Chapter Five - Diner

Sam liked spending time at the diner and helping out. June was a lot of fun. She had a riotous sense of humor and always seemed to have a good time whatever she was doing. He would have liked to have gone to the carnival too, but he knew this was one time he wasn't welcome. He was glad he could help his brother have this evening. Dean certainly deserved it.

He really hoped Dean was enjoying his date with Stacy, a rare time to let loose and have fun. It was just so odd to see his brother like this. Dean always flirted with waitresses and older girls at bars, but he'd never shown any interest in girls his own age. He always said they were too immature. Sam figured Stacy must be pretty special to get his brother's attention.

Dean was an awesome big brother, the best ever. He was always looking out for Sam, like letting him play soccer. In a lot of ways, Dean was more like a father to him than Dad ever was. He was definitely around more; he'd been there through it all, most noticeably when Dad wasn't. Dad would never approve of Dean going on this date tonight and this was the only time in his life Sam could ever remember Dean disobeying their dad's orders. He'd never understood his dad's hold over his big brother.

Dean was confident and strong. He stood up to anyone, even if they were more powerful or imposing, fearless in any situation or crisis. The only time Dean was ever subordinate was with Dad, always falling into line as Dad's obedient toy soldier. He always said he was just being a good son and when he got riled up he'd suggest that maybe Sam should try it some time.

Sam had a habit of not doing what Dad wanted, and his father often voiced his disapproval of his poor attitude. Sam hated the rigorous training and drills John put them through. He just wanted to be normal. He missed having a mom, but he didn't even remember her since he was only a baby when she died. If it wasn't for a few photos and the stories Dad sometimes told, he wouldn't even know his mom. He never felt connected to his dad's vendetta, viewing it more as an abstract concept, while Dean embraced his role in Dad's private war.

"So how long has Dean known this girl?"

Sam looked up from the table he was wiping down and shrugged his shoulders. "I dunno. I guess she's in his math class. I don't think they really talked much until my soccer game yesterday. They seemed to hit it off."

"Oh, so you're the matchmaker!" she teased with a laugh.

"I just want Dean to have some fun."

"Me too! How old is Dean now? Fifteen? Sixteen?"

"He'll be sixteen in two weeks."

She smiled at that. "Ah, sweet sixteen and never been kissed? Think that'll last?" June laughed again.

Sam didn't want to break it to her, but he knew that record had already been shattered, probably some time back. He'd seen Dean in one of the back booths at a bar this summer getting friendly with one of the barmaids. Dean always was popular with the girls, but he didn't seem to understand why. He had complete confidence fighting evil beings or hustling pool or cards when Dad allowed him, but he always seemed a little awkward in social situations.

June was casually talking, more to herself than anything. "Maybe we'll close up early tonight. I don't think we're going to have any more customers. Everybody has better things to do on Halloween."

It was just after 11:30 and the last customers had paid their bill at the register and left. June went into the kitchen to confer with the cook and when she reappeared she went to the front door and locked it, turning the sign around to say closed.

"After we get this place all cleaned up, you and I can take a break and have a nice chat until your brother picks you up." With another smile and a wink she added, "Think he'll tell us all about his big date?"

"Dean usually tells me everything, but I dunno. I think this might be different."

"Well, I'm just glad we convinced him to go. I don't know what that boy was thinking. I thought he was gonna cancel there for a moment."

"Yeah, thanks for helping out June. I think Dean really likes Stacy and he deserves this."

"I'll second that! Here, take these in the back for me and we'll be done."

It was almost midnight when they finished cleaning up the dining area, and the cook in the back kitchen was almost done too and ready to leave. June had just sat down in the booth with Sam to have that talk, when there was a knock at the diner door and she got back up and walked over to the door to find three men standing outside.

"Sorry, we're closed."

"Look, real sorry to bother you, but my friend here really needs a bathroom. No one seems to be open. Can we just come in to use the john?" The stranger appeared friendly and sincere and the request was reasonable, so June unlocked the door and held it open for them.

"Okay, boys. Just don't take too long. We're getting ready to go home. Bathroom's in the back."

She turned her attention back to Sam.

"Now, Samuel Winchester, when do you think that brother of yours will show up?" June said in a teasing voice.

The men had been surveying the diner as they casually strolled in, but they stopped when she spoke and turned to stare at Sam. They appeared to be sizing him up, dark eyes tunneling straight through him.

"Hey, kid, your name Winchester?"

An uneasy feeling settled in Sam's stomach and he nervously shifted under their penetrating gaze. Something was wrong here… really wrong. He didn't know what, but he knew he didn't like the looks of these guys. He really wished Dean would get back… right now.