammit!" Dean bellowed sterner and sterner as his taps became hard smacks. His breaths came in and out crookedly as his hand brushed across the side of her face. His bottom lip quivered as the stinging water engulfed his eyes. "Haley…"
Choose your last words,
This is the last time
Cause you and I
We were born to die
Song: Born To Die By: Lana Del Rey
NOTE: The conversation between Dean and Sam when they were working on the Impala, I wanted to specify that Sam is very supportive of Dean's relationship with Haley - which is why he said what he said. Sam thought he could have it all. He lived a normal life with Jess, and when the opportunity came, he hit the road and ended up on a hunt; he figured all will still be normal when it was done, but he was wrong and Jess died because he didn't take more percaution. Sam just wants Dean and Haley to learn from his mistakes with Jessica.