Lara's POV
So close to the end of my senior year I can taste the freedom. Dean has refused to answer any of my calls about wanting to go hunting with him. I have been trying to get him on the phone so we can talk about when I can join him. I am 17 dammit and I'll be graduated in a month and 18 this summer. I can make decisions for myself.
School is out for the day and it's finally getting warm in South Dakota. Sam and Jess are coming to visit for a week and I get to go pick them up tonight at the airport. My friends Chelsea and Hillary are walking with me outside. Their cars are parked in the parking lot and I am looking for Uncle Bobby. He had to do some work on my car this afternoon so he dropped me off and said he would come pick me up.
I'm not really paying attention but Chelsea nudges me and I look up at her and Hillary. Hillary is pointing down the school lot. "Who is that hottie?" She asks. I follow her pointed finger and squeal with excitement.
I take off running not caring that I am in a jean skirt and cowboy boots. I haven't seen the asshole in about a year. I finally get to him and jump up on him giving him a tight hug. He hugs me back tightly and puts me back down on my feet. "You asshole!" I yell at him playfully hitting his arm. "I haven't seen you in a year and your hardly return my phone calls and you just show up out of the blue at my school."
He smiles at and gives me another hug. "Sorry squirt, I was following orders. Bobby and my dad told me to let you be your senior year. They wanted you to have a normal high school experience to make decisions on your own without my dumb ass trying to persuade you."
God I have missed Dean. After Sam went to college he made sure to visit me once a month because he knew I missed Sammy. Then this year he just stopped coming by and his phone calls have been so infrequent that I started to forget the sound of his voice. "Are you kidding me? They told you that you couldn't see me?" I am getting a bit pissed. They have been keeping me from one of the most important people in my life.
Dean shakes his head no. "Not quite squirt. They just didn't want me to influence your decision on going into my line of work. They wanted you to have a normal senior year without any of my craziness flooding it. But I know that you only have a month left and I wanted to see Sam and Jess and I have a surprise for you."
Before he can tell me my surprise I hear Hillary and Chelsea behind me coughing. I turn around and they are blushing and I know they want to know who the man is that I went running across the parking lot like a crazy person for is. I look back at Dean. "Dean these are two of my girl friends Chelsea and Hillary, Girls this is one of my best friends Dean." They both shyly smile and wave at him and Dean smiles back.
"Come on squirt we got to get back." He says has he gets into the car. I give my friends a hug goodbye and climb back into the car sinking into the familiar leather chairs that I haven't been in for a year.
"So what's my surprise Dean?" I ask bubbling over in excitement. Dean looks over at me and flashes me a grin. "Well first of all does your uncle know you left the house looking like that this morning?"
I look down at my clothes. They have changed a bit since the last time Dean was around. I am wearing a skirt which I used not to do and it's shorter then he would have allowed me to wear. I have taken a bunch of his and Sam's old band tshirts and cut and sewn them to fit my much smaller frame. I still have the clothes that Jess got me two years ago and last summer she went crazy going shopping for me. I had to get a new suitcase just to get it all home. I shrug my shoulders. "Dean don't be such an ass. Uncle Bobby knows I can take care of myself and none of the boys in this school bother to even look at me. I haven't been on a date since Jess' little brother Tyler took me out again last summer. So he doesn't care what I wear has long has I don't get sent home." I have gone back to visit Sam just once and it was last summer for a week. I stayed with him and Jess in their new apartment and Tyler took me out a few times. We like each other but has long as I am here and he is there, especially now that he is finishing his first year of college I didn't want him to get tied down with a long distance girl friend. We decided not to put any pressure on it and officially date. So when we see each other we go out but we're free to meet other people too.
He looks back at me. "Holy shit squirt! Is your nose pierced?" My hand flies to my nose instinctually even though I know it is pierced. "Yea I got it done a few months ago."
"How did you get Bobby to agree to that? I mean it's a hole in your head!" He says laughing. I give him a stern look. "Uncle Bobby lost a bet, and besides it's very popular in India. Most women have them."
Dean shakes his head in disagreement and continues to drive. "I gotta hear what bet he lost. Well Bobby called me and told me that you have been bothering him to get an anti possession tattoo. He has decided you can get one and that I can take you this afternoon before Sam and Jess get here."
I have been bothering Uncle Bobby nonstop about getting one all school year. I know I want to hunt and even if I didn't I would still need to be protected. I clap my hands together and smile. "Finally! Can we go now? We still have a few hours before we need to drive to the airport."
"Already taking us there squirt." He opens his glove compartment and pulls out a bottle of bourbon. "Take a swig of this before we go in. Tattoo's can hurt and this will help with your nerves."
I open the bottle and look over at Dean. "Where is yours Dean?" I ask wondering where he hides his tattoo. He pulls the collar of his shirt down on the left side of his chest and tilts over so I can see it. I forgot how built he is. It's just a hunter's body though. Sam is the same way and I am working on toning mine too. I don't want to look like one of those weight lifting girls but I need to be able to defend myself. I have always been lean but I am trying to put on some muscle, which isn't working to well. "I want to put mine on my lower back."
Dean starts to laugh hysterically. "You want a tramp stamp squirt. You are lucky that Bobby said you could pick the spot because I don't think he has any idea you want it there."
I smile and take a quick swig of the bourbon. I haven't had alcohol since that night I drank the vodka and woke up with a hangover. It burns going down my throat and I stifle back a cough. We pull up to the parlor and I take one more shot and throw it in the glove compartment.
The tattoo parlor looks shady but I know this guy is serious about his work. He's good and I also know that he did Dean's and Sam's tattoo. Dean walks in and shakes the guys hand and I come in behind him. "Travis this is my friend Lara. She wants the same tattoo that my brother and I have."
Travis looks at me and extends his hand. I take it and shake it quickly. He has two sleeves on his arms and even his neck has a tattoo on it. "Where you want it?" He asks me.
I turn around and lift up the back of my tshirt and point at my lower back. He takes a look and escorts me to the back room. "Can Dean come?" I ask hesitating for a moment. I don't want him to think I am weak but I don't want to go alone either. Travis laughs and shakes his head and Dean comes in with me.
"Ok kiddo take lift up the shirt and take off your skirt and lay on your stomach. This is going to take awhile so if you want to take off your boots to be comfortable you can to. I have some towels back there if you want to put one on your upper back or legs. I'll be back in a minute. I want to get the design for the tattoo and get a clean gun." Travis leaves us in the room and he heads out.
There is what looks like a doctor operating table in the middle of the room with a few towels folded up on a chair next to it. I kick off my boots and stuff my socks in them and place them under the chair near the wall. I take of my skirt and check my panties to make sure they are low ride enough to not impede him doing the tattoo. Has I go to lift of my shirt Dean stops me. "Squirt just roll it up. You don't need to take it off. Then lie down." He looks uncomfortable.
I do has he says and I roll up my shirt and lay down face first on the table. Dean takes one of the towels and spreads it out over my butt and thighs then takes the seat next to the table and I grab his hand. "Thanks for staying with me. I am bit nervous."
Dean smiles and squeezes my hand. "Did you think I would let you get your first tattoo without me? I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Now just relax and let him do his thing. He's good and he's quick."
Travis comes back into the room and takes his seat and sets up his equipment. Travis tries to move the towel on my lower body down a bit but Dean actually makes a growling sound at him and he drops the towel and picks up his gun. He starts the tattoo and I try not to flinch or move. I want Dean to see that I can take pain and I am strong. "So what is it with you guys and this tattoo? You all in some kind of cult or something?" He asks half kidding.
Dean and I make eye contact and laugh. I don't turn around to look at him but talk into the table. "Better believe it. We like to sacrifice cats during the full moon and run around the woods naked while tripping shrooms." Travis starts to laugh and I try not to giggle because I don't want to move. Travis continues to work on my tattoo and doesn't ask about the pattern again.
It only takes about an hour and half and I'm relieved when he is done so I can move again. Travis leaves the room so I can get redressed. He hands Dean saran wrap to put on it once I get to take a look at it. I get off the table and stretch feeling all the bones in my back crack. "God that feels good. I was getting locked up just sitting there."
Dean laughs at me and takes me over to the mirror. I put my back towards it and turn my head over my shoulder and look down at my lower back to see my new ink. It's still bleeding but I like it. I don't care what Dean or Sam will say it's not a tramp stamp. I turn my head towards Dean. "Mind putting the saran wrap on me?"
"Not a problem." He says twirling his finger so I know to turn around. I face the mirror and I watch him put the plastic wrap over my lower back. He looks like he is blushing but that doesn't make any sense.
When he's done I go back to the chair with all my clothes and get redressed. Dean hands me a bottle of pills and a bottle of water. "Take 4 of those it will help with any pain you might have later." I open the bottle and take some.
"Thanks again for staying with me." I tell him has I put my socks and boots back on. Dean looks like he is blushing again and brings his hand to his mouth and shakes his head and looks away. "Not a problem Lara. I'm relieved you have it now. I can cross one thing of my list of things I worry about with you."
"Can I get another one?" I ask hopefully. Dean laughs and shakes his head. "When your 18 you can get has many has you want. For right now I was only authorized to get you one." That's fair enough I guess.
We pay and head back to his car and I roll down the windows and close my eyes has we drive back home. He blares his music and it feels like old times again, hell it feels like home. I have missed this lot. We pull up to the house and I jump out of the car. Uncle Bobby and Aunt Karen are in the kitchen. I show them my tattoo and they seem to like it. I knew Uncle Bobby wasn't too excited about me getting it done.
Dean comes in through the door and it swings shut and Aunt Karen runs over and gives him a hug followed by Uncle Bobby. I guess I wasn't the only one who missed him. "So what is this I hear about you losing a bet and squirt getting her nose pierced?"
Uncle Bobby turns red and looks at my proudly. "Girl played me like a fiddle. I lost a shooting bet to her. Girl is like Annie Oakley."
"You lost to squirt?" Dean says with his mouth gapping open in shock. "You lost a bet to squirt over shooting a gun." Bobby shakes his head and Dean looks at me. "I don't believe it. You're getting old Bobby. I bet I could still outshoot you."
I laugh and shake my head. "Wanna wager?" I ask him. He shakes his head yes. "OK if I make it you have to take me to get my belly button pierced and help me set up the trunk of my car for hunting." Dean looks at Uncle Bobby and Aunt Karen for approval and they both shake their heads yes. Aunt Karen laughs at me. "She will be 18 in a few months and she would just get it done then anyways."
Dean winces and thinks for a minute. "If I win you have to take me to and from the bar for the rest of my visit here and you have to do it in a uniform like my own personal chauffer." I shake on it even though I know I'll win.
Uncle Bobby laughs and follows us outside. He sets up the targets in our practice field and explains it to Dean. The goal is to hit the bull's-eye on all 4 targets. They are at different distances and you are moving at different directions for them. The first is straight on but it's about 100 yards away. The second is high up and you have to run through an obstacle course before you shot. The third is low to the ground and you have to do a somersault and aim on it right away. The last one you have to spin around 10 times and shoot it.
Dean goes first and he makes the first bull's-eye with no problems. The second he hits about a quarter inch off, the third about 3 inches off, and the last is just at the edge of the target. He looks pretty cocky and sure of himself. Yes that is good for most people and even most Olympic marksman couldn't have done better, but they aren't me.
I aim the first shot and it goes right in the center, I do the first obstacle course aim has I'm moving not stopping and seamlessly drop into the somersault for the third and aim and shot has I come up. I quickly spin 10 times aim and shoot it. I look back at Dean and he is shocked. I look at my targets and they are all bulls-eyes except the last one which is an inch off. "Dammit I missed it again."
"How did you do that?" Dean asks me in complete shock. I smile and shrug my shoulders. "What can I say, I am just that bad ass. Still have a problem with taking me hunting with you after graduation?"
Dean shakes his head no completely speechless. Uncle Bobby puts his arm around my shoulder. "That's my girl." He says proudly.
"So Dean want to take me to get my new piercing now or tomorrow?" I ask with a cocky grin. Dean looks at Uncle Bobby and he shakes his head. "We'll go tomorrow we got to get Jess and Sam soon."
I come up beside him and put my arm around his waist and wiggle my way under his arm. "So what should I bet Sam for?" Dean chuckles and shakes his head. "Make him take you for a mani-pedi and he has to get one too." I burst out laughing. It's a great idea and he'll fall prey to me just like Dean and Uncle Bobby did.
"Can we work on my trunk too?" He shakes his head yes and I'm excited to get my car all finished up. We spend the rest of the afternoon at home and Dean unpacks in the den where he stays while he's here. Jess is going to be staying with me and Sam will have his old bed. Uncle Bobby says he refuses to let Sam and Jess stay in a room because he doesn't want them having sex and corrupting my fragile innocence or something like that. He can be so ridiculous sometimes.
At around 8 I grab my purse and pick up my keys. "You coming Dean?" I ask him while he's sitting on the couch. "Yep, but we are taking my car. Yours is too small for all of us and their luggage." I follow him to car and get in. We talk about nothing special on the way to the airport and I'm so excited I can hardly keep still. The last time I saw Sam was for Christmas break. He came home for two weeks and spent Christmas and New Years with me but left right after to spend the rest of his break with Jess.
We park at the airport and go to wait at the arrivals. We are only there about 10 minutes when I hear, "LARA!" Being screamed out from the entrance. I throw Dean my purse and run at the man screaming my name. He drops his carry on and catches me has I fly into him arms. "Sam! I have missed you so much!" I squeal at him has he spins me around.
Sam finally puts me back down and I give Jess a tight hug. "Don't think I have forgotten about you Jess. I have missed you too. I am so glad you are coming to visit." Jess hugs me back and we make our way to baggage claim. Sam only has one bag since they will both be going back to school after their visit. Jess has three suitcases. She points to one of them. "I know it may have been presumptuous of me but I brought you some more stuff. I just love shopping for you. You're just so pretty and petite." I blush and we roll the bags out to Dean's car. I am really glad we took his and not mine because we never would have fit in it.
Once we are all back home Sam and Dean help get the luggage upstairs and Sam goes to his room to unpack. I show Jess the closet and the dresser space that I cleared for her to use while she is visiting. She opens up the suitcase of clothes she got for me and starts to pull them out. They are really awesome. Different shorts, pants, shirts, dresses, skirts, and shoes. "Jess I can't accept these. It is really too much."
Jess gives me a big hug. "Please take them. I love getting them for you. I always wanted a little sister and you are like the one I never got to have." I smile and try on a few of them while she puts her clothes away. The text message alert on my phone goes off and I jump across the bed to read it.
I pick up the phone and I see it's from Hillary. "Lara you are not going to believe this. Kevin just told me that Sam has been paying him and Ryan $250 a semester to watch over you and make sure the boys don't give you any problems."
I have to read it two times for it to sink it. I jump off the bed taking the phone with me seeing red. I turn the corner and barrel in to Sam's room and hand him my phone. "Explain!" I yell at him. He looks at my phone and reads it quickly. "I can explain Lara." He says calmly.
I leap on him and start to hit him. "How fucking dare you Sam! I am going to fucking kill you!" He tries to push me off of him but I keep hitting him. Someone pulls me off of Sam and tries to keep my arms down. "Squirt calm down. What's going on?" A voice says into my ear.
I turn my head and I see Dean trying to restrain me. "Did you know about this?" I ask him angrily. He looks at me confused and Sam hands him my phone and he reads it. His eyes get large and he shakes his head no. "I didn't know squirt I swear."
Jess comes in behind Dean. "What is going on in here?" She asks kind of afraid. I shake free of Dean and put up my arms in surrender so he knows I won't attack Sammy again. "You're boyfriend has been paying two guys in my grade $250 a semester to keep boys away from me! I wasn't even asked to prom!" I can feel tears welling in my eyes.
Jess hits Sam. "You are an idiot Samuel Winchester." She puts her arm around me and takes me back to my room. She sits down on the bed with me and lets me cry. "I am so sorry he did that sweet heart. He is such a fool, but he only did it because he loves you. Has prom happened yet?" I shake my head no. "You let Jess fix everything for you. I promise that you will have a wonderful prom and a date. Now let's just relax and we can go shopping for a dress tomorrow."
She spends the rest of the night calming me down. I feel foolish for being so upset but I can't stop crying. I had begun to think I was an outcast or some kind of freak because none of the guys in my school would look at me. All of my friends were going on dates all the time and I wasn't asked once. Every day for the last two months I kept thinking one of them would ask me to prom but no one did so I figured that guys just didn't like me. I can't believe that Sammy betrayed me like that.
Jess and I finally go to bed around 1 am. After an hour of tossing and turning I get up and head to Sam's room. He is sound asleep and snoring on his bed. I shake him awake. It only takes him a minute to realize it's me. "Lara I am so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. I just wanted to protect you."
I shake my head. "I don't want to hear it right now Sammy. You just go head in with Jess. I'll sleep in here and you can wake me up in the morning before Uncle Bobby figures it out." Sam gets out of bed and gives me a hug. "Thanks Lara. I am really sorry again, I'll make it up to you."
"Damn straight you will. You are going to be paying for my dress, a limo, and my hair and makeup." I say to him has we switch spots. I get into his bed and he kisses my cheek. "I love you Lara you know that. I was just worried after what happened with Melissa at prom my senior year."
"Sam, if you had bothered to ask after Kyle went to juvenile detention and he came back I kicked his ass for what he did to Melissa. After I was done with him a few of the other guys took a turn too. He quit school and moved to a new one. I can take care of myself and the fact that you didn't think I could, hurts." I don't understand why he couldn't trust me.
Sam lowers his head. "I know you can but you're my best friend and my little sister. I don't know what I would do if anything ever happened to you."
"You won't have to find out. Now go back to your girlfriend. Be careful she isn't has forgiving has me." He turns around and leaves waving at me has he leaves the room. My stupid giant best friend, he is just such an idiot sometimes.
