Author's Note: I have used names of people and places that are common to Louisiana. However, please know that this story in no way reflects upon any specific person or place in Louisiana. This is purely a work of fiction.
Chapter 4
Dean sat in the car and waited while his dad registered Kellie and then Sam at their respective schools. He couldn't believe that there was only one elementary, middle, and high school in the whole parish. The buildings were all located on the one campus with a sidewalk leading from one building to the others. He had tried to talk his dad into just letting him quit school now that he was sixteen, but dad had quickly nixed that idea. He hoped that there were at least a few hot girls in this run-down, backwoods school. He would be able to survive the boredom of school if he could find some girls to keep entertained. It was not so much that Dean hated school, as much as he felt like it was such a waste of his time. He would much rather be training, or cleaning the weapons, or hunting with dad. He didn't know why dad couldn't understand how he felt.
Dad returned to the car and said, "I think this is going to be a good school. They seem to really have things under control. I think this place will be good for you, Dean."
"Really? What makes you think that?" asked Dean.
"I don't know. It's just a gut feeling, I guess."
"Oh. We'll see, I guess."
"Now, Dean, you know what I expect. There better be no trouble from you, young man. You have to keep off of everyone's radar."
"Yea, Dad, I know," he said rolling his eyes.
"Dean, watch the attitude."
"Yes, Sir." Dean couldn't believe he had to hear this every time they started a new school. He was sixteen, for goodness sake; he knew the drill. There was one thing about it; dad was thorough in everything that he did.
As they pulled into the nearest parking space, Dean felt that all-too-familiar feeling of nerves enter his body. His heart raced, his palms sweated, and his stomach turned. He really hated this, much more than he wanted to admit. Being ushered down the hallway by the guidance counselor trying to make small-talk, standing in the front of the room while he was introduced to the teacher, thirty pairs of eyes staring him down while assessing his every move, all of these events made Dean nervous. So Dean did what he always did when faced with an uncomfortable situation; he squared back his shoulders, put on his infamous smirk, and strutted across the parking lot and up the stairs into the school. No one would see how vulnerable he really felt.
He followed his dad into the school office and sank into the nearest chair making sure he had on his most "I don't care" attitude as John walked up to the counter.
"Excuse me, I'm John Winchester. I'm here to register my son for school."
"Oh, Wonderful! I am Mrs. Pascal", exclaimed a petite, middle-aged woman with glasses. "You will love it here. Just let me get the paperwork, and we can all go into the conference room and get this started."
John turned and looked at Dean with a jerk of his head, letting him know that he expected him to come and stand respectfully beside of him. Dean meandered over to his dad with as much attitude as he dare exhibit in front of him. John glared at Dean, reminding him that he better behave with that one look. It was always amazing how easily dad could convey his meanings to Dean without ever uttering the first word.
"Okay, Mr. Winchester, if you and your son would follow me? What did you say his name was again?"
"My name is Dean," he quickly replied before his dad could answer for him. Didn't this lady know he could speak for himself; he wasn't a kid.
"Well, Dean. It is so nice to meet you. You are going to love going to Beauregard High School. It is the best school in all of our great state of Louisiana."
All the while, John and Dean were led back to a small conference room. It was obvious that someone had worked very hard to make this room look very cozy and home-like. There were three very nice chairs with floor lamps between them. The room was painted a very warm green, and there were two floral paintings that hung on the walls. There was something in the room that smelled like apple pie, and there was very soft music playing in the background. There was also a beautiful cherry-finished table that sat off to the side with padded chairs around it.
Mrs. Pascal led them to the table and took a seat. "Ok, Mr. Winchester, if you could just fill out this form. I will talk to Dean about his interests. That is part of what makes Beauregard such a great school; we interview the students, and then help them choose their class schedule based on their strengths and interests."
As John completed the form, Mrs. Pascal said, "Dean, first of all, we want you to know that we are so glad that you are here. I have just a couple of questions for you, and it is very important that you answer honestly because you are going to be the one going to school here. Your answers to these few questions will help our student ambassadors choose the right schedule for you. First, would you consider yourself a morning person or a night owl?"
Dean just looked at her. He had never had anything like this at any other school that he had attended, and he had gone to a lot of schools. Well, ok, he would play along. "Ummm, probably a morning person." He didn't bother to tell her that it was because his dad required a strict bedtime and had them up by five every morning. There was no reason to go into all of the details of his life.
"Oh Wonderful! Next, what kind of learner do you consider yourself—a visual learner, an auditory learner, or a kinesthetic learner?"
"What does that last one mean?"
"Oh, kinesthetic? That means you learn best by doing things. You like to do things with your hands."
Dean thought for a moment. "Yes, that would be the one, kinesthetic, definitely."
Mrs. Pascal smiled great big and said, "Oh Wonderful! Next, do you prefer reading, math, or music?"
Dean quickly answered this one without a moment's hesitation, "Music".
"Oh Wonderful."
Dean wondered how many times that Mrs. Pascal said "Oh Wonderful" in a day.
"Okay, Dean, which musical instrument do you prefer: piano, violin, or trumpet?"
Now this question really took Dean by surprise. He had never really thought about it before. He liked classic rock, and so he thought about guitar or drums, but not pianos, violins, and trumpets. Finally, he said, "I don't really know. Can't I pick something else? I don't really prefer any of those."
"No, I'm afraid not, Dean. You need to pick one of these."
Then Dean thought for a couple of minutes, and he said, "Probably trumpet."
"Oh Wonderful! Ok, final question. Dean, what career do you hope to pursue in life?"
This question posed a real challenge for Dean. First of all, he had never thought about a career for himself. It was just always assumed that he would follow his dad into the family business. Secondly, he couldn't just tell this lady that he was going to be a hunter of ghosts and monsters and other unimaginable creatures. What in the world could he answer that wouldn't completely freak this poor innocent woman into a heart attack? Finally, he said, "Well, I really like cars—classic cars. So maybe I could do something with that."
Dean knew what Mrs. Pascal would say before she ever opened her mouth, "Oh Wonderful! Thank you, Dean. I will get these to the ambassador's office as soon as possible. They should have your schedule by the end of the week."
"Wait. End of the week? What am I supposed to do until then? What classes will I go to for the other days this week?" Dean questioned.
"Well, there are some things that you and your father will need to take care of before you actually start attending Beauregard. This will give you time to go and purchase your school uniform and required supplies. Also, you will have time to read and discuss the school handbook, and then sign the required contract. Also, a full physical is required by a doctor to make sure that all of your vaccines and boosters are up-to-date. Finally, on Friday, you will attend a new student orientation that will introduce you to life at Beauregard High."
Dean couldn't help but blurt out, "Uniform? Lady, are you crazy?"
John quickly turned and snapped at him, "Dean! You apologize immediately! You know better than to speak like that to a lady! I'm surprised and shocked at your behavior."
Dean knew that he would pay for that outburst later at the house. He remorsefully said, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Pascal. I know better than to talk like that. It won't happen again."
"Well, I hope not. That type of behavior is not tolerated at Beauregard. Proper respect and decorum is required at all times. I hope you understand that there will be serious consequences for those types of outbursts once you begin attending BHS."
"Yes, ma'am. I apologize again; please forgive me."
"Yes, Dean. I will think nothing more of it. To answer your question, yes, uniforms are required at Beauregard High School. We have found that students perform much better when dressed in a professional manner. You will find that there are many such standards that have been set here to help our students become the most prepared for college and career upon graduation. We pride ourselves in being the public school that gives our students a private school experience and education. You will be required to wear long khaki pants and a broadcloth shirt every day. The color of the shirt may be chosen by you from our list of approved colors. Also, casual dress shoes are to be worn. Sweatshirts, jackets, and coats may only be worn into the school, but then must be placed in your private locker for the remainder of the day. Button-up sweaters or sweater vests may be worn during the colder months. In the packet that I will give you before you leave, will be a paper with the stores that carry our uniforms as well as several second-hand stores that frequently have these items in stock. Any student not in uniform will receive 5 demerits and will be sent home to change into the proper attire. Do you have any further questions about the uniform policy?"
"No Ma'am. I think I understand, but what are demerits?"
"Oh, I'm so glad that you asked that! Demerits are part of our behavior management plan. Students receive demerits for infractions of the policies and procedures. After a student accumulates 20 demerits they must appear before the discipline committee who will determine the proper consequences to reinstate that student to active status. All of this is explained in the handbook that I will give you before you leave."
"Now, Mr. Winchester, have you finished the registration form?"
John handed the completed form to Mrs. Pascal.
"Thank you, Mr. Winchester. We are almost finished. The final thing that I need to take care of before giving you your orientation packet and sending you on your way is determining Dean's bus route."
Dean responded quickly, "Oh, that's not necessary. I have my own transportation."
"Oh Dean, I'm so sorry. We do not allow any personal vehicles to be used by students. Everyone is required to ride the provided school transportation or be transported by parents. We have found that we have a lot less truancy, tardiness, and early dismissals when students ride the bus. It is just one other thing that sets Beauregard High apart from the rest of the schools. Louisiana schools may be ranked very low in school performance, but that is not the case for BHS. We are consistently first in the state in student performance, graduation rates, and attendance. Yes, Dean, you are very lucky to be attending this school."
"Yes, Ma'am," said Dean, as he began to realize his life was changing dramatically.
