Chapter 7
"Why can't I go dad?" Adam pleaded for the third time that morning, following his Dad around as he and the older boys prepared to leave.
"I can't take all three of you boys Adam, too many variables." John said, not looking at his son while he shuffled through his notes and research on the poltergeist they were headed out to take care of.
"But Sam doesn't even want to go!" Adam said, trying hard to keep the whine from his voice.
Adam was more than ready for his first hunt. He had been training for months. Since the moment Dad told him about the monsters that murdered his mother, Adam was ready to hunt, ready to get his revenge. But after nearly seven months Dad still wasn't convinced that Adam was ready, although he hadn't come right out and said it yet.
At the mention of his name Sam looked up at the conversation from his place on the motel bed. He opened his mouth to agree with Adam, but a stern glare from their older brother Dean, who was packing weapons beside him, snapped his mouth shut. Sam set his jaw and forced himself to stay quiet even though he could feel the deep rage of unfairness burning in his chest.
"I don't care what Sam wants, Adam. It's important he learn this stuff. Your time will come." Dad said, brushing him off.
Adam huffed, clearly not happy with his father's answer. He sat on the bed dejectedly.
Seeing the sad lost look on his little brother's face broke Sam's resolve to stay quiet.
"Dad, you could take Adam. I've got an English essay due anyway and this would be a great experience for him." Sam said evenly, trying to make his point calmly.
Dean shook his head in disbelief but didn't pause in his packing. Adam stood again, emboldened by his older brother's support.
At his son's comment John frozen in his shuffling of papers, turning slightly to acknowledge his middle son.
"Sam, this is not a discussion," he said firmly.
"Dad! I really want to learn! I could help! I'm ready!" Adam pleaded once more, "And Sam could get his homework done! I don't even have any!"
"Enough!" John said, slamming a fist down on the rickety motel room table causing all three boys to jump at the sound. "Sam goes. Adam stays. Not another word about it or I'm taking off my belt," John said, eyeing his younger sons.
Sam clenched his jaw with a scowl. Leave it to John Winchester to threaten violence to keep his boys in line. No explanations, only a do as I say or else.
"Get your bag Sam." John said tossing on his coat, "Dean get the car loaded. Adam-" he said, walking over to where the youngest boy was sitting sadly on the motel bed. "The room is paid up till next week, there is cash in your bag for food. We will be gone 3 or 4 days at the most. I'm trusting you to take care of yourself while we are gone."
"I know Dad." Adam said quietly, still hurt that he couldn't go along.
John sat down next to Adam on the bed and put a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder, "You'll be ready to fight with us soon enough Adam. Today just isn't that day, but while we're gone study your Latin and do your schoolwork ok? And don't forget to salt the door after we leave,"
"I won't Dad," came a soft reply.
John stood up then, leaving Adam pouting. He was happy to have another son interested in the "family business" and thankful he didn't have to deal with another Sam who questioned and fought him on every hunt. Sam's defiance when it came to hunting was getting more difficult to deal with as he got older and John only hoped that Sam's bad attitude wouldn't rub off on Adam and dampen his enthusiasm.
John gave Adam a consolatory pat on the shoulder and stood up to walk out the door just as Dean was coming back in.
"Ready," Dean said.
"Sam." John said, addressing his sullen middle son "Get the lead out,"
Sam sighed deeply causing John's blood pressure to rise, but stood up to leave, ruffling Adam's hair as he did so, "See ya later kid."
As the door of the room closed Adam flopped back on the bed, laying down and taking in a shaky breath attempting to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over.
He did really want to go on the hunt, but more than anything he didn't want to be left alone. When he was alone the nightmares were so much worse and he could never shake the feeling that something bad was about to happen to him. 'Three days'. He told himself. 'Three days. You can do it.'