This is part I of III so be patient as you read their adventure
Life's Nothing But An Experiment
"I guess this place isn't so bad," Sam said scouting out the new rental house.
"Glad you like it; it even has 3 bedrooms so you don't have to share with your brother this time," John said.
"Really?" Sam asked incredulously.
"Yep," John said as he pointed in the general direction of the bedrooms.
Dean just set his bag down and surveyed the place. He agreed with Sam as he went to check out the bedrooms. He noticed that Sam had already laid claim to the larger of the two selections causing Dean to shake his head and move across the hall to his new room.
"Have we ever had our own rooms?" Sam asked with excitement creeping into his voice.
"Once a long time ago but you kept crying so I had to come and bunk with you," Dean said.
"Oh," Sam responded not recalling the incident if Dean was even telling the truth. "Well I won't be crying this time."
"Good, because don't expect me to come soothe you," Dean snapped back.
Later at the dinner table as John was scooping out the spaghetti he told the boys that they would be starting school the next day.
"Great another new school," Sam said moping. "I am so sick of being the new kid all of the time."
"I know buddy and I'm sorry that you have to go through this but just think that you are meeting so many new people and experience all kinds of things you wouldn't if we stayed in one place," John told his youngest.
"Whatever Dad," Sam said back.
John took Sam to the Junior High for the start of 6th grade. At least this go round they were starting at the beginning of the school year instead of in the middle. The school was bigger than the last one Sam went to and was set up where even the 6th graders switch some classes like the older kids. John was hoping that was going to be a positive thing.
"Okay kiddo it looks like this is where I leave you," John said to his somewhat anxious looking son.
"Okay," Sam said as he clutched his schedule and locker combination tightly.
"You'll be fine," John assured him as he turned to leave.
"Easy for you to say," Sam whispered as soon as John was out of range. He wished he felt as confident as his father did. He turned and walked down the hallway towards where his locker was.
John could see Dean's head bobbing in the front seat of the Impala causing a smile to form on the fathers face. He couldn't believe that his son was closing in on 16. He was really going to be something when he reached adulthood John thought privately; he was so very proud of his boys.
"Your turn," John said as he climbed into the car.
"Let's do it then," Dean answered. "Did Sam do okay?"
"I think he'll settle right in just fine," John promised.
That seemed to be the news Dean wanted to hear as he resumed his head bobbing to the music coming from his headphones.
John and Dean walked to the office while Dean looked all around taking in his new home away from home. The secretary was very nice and helpful as John filled out the proper forms and handed over Dean's records.
"Let me just print out this schedule and find you a map of the school and you'll be on your way," she said brightly.
As they left the office John was going to ask if Dean had any questions but as he looked at his son he could see that he was very distracted.
"Hello ladies," Dean said as he sauntered over to a group of giggling girls.
John just smiled and headed back the way he had come.
As he headed back to the house John mulled over the hunts that he could accomplish from this home base. He had explained to the boys that the trade-off for staying in one spot would be that he may have to go off for longer periods of time. But they seemed to want to give it try so that was game plan for now. If the boys could keep it together during his absences then they would stay as long as possible.
He grabbed a cup of coffee and settled down at the kitchen table with the phone and a map plotting his next move. After speaking with a fellow hunter he decided the zombie problem in the next state would be his first hunt from this location. He would spend the day planning his trip and researching the undead that he would be dispatching of.
Back at the Junior High Sam was in the unenviable position of being the new kid with lunch tray in hand looking for a place to sit. He glanced left and right and saw only one table that wasn't already crammed full of his fellow students. He carefully walked towards the table hoping that nobody would trip him or intentionally bump him. He let out a sigh of relief as he safely made it to his destination. He set his tray down and pulled out his chair.
"Hey kid you can't sit there, this is our table," an older kid stated.
"Yeah this is seventh grade table," the first kid's cohort added.
Sam just sat there unsure of what to do when he heard a third voice intervene.
"Shut-up Glen; he can sit wherever he wants to," a pretty girl with long brown hair said.
She sat down next to Sam with her lunch tray and several books in tow. "My name is Denise; are you new here?"
"Yeah, my names Sam; thanks for helping me," Sam said as he looked at the other boys depart.
"No problem, those two guys are jerks; always have been. I think you are in my home class," she said.
Sam had discovered that the way the scheduled worked was that he had English, Social Studies and Literature in his main or home class and changed classes for Math, Science and Gym. Then he had a computer class that would become creative writing later in the year. He hoped they would still be around then as he was looking forward to writing.
"Are those guys scared of you?" Sam asked Denise after he noticed how quickly they left.
"Nah, their scared of my older brother Brady; they know if they mess with me he'll kick their ass."
"I see; I have an older brother too; his name is Dean and he's a sophomore."
"So is Brady; we should all get together some time. Believe it or not I do scare people away. I'm too forward to fit in with popular girls; plus I'm not cute enough or willing to spend all my time and money at the mall for the latest fashions. I'm too clumsy to be in the athletic group and I'm not brainy enough to be with intellectual crowd," Denise said chewing her way through a chicken leg.
Sam thought she was pretty enough to be in with the popular girls and from the books she was carrying he thought she might be pretty bright too.
"Do you like to read?" Sam asked cautiously.
"Love it and not those trashy romance novels the other girls read give me something like Lord of the Flies. I need true visceral reactions to life. I don't like soft endings."
Sam smiled thinking he was really starting to like this girl.
At the high school Dean was standing there in the front of the Biology classroom trying to decide which gorgeous young thing would be lucky enough to be his lab partner. He finally settled on the leggy blond who sat towards the back. He slipped in beside her and flashed a toothy grin. She returned his smile and blushed; Dean had found his soul mate.
"Okay people just sit down because you won't be staying there," the teacher announced. "Due to all the horrible behavior of past classes they have ruined your opportunity to choose your own lab partners. So I will do the old fashioned way and put you together alphabetically."
The groans went across the room with many students whining out to Mr. Lynch how unfair this was. Dean just hoped that this girl's name began with W. But no she was Breanne Callendo and was moved to the front. In the end Dean sat at the last table with Jody Williams who wasn't as pretty as Breanne but seemed nice enough.
"You're new here huh?" She asked as they received their new books.
"Yeah Dean Winchester," Dean said smiling.
"Like the rifle?"
"Just like the rifle," Dean said instantly liking this girl.
Dean was invited to sit with Jody and her friends at lunch which he certainly appreciated. Lunch was always awkward the first few days in school and he was glad that he didn't have to search for a friendly place to sit. Dean set his tray down and met Brady, Colin, and Stacy.
"So where are you from?" Brady asked.
"Kind of everywhere," Dean told them.
"What are your parent's hippies or something?" Jody asked. "Cause I think that entire alternate lifestyle thing is great."
"No my parents aren't hippies; we just move around a lot," Dean said and then changed the subject. "What do you guys do for fun around here?"
"Not a heck of a lot," Stacy said.
"There must be something," Dean asked.
"Well there is one thing…" Brady conceded.
As the final bell at the Junior High sounded Sam headed to his locker to figure out what books he would need to take home. As he pulled out the proper folders and books Denise popped into his view.
"Where do you live?" She asked.
"Rose Street," Sam responded.
"That means bus number 5 right?" She asked.
"Yeah it is."
"That's my bus too; I live on Violet Drive just a few blocks down from you."
"Good we can study together and stuff if you want," Sam said a bit awkwardly.
"Yeah, come on if we don't get out there we'll get stuck being the third one in a seat," she said as she picked up her backpack off the floor.
The high school was only blocks from the house allowing Dean to be home well before Sam. As he heard the bus pull up he opened the door to ensure Sam was getting off safely. Dean was relieved to see that Sam's body language showed he had had a good day.
"Did you make any friends?" Dean asked as Sam walked by.
"Why do you ask?" Sam asked a bit defensively.
"Whoa what kind of reaction is that?" Dean asked with a smile. "Did you meet a girl or something?"
"What? Where's Dad at?" Sam asked quickly.
"You did; you met a girl you sly dog."
"She's just a friend, God Dean I'm only 11 now where is Dad?"
"He just went out at the store like his note right next to you says," Dean said smiling.
That night as Sam worked on his homework and Dean dried the dishes while John told them that he would be heading out in the next few days.
"I want you to both listen to my expectations. Sam you need to stay out of trouble at school and home; you have to listen to what your brother says and make sure he knows where you at all times. Got it?"
Sam nodded.
"And Dean do not take advantage of your position of being in charge; you need to be reasonable. If I hear that you are abusing your power then we will have a problem. You need to be home at reasonable hours and keep track of your brother. I want you also to stay out of trouble at school and home and I will be checking."
This time it was Dean who nodded.
"Let's make this work guys, I know you can do it," John finished.
By the end of the week the boys were in embedded in school and their circle of friends was complete. Sam had Denise and another boy named Ben who was in his computer class with him in his group and Dean was tight with his lunch buddies. John had left for his hunt and the boys had a free weekend ahead.
The phone rang late on Saturday morning with Brady on the other end. "Hey remember what we discussed earlier this week?" Dean relayed that he did. "So do you want to have a look?" Brady finished.
Dean looked back over his shoulder at Sam who was watching TV. "Possibly I can't say for sure; little brother problems."
"Really, how old?" He asked.
"Sam is eleven, a sixth grader," Dean responded.
"So is my sister Denise, I'll bring her over and we'll go from there."
Sam was happily surprised that when he opened the door to see Denise standing on the other side. "What are you doing here?" Sam asked.
"This is my brother Brady; I guess our brothers are friends so we are here for some kind of escapade that will end up getting us into trouble is my speculation."
"I see your world is much like mine," Sam conceded.
Sam and Denise went off on their own to discuss sixth grade politics while Dean got the lowdown on the upcoming tour they would be taking.
"Okay so what is this place?" Dean asked.
"I'm not even sure what its official name is; something rather long and stuffy so the locals just call it the Experiment Station. They test on crops and bugs and so forth. They try and develop new bug sprays and ways to make plants grow bigger and disease resistant."
"Okay so where is the interesting part?" Dean asked.
"First off they don't want you on the property so it is challenge to get in and not get caught. The second thing is all the cool stuff you find."
"Like what?"
"The plants look really weird and they just do odd things. You have to see for yourself," Brady finished.
Dean wasn't all that impressed but wasn't going to let any opportunity to seek something new and weird go by without duly checking it out.
The group of four quietly made their way to the fence; the fence mind you that was strewn with no trespassing signs. There was a few strings of barbed wire at the top that Dean eyed wondering how the locals got past that. As if he had read Dean's mind Brady motioned for them to go a bit further.
"The fence is cut here as long as you aren't too wide you can slip right through," he explained as he slid through the opening that was very hard to see if you didn't know it was there.
The remainder of the group followed. They were instantly met with a flowering tree that held bright purple buds.
"A little late in the year for a tree to flower isn't it?" Sam asked.
"Exactly," Brady said.
The group continued to walk deeper into the complex. Some plants looked normal while others sported odd colors or very small or very large flowers, buds or leaves. Dean didn't seem to get much out of it but Sam was amazed at anomalies that were shown.
"They have insects over there; I swear once I saw a two headed bee," Brady whispered.
"Now that sounds kinda cool," Dean said.
They walked into an area with several trees and Dean; the tallest of the group felt something hit him in the head.
"Since when do strawberries grow on trees?" Dean asked.
"And are the size of baseballs?" Sam added.
"Pretty cool huh?" Denise said.
"I must admit it is somewhat weird," Dean conceded.
"This is only the beginning," Brady said.
Dean threw is arm out stopping Brady as he put his finger to his mouth. "Shh, I think somebody is coming."
"We should go," Sam said.
The group turned around and retraced their steps back to the hole in the fence. On the way Sam noticed cantaloupes the size of watermelons and blueberries that looked typical other than their neon yellow color.
Later at the house they shared a couple of frozen pizza's and soda discussing what they had seen.
"So if that's what they are doing to fruit I'm curious to see what else they have modified," Dean said in between bites.
"Aren't you though," Brady said smiling.
"I think we should stay away from there," Denise said. "Remember what happened to you the last time you got caught out there?"
Brady just shook his head trying to get his sister to shut up. But his tactic didn't work as she continued to explain. "When they dropped him off at the house our dad wasn't too thrilled about the whole thing. If I recall correctly you had several uncomfortable days."
"Shut-up Denise," Brady growled.
Dean couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry man; we have all been down that road."
That revelation seemed to settle Brady down a bit.
John was in and out of the picture and the boys seemed to settle into normalcy at an alarming rate. Friday nights brought about football games and Brady had gotten Dean to help out with the sophomore float for Homecoming.
Sam was enjoying spirit week and was even playing soccer in a recreation league on Saturday's. John just sat back and enjoyed his boys just being boys for once.
Dean was trying to nail the attacking lion onto the post where it would look like it was ripping the rival football player to shreds. The theme of homecoming was 'Welcome to the Jungle' and the sophomore float was coming along nicely.
"I'm telling you Angie doesn't have a date to the dance and is all about you," Brady told Dean. "You don't have to marry her just go to the dance and see what happens."
"I guess it could be fun," Dean admitted. Even though he didn't dance, a night with ear splitting music and spiked punch might be at the least amusing.
John was preparing to leave again that Friday when Dean asked if he had a moment.
"What's up kiddo?" John asked.
"I have a favor to ask Dad."
"Shoot."
"Could you possibly hang around at least for Saturday night so I can um, um go to a dance?" Dean stuttered.
"A dance? You at a dance," John said smiling at the thought.
"Yeah the homecoming dance; the parade and game are Saturday afternoon and the dance is that night. I know it's kind of out of character and all but it might be fun. I even have a date."
"Well I was wanting to get on the road but I think I can hold off another day so my boy can have a little fun," John said still grinning.
Dean told John how grateful he was and bounced off to bed. John smiled all night until he finally drifted off to sleep.
Saturday brought sunny skies and high spirits for the town. Since Dean helped with the float he was riding proudly next to Brady and was throwing candy along with the other riders. John took both Sam and Denise to watch the parade and grab some of the candy being tossed out to the crowd. Then it was off to the game something John hadn't experienced since he had been in high school. Of course the kids ditched him the moment they got through the gates and only checked in with him at the end of each quarter. He never did see Dean.
The home team lost by a field goal but nobody seemed to notice as the excitement was growing as the dance neared. John took Sam and Denise to the video store and then home to see Dean get ready for his evening.
Dean stepped out with a new pair of jeans and a nice button down shirt with hair freshly washed and combed and just a dab of cologne. He looked and felt good. John couldn't help but grin at his eldest son.
"Have fun but not too much if you get my drift," John said.
"I'll be fine," Dean assured as he heard a car honk its horn from outside indicating his ride was out front.
John didn't know how to feel. Somehow his son had gone and grown up on him and here he was doing something very average and normal and yet John couldn't shake the butterflies he felt for his son.
Sam and Denise were already cramming popcorn down their throat and laughing at the perennial favorite of Caddyshack while John began reviewing his notes for his upcoming adventure.
Dean rode with Brady to the dance where they each met up with their respective dates. Dean was with Angie and Brady a girl named Yvette. They mingled had some punch and finally when a slow song was played Dean agreed to dance. He didn't do the fast stuff but he could certainly hold a girl close and shuffle around in a tight circle. Her hair smelled great and she was so soft and easy to hold. Dean wondered how many dances he would need to have before he could try and sneak in a kiss or two.
As Dean stood with Brady he couldn't help but notice a rather large bug scurry across the floor making Dean think of the Experiment Station.
"We really need to go back there and check some more stuff out; except this time no younger siblings," Dean said.
"Yeah, I bet we could bribe them to stay behind. I'll have to check my dad's work schedule and see when would be a good time," Brady said.
"Yeah me too," Dean agreed.
The gym had an old stage attached where the drama club often practiced their acting skills and behind the curtain held many fun props and items. The punch had been spiked and Dean realized this almost immediately. He copped a buzz but was careful not to go too far as he knew John would sniff him out and he didn't want his dad to leave angry or worse not leave at all. He figured if he only sipped for the rest of the evening he would be back to completely sober by the time he got home.
Brady was in the same situation as he was feeling pretty good but admitted to Dean that the last time his dad had smelled alcohol on him he had busted his ass good. Exactly what that entailed Dean didn't know but he figured it was no fun.
With most of the group not feeling much pain the students began ducking behind the curtain that was draped across the stage and began coming out with wild wigs on and plastic swords and guns. Dean had to smile as he was getting a kick out of how the other half lived. Angie had snuck up and put her arm around Dean and pulled him close. This act made Dean very happy and he swung her around allowing his hands to wander a bit.
During a break from their activity Dean asked Angie if she knew anything about the Experiment Station.
"Yeah, my dad works there; he's an entomologist."
"A what?"
"He studies bugs."
"Do you ever go to work with him?"
"I have a few times but the creepy crawlies don't thrill me. Why do you ask? Are you planning some big exploit?"
"Well maybe sometime."
"Everybody does; just don't go by the animal husbandry area. If they catch you there you will be taken to the Police Department for sure. They won't do much other than scare you but if they catch you on the property again they will press charges."
"What are they hiding?"
"Nobody knows for sure not even me; now do you want to talk or do you want to kiss?"
"Oh kiss, definitely kiss."
Dean had a great evening with Angie and watching his fellow classmates make fools out of themselves with the props. By the end of the evening there was a pair of drumsticks being used to stir the punch, red bozo wigs on several students, a cymbal stuck in the basketball hoop, and a plastic axe crammed into one of the speakers. There were other things floating around that Dean simply could not identify and had no desire to try.
He took several deep breaths as he walked up to the front door hoping that he could pull this off. He felt eighty percent sober but he knew that it probably wouldn't be good enough to get past John. He quietly opened the door wanting John to be in bed already but knowing that wasn't going to happen and as the living room came into view that fact became apparent.
John was sitting on the couch with a book in his hands and a sleeping Sam leaning into him. "So how was it?" He asked closing the book and shifting Sam a bit.
"Good; I had a great time. I'm pretty tired though so I think I'll head to bed," Dean said never breaking stride.
"How much punch did you drink?"
"Um, what?"
"You heard me."
"Just some you know when I got thirsty after I danced."
"Just some huh, cause I'm thinking you may have had more than just a bit."
"Does it matter?"
"Since all you'll be doing this week is hanging around here then no; catch my drift?"
"Yes sir," Dean replied able to live with his sentence.
The next morning Dean wasn't surprised that John had caught him in his poor choice of beverages, but he was surprised that John hadn't left for his hunt yet. A bolt of fear shot through Dean fearing that John had changed his plans due to his indiscretions last night.
"You look like you just swallowed something sour," John told his eldest son.
"No, I just figured you would've left by now."
"I'm going to head out tomorrow morning after you two head to school. I want to get a few things done today and spend some time with my boys."
Oh, okay," Dean said wondering exactly what John had in mind.
After cleaning the house up from a busy week John had the boys get into the Impala for a drive. Dean's heart couldn't stop itself from picking up speed and Sam looked a bit uncomfortable.
"Where are we going?" Sam asked.
"Nowhere special just taking a drive," John responded.
The three drove for a bit and finally as they looped back the boys immediately recognized the area they were in. The Experiment Station loomed right ahead with the gate closed and locked with the no trespassing signs looming. John stopped the car off to the side and cleared his throat.
"Now despite the fact that they are discouraging visitors this might be a place that certain people may be attracted to. I am here to tell you that it would not be a good place for either one of you to investigate. There would be nothing of any interest inside and it would only bring trouble; trouble I don't want to have to deal with. Have I made myself clear?" John said.
The boys were both sitting in the backseat glanced at each other out of the corners of their eyes and then quickly nodded that they understood.
"And if anyone in this car has already tempted fate by coming out here it needs to be the last time," John finished.
The boys had no idea to make of the warning so as soon as they got home the questions flew back and forth.
"What did you tell him last night?" Dean demanded to know.
"Nothing it didn't come up; I didn't even know he knew about the place," Sam countered.
"Well he found out somehow. What about Denise did she say something? Was she alone with Dad at all?"
"Just for a minute but she's not stupid Dean she wouldn't say anything," Sam assured.
"Well check with her to make sure. It's probably Dad just trying to get a jump on us or just suspecting," Dean said.
"Can you blame him?" Sam asked.
"Of course not."
John took the boys out to dinner and then shopping for a weeks worth of food. He never mentioned the Station again but reminded Dean he was to stick close to home and that he would know if Dean didn't abide by his grounding.
On Tuesday Dean caught up to Angie between classes and told her that he wanted to ask her some questions after school. This made Angie happy as she thought Dean was mighty cute. So she agreed to walk home with Dean after school.
As the two left school she couldn't help but admire this boy. Angie knew he was probably using her for information about the Experiment Station but she didn't care; he was charming and adorable and treated her nicely so if he only wanted her for knowledge then so be it.
Dean got them each a soda and a bowl of potato chips and then the two settled on the couch.
"So what is it again that your dad does?" Dean asked batting his eyelashes with his green eyes twinkling.
"He works with bugs; look there are some interesting things over there but it really isn't worth the trouble. If you insist on trying to scout some things out then it is best to go on Thursday or Friday because the regular security chief is off those two days. Stay away from the animal area because the security is really tight and if you must go in be sure you can run really, really fast," she explained.
Sam walked in the front door and stood there gaping at his brother and his girlfriend on the couch.
"Excuse me – hello," Sam said trying to get Dean's lips off of Angie and his eyes on him. "Dude you're grounded you can't have anybody over here."
"You're grounded?" Angie asked.
"The spiked punch at the dance, but don't worry my dad is out of town and I know that my dear little brother won't say a word," Dean said sending an icy glare at Sam.
Sam just shook his head and grabbed a snack to take to his room while Dean managed to pick up some useful information and had a good time doing it. He liked Angie and she seemed into him too. He figured it would be best to lay low for the rest of the week but as soon as he could hook up with Brady they would have to formulate a plan.