The next day in school Brady cringed as he asked what happened to Dean. Dean gave him a quick run down but didn't seem too perturbed about the whole thing.
"That's why I ran; the last time I got caught out there I had to miss a day of school after my old man got a hold of me. Of course my bitch of step-mother egging him on doesn't help matters," Brady explained.
"Thankfully I don't have that to worry about," Dean responded.
"Do you have any plans for Christmas break?" Brady asked.
"No, I'm not allowed to have plans," Dean said as he nodded to Angie who was heading their way.
Angie and Dean had spent quite a bit of time together and though they weren't officially dating they seemed to have a special bond. Angie had just turned 16 and she had decided the one gift she wanted for herself was the aforementioned Dean. She was still a virgin and proud of it but there was something about this boy that made her want him as her first. She knew that more than likely he would have a long and storied career of girls and women but she wanted him to be her special one. She had no idea if he had any experience or if she would be his first and figured she would never get the truth out of him even if she asked. She spent several nights working on her speech on how to bring up the subject and how to deliver it so that she didn't scare him off.
One afternoon she asked if he could walk her home and finally gathered her courage.
"Um my parents are going out of town for the weekend. It's an early Christmas present from my grandparents," she began.
"Cool; what are you going to do?" Dean asked oblivious to where this conversation was heading.
"I'm going to be at home…by myself," she said leaving the words hanging in the air.
"I see."
"Maybe you could come over one night for a while?"
"I'm grounded," Dean said.
Angie looked crestfallen and Dean managed to notice the crushed look. "But my dad does go out a lot; maybe I could steal an hour or two."
Angie stopped and looked up and down the street. She reached in her purse and pulled out a couple of condoms. "If you could get away I would make it worth your while."
A shock wave went through Dean as he saw the wrapped product in her hand. He was in fact not a member of the homerun club though he had rounded third on a few occasions.
"I know I probably look like an idiot and you now have absolutely no respect for me, but the offer stands if you can get away." And with that she took off at a jog down the block and around the corner.
As soon as the words "I have to run out" came from John's mouth Dean was up and ready to make his escape. He didn't care what happened to him when he got home he had an invitation that he wasn't going to pass up. With any luck he could be back before John and nobody would be the wiser.
Dean heard the Impala roar down the street and he turned to Sam saying he had something important he had to check on and would be back soon. He could hear Sam's protests but the door slamming behind him muffled what he had to say. Dean zipped up his coat and ran down the street oblivious to the cold air around him. He hoped she hadn't changed her mind and he hoped that he would be everything he had always dreamed of.
He saw an empty driveway and peeked in the garage and saw her mother's car sitting alone. He knocked on the door and as he shivered from the mixture of cold and excitement the door opened to reveal a surprised Angie.
"You made it."
"If you still want me here."
"Yeah – I do," she said softly.
Being young and full of hormones the small talk was brief as the teens cast clothes in every direction. Dean was seeing and feeling things he had never before. They took each other in and it all seemed so natural. Not once did Dean think about the chance he was taking with his father. At the culmination of the event they lay back and congratulated themselves at their experience; they were no longer rookies they had traveled down that elusive and grown-up road. They both relaxed and began to drift off when Dean shot up and said he had better get going. But Angie had other idea's and managed to convince him to stay because as they say practice makes perfect and her parents would be back the next day.
By the time Dean left he knew there was no way he would beat John back to the house so he stood up straight, held his head high and marched home. He could take it like a man because after all he was one now. Through that beautiful and wonderful experience he had become a man; six weeks shy of his sixteenth birthday and he had danced in the adult world.
As he got closer to the house he saw the driveway was empty but he didn't have much time to rejoice as he saw John the moment he stepped into the house.
"Where's the car?" Dean asked.
"I need to go through the trunk so it's in the garage," John said. "Where the hell have you been?"
"I had to go out for something."
"Well I hope you had fun because it will be the last of it for a long time. I want you waiting for me in your room," John barked.
Sam seemed startled by the whole thing and couldn't figure out what would've been important enough to defy John like Dean had.
John watched his eldest son head down the hallway and detected something new; it was a bit of a swagger something he hadn't noticed before. Was it possible? Well he was nearly sixteen and a very handsome and charming kid. He just shook his head as he heard Dean's door slam.
John made his way to his son's door and took a deep breath. He swung the door inward to see Dean lying down on his bed. The boy immediately sat up and swung his legs around as John entered.
They both looked at each other and as their eyes locked John had no doubts about the reason that kidnapped his son earlier. Dean broke the eye contact and stood up and walked over to the wall placing his hands there and leaned forward.
"Whenever you're ready sir," he said boldly.
"Oh really and what makes you so ready?" John asked.
"I broke the rules; I went out when out when I was grounded. I have no excuse for my behavior and am ready to accept my punishment."
For the first time in a long time John stood there completely off guard not knowing what to do. "Was it worth it?"
"Yes sir," Dean said with absolution ringing in his voice.
Dean tensed up again waiting but the noise he heard from behind him wasn't John preparing himself; it was the door closing behind him. Dean realized he was all alone in the room.
Dean left for school the next morning as confused as he had ever been. He had no idea why John allowed him to escape his punishment; it didn't make any sense. The Impala was already gone and Dean would just have to continue to wonder all day.
"Did you get in trouble?" Angie asked as she walked up to Dean while he was searching his locker for his homework.
"I'm not sure," Dean replied. "Not really, but my dad works in mysterious ways."
"Um, I just wanted to let you know that I had fun last night but hope that you won't be stupid about it," Angie said.
"Don't worry, I'm not like that," Dean assured.
At lunch Brady invited Dean to his Christmas party.
"I can't I am so grounded, but thanks anyway," Dean said.
"I think Denise is going to invite your brother; she kinda likes him," Brady said with a smile.
"Oh really, how adorable is that. I think his grounding is over so it shouldn't be a problem. It will be good for him to get out," Dean said as he devoured his fish sticks.
The car was in the driveway and John greeted Dean as soon as he walked in the house.
"Can we talk son?" he asked.
"Sure," Dean answered.
"What happened last night?"
"Umm, I'm really not comfortable talking about it Dad," Dean answered shyly.
"That's what I thought. Dean you are still so young and it really is a big deal; the consequences can be dire if you're not careful."
"We were careful Dad and I'll always be careful don't worry. I know it's a big step, but I was ready; I've had to grow up fast and so it shouldn't be a surprise that this happened already."
"Just don't treat it casually, it should be special," John explained.
"Please don't tell me any stories about you and Mom, I don't think I could handle that," Dean begged.
"I won't, but I can't promise that in the future if we have this talk again," John smiled.
"Dad how come you didn't….you know? I mean I was ready for it; I deserved it so why?"
"Because you realized you deserved it. Dean I don't take any joy in punishing you boys, it's just that I have to know you are learning the consequences this world has. Don't think that you got off scot free though because you are now grounded for the rest of the year."
"Um is there any way that maybe we can change it so I can go to a party. We can go to my room and I'll take whatever you dish out," Dean asked.
"Let me think about it…no," John said quickly. "You are grounded and that's that. No party, no fun, next time do what your told," John said as Sam walked in the front door.
John welcomed Sam home and then went to take a phone call. Sam sat on the couch next to his older brother and carefully pulled out a small envelope.
"Denise invited me to her Christmas party," he said quietly.
"That's a good thing dude," Dean assured.
"I guess but I'm kind of nervous about it," Sam revealed.
"You'll be fine, just relax and be in the holiday spirit," Dean said.
"Can you come?" Sam asked with hope.
"Sorry bud, my little gallivant last night cost me my freedom for the rest of the year. I already tried to trade the punishment in for something else but no cigar so I'm sorry to say you will be on your own. It will be fine; you deserve this, go and have fun."
On December 22nd Sam put on his best shirt and pants and climbed into the car with John to go to the party. Dean had given him the big brother speech and had also helped him pick out a small gift for the hostess. Sam was nervous but excited about the party. He was much more awkward in social situations than Dean and was disappointed that he couldn't come with him, but Sam held his gift tightly and marched on.
Brady welcomed Sam to the house and went off to find Denise as he took Sam's coat from him. Sam held the small gift close to him and looked around hoping that he would know some of the other kids there. He was relieved to see Ben waving at him from across the room. Sam headed that way when Denise found him.
"I'm so glad you came," she gushed.
"Yeah me too," Sam said trying not to blush. "Um this is for you," he said handing her the small box.
"Oh that is so sweet of you," she said in a high voice.
"It's not much really," Sam countered.
She carefully unwrapped the box and was pleased to find a delicate chain with a small star attached. "Oh it's so pretty," she squealed. "Put it on me," she said turning around so Sam could manipulate the clasp.
Sam managed to get it hooked even though his hands were a bit shaky. Denise turned around and smiled as her hand clasped her new gift.
"Thank you Sammy," she said as she planted a kiss on his cheek.
Sam blushed as Ben came up whistling. Denise excused herself as more guests came and Sam hung out with Ben rehashing the kiss.
"She is a good choice Sam, you lucky dog," Ben said smiling.
"We're just friends," Sam said.
"Right, come on lets get some cookies."
Sam and Ben visited and found a few other friends before Denise made her way back to the group. "I'm sorry, but my mom said I have to greet everybody, but I think their all here now so we should be good."
Sam smiled and Ben excused himself and dragged the others off with him. The young couple found a spot on the love seat and nibbled awkwardly on some Christmas cookies.
"This is a great party," Sam said.
"We have it every year. I get to have the Christmas party and Brady gets to have a New Years party. I'm glad you could come. I heard you and your brother got into some big trouble recently."
"Yeah, but I survived and have my freedom back," Sam said.
"That's good, do you have any plans for Christmas break?" she asked.
"Not really, just hang out I guess."
"Maybe we could get together a few times. I usually get some movies for Christmas, maybe you could watch them with me," she said with hope.
"Yeah that would be great, I would like that," Sam said.
The youngsters continued to chat, mingle and snack the rest of the evening. They even danced a little though there wasn't much room left since most of the party goers were already taking up all available floor space. As the evening began to wind down Sam found himself standing under the mistletoe as Denise came over to ask him something. He took a deep breath and tried to follow Dean's advice. He answered Denise's question and then looked up at the mistletoe; she followed his gaze and smiled. Sam took that as a positive sign and leaned over and planted a gentle kiss on her lips. She accepted the kiss and both quickly turned away saying they would see each other soon.
"So how was the dance?" John asked.
"It was…good," Sam answered. "I had fun."
Sam couldn't wait to get home and tell Dean of his success. His head was still spinning and he wasn't quite sure how this would all play out but for now he was excited. This was the first time he had felt this way towards a girl. He felt a little deflated as he remembered Dean telling him that he would soon feel this way towards the opposite sex. He really hadn't expected it this soon.
Sam was a mixture of excitement and embarrassment as he described the kiss to Dean.
"See I told ya little brother; liking girls is something that just happens and it is a good thing," Dean told Sam.
"Brady wanted me to ask you if you could come to his New Years Eve party. I told him that you were grounded until the first but he wants you to ask anyway," Sam said yawning.
"I'll ask but I doubt my wish will be granted."
Dean was right John said absolutely not to the request. "If you want to do things then you must abide by the rules." John reminded him.
The holidays were nice and over too quickly. Angie stopped by so she and Dean could exchange gifts and John was actually at the house for Christmas morning. The boys each received clothing and Dean got several tapes he had wanted. For Sam it was books to take him away to far off places.
The highlight for Dean came in late January when he received the most precious item ever; his driver's license. He had finished drivers training and gotten his permit and was able to convince John to take him for his road test on his birthday. Dean drove as carefully as he knew how and by 9:00 a.m. he was an official new driver. He was so excited he floated around for weeks.
Dean had just come back down to earth from his achievement when John announced that he had a hunt a great distance away.
"I don't know how long this one will take boys and I'm not real comfortable leaving you when I'll be so far away," John explained.
Dean saw the fear of upheaval in Sam's eyes and stepped in. "So what are you saying Dad?" Dean asked.
"I think it is time to pull up stakes and move on. I know you guys like it here but at least we made it until now," John said already making up his mind.
Sam looked like he was going to cry. He loved the school and was still hanging out with Denise and several other kids. In fact he and Denise had just designed their project for the science fair. Dean swallowed and began his plea.
"What if Sam and I stay here. I mean we can handle it. We haven't given you any trouble in a while and you have that cell phone," Dean said as convincingly as possible.
"Yeah and if your in trouble it would take me over 16 hours to get to you and that's if I drive straight through. No Dean I'm not comfortable with it at all. I'm sorry but its time to go," John said.
Sam got up and ran to his room taking John by surprise.
"Dad he really, really likes it here. Just let him finish the school year, please. I promise we'll stay on the straight and narrow and I won't ask you for anything else. I'll take responsibility for everything," Dean begged. "You can see how upset he is."
"I don't know Dean I really need to focus on this hunt and I'm not sure if I can with you guys so far away," John sighed.
"Look Dad, Caleb isn't that far what if he stepped in if there were any problems? Let me show you how responsible I can be and Sam too. Give us this chance."
John agreed to sleep on it as Sam who was hiding in the hallway smiled and silently thanked his brother for stepping in. Sam knew Dean wanted to stay too but that it meant much more for the sixth grader to stay.
Reluctantly two days later John went over the ground rules for umpteenth time. "I don't want any calls from teachers or other parents or from the police with anything negative. I want you to keep the house in good shape and get all your school work done. I will call every other night at 9:00 and somebody better answer the phone. If I come back and get a whiff of anything negative or believe that you have tried to cover anything up it will be over; do you understand?" John asked.
"Yes sir," the boys said enthusiastically.
And with a final look and sigh John slammed the trunk closed and backed out of the garage.
The boys began their celebration as soon as John turned the corner.
"I can't believe you talked him into it," Sam said excitedly.
"I don't know what to tell you Sam I guess I'm just velvety smooth."
The boys had fallen into their independent routine and had abided by the rules. Dean made every effort to behave and keep track of Sam. They were always there for John's 9:00 phone call and things were going well. Sam and Denise were working hard on their science project and Dean and Angie were still an item.
One night Brady, Jody, Angie and Dean were out behind the local ice cream shop hanging out when the first little incident raised its head. The girls were checking out each others lip gloss while Brady and Dean were horsing around.
"So are you and Angie…ya know?" Brady asked.
"None of your business," Dean responded.
"So you are, because it's all talk and no action and since you are no talk it must be all action," Brady said his eyes wide.
"No I said it's none of your business," Dean reiterated.
"Wow Angie I didn't think you had it in you," Brady yelled out.
"What are you talking about Brady?" Angie yelled back.
"You and Dean doing the nasty thing," Brady teased.
"Dammit Dean I thought you weren't going to say anything," Angie said obviously upset.
"I didn't Angie; he asked and answered his own question. I never said anything. Brady tell her," Dean begged.
But Brady was too busy laughing at the couple's expense even with Jody slugging him and telling him he was an ass. Angie took off telling Dean she would never speak to him again.
"Thanks Brady, you are such a bitch I can't believe you did that," Dean yelled.
"Don't worry man she'll get over it, besides we won't tell will we Jody? People already have decided that you have or haven't. I mean you been dating pretty much since last Fall so its no surprise you dirty dog," Brady said punching Dean in the arm.
The next day Angie was still upset with Dean when they bumped into each other in the hallway in between classes.
"Angie please talk to me," Dean begged.
"You promised," she replied tearfully.
"I told him it was none of his business and that was it. I swear I haven't said anything to anybody," he pleaded.
"Just give me some time and I'll get the truth out of Brady," Angie said as she headed down the hallway.
"Damn," Dean whispered as the bell rang.
"Mr. Winchester I believe you are late for my class," Mrs. Dodge said. "If you don't want a detention then I suggest you get your butt in here."
Dean still upset from his recent conversation turned to his math teacher and said, "screw you" and took off down the hall leaving the teacher standing there mouth wide open. She had the phone in her hand and the call to the principal's office made before Dean made it out the front door.
Dean walked home berating himself. What if they call John then the deal will be off and they will all have to move again. How could he have done this to Sammy who he hadn't seen so happy in a very long time? He blew it there were no two ways about it; he had simply blown it. Dean paced around the house running his hand over his choppy hair and worried. His dad would be pissed and his brother would never forgive him. Maybe since all had gone so well John would forgive this minor infraction; no when John Winchester says something he means it. Dean knew that for sure as he had had many an experience in testing his father. Maybe they won't call him; yeah maybe they'll just deal with this in house. Dean's shoulders slumped as he thought about the reality of that statement. If he had just walked away and skipped last period then they probably would've lectured him and given him detention, but the disrespect he showed would definitely create enough of a stir that a parent would be called.
Sam finally got home and walked in with Denise on his heels. The two were best of friends with some giggles and occasional hand holding. What had he done to his brother? They were chattering about the expectations of where their project would sit at the science fair. Dean just sat down and hated himself; if only he could go back and retract his words.
"What's wrong Dean you look upset?" Sam asked.
"Nothings wrong, just a long day with lots of homework," Dean replied realizing he had left all of his homework behind and would have to deal with that aftermath tomorrow as well.
"Okay well we're going to study for a while," Sam said as he and Denise settled at the table.
A hard knock at the door caused Dean to become startled but he quickly recovered and opened the entry to see Brady standing there with Angie.
"Dude we heard what happened," Brady said.
"Shhh, I want this to stay private," Dean said pushing them outside.
"Look Brady told me everything and I am so sorry," Angie said brushing a tear away. "I should've listened to you in the first place."
"Mrs. Dodge was pissed about what you said; she called Mr. Merrill as soon as she got back in the room. I think they are going to talk to you tomorrow. Is your dad still out of town?" Brady reported.
"Yeah and we'll be too if he gets wind of this," Dean said his voice faltering.
"What do you mean?" Angie asked her tears drying.
"It's a long story; let's just hope they don't call him. What do you think my odds are?"
"Not good dude, they don't take that stuff lightly," Brady said.
"Damn, just do me a favor and don't let Sam know anything is going on at least not until I know for sure that they called," Dean asked.
"Sure, I'm just really sorry about everything. I didn't mean for it to be like this," Angie said.
"It's my fault," Brady offered.
"No its mine, I didn't have to react the way I did. If my dad has taught me one thing it is to take responsibility for your own actions," Dean said clearly unhappy at his actions.
"You did what?" Sam shrieked when Dean and Sam were alone a little while later.
"Look I'm sorry I didn't want you to know," Dean said after explaining his earlier actions.
"Now we're going to have to move again and I really like it here; I have friends and everything," Sam cried.
"Dad might not even find out," Dean tried.
"Oh yeah right, he's not going to find out," Sam countered.
"I promise that I will do everything I can so that they don't call Dad," Dean said.
The next morning Dean had barely gotten settled when he was paged to the office. He had been practicing a speech on the way to school hoping that he could convince the powers that be to be easy on him.
"Come on in Mr. Winchester," Mr. Merrill the principal invited Dean into this office.
Mrs. Dodge was already seated and waiting. "We have already conferred about what took place yesterday and would like to discuss it with you," Mr. Merrill said as he sat down behind his desk.
"What you did was extremely disrespectable and will not be tolerated in my school. The first thing I want from you is an apology for Mrs. Dodge," Mr. Merrill said.
"Of course, Mrs. Dodge I am so sorry for what I said to you. I was upset with another situation and took it out on you. I regretted it the moment I said it," Dean poured it on.
Both adults seemed quite impressed with the apology and Dean scored a tiny victory for himself.
"That was very nice; but doesn't completely excuse your behavior. I think we need to call you parents and let them know of this incident," Mrs. Dodge said.
"My dad is out of town on a sales trip and can't be reached. I can get you his itinerary but he is often out of the motel. I'll do double detention, triple detention if you don't bother him," Dean said.
"What about your mother?" Mrs. Dodge asked.
"She died when I was little," Dean told them.
"I'm sorry to hear that. When is your dad due back?" Mr. Merrill asked.
"By the end of the week," Dean said. "He really wouldn't be happy to be interrupted on his trip," Dean admitted.
"I imagine not, how often does he leave you alone?" Mr. Merrill asked.
"Not often, just once in a while," Dean lied.
The administrator and teacher looked at each other for a moment. Finally with a nod Mr. Merrill released the decision to Mrs. Dodge.
"Okay Mr. Winchester you have detention in my room all week. During that time you will help me clean and reorganize my room and any time left over I will be tutoring you as your grade certainly reflects a need for assistance," Mrs. Dodge explained.
"Thank you both I really appreciate it," Dean told them. He left the office on cloud nine he had never been happier at receiving detention in his life.
Dean couldn't wait for Sammy to get home so he could tell him the good news. He called Angie and they spoke until Dean finally heard the bus roar down the street.
Sam walked in looking sick. "Dude the news is good, they just gave me detention all week; no calling Dad," Dean told him excitedly.
"Really; are you really sure?" Sam asked.
"Yep, I have to help this teacher clean and organize her room all week. I told you I'd take care of it," Dean beamed.
Sam went over to Dean and slugged him as hard as he could. "That's for giving me the longest day of my life you jerk."
"Hey, I got us out of it just like I said I would."
Dean was wiping down the cabinets and restacking the books as neatly as he could when he felt Mrs. Dodge's eyes on him.
"Is everything at home okay Dean?" she asked. The teacher had felt as she watched this boy that he seemed to carrying quite a burden on his shoulders, more than someone his age should.
Dean closed his eyes and clenched his teeth as he hated answering these questions.
"All is just fine, thanks," he offered.
"It's just that when we mentioned calling your father you seemed to be pretty scared," she pushed.
"My dad's great, it's just that he doesn't want to be called with bad news when he's on the road. Plus he told me if I got into trouble I wouldn't be able to drive the car when he got back. I just got my license so I really love the times I get the car," Dean fibbed.
"I see well if you're sure that's it then," Mrs. Dodge tried.
"Yes ma'am I am sure," Dean smiled.
Mrs. Dodge already had pulled the boys file and saw nothing odd other than the fact that they moved quite frequently. But there was nothing about suspected abuse or any other allegations. Still she thought a home visit might be in order.
"Yay Dad's back," Sam shrieked as he came in from the garage on Saturday morning.
Sure enough there sat the Impala looking a little worse for wear than when she left. It bothered Dean that he hadn't heard his father come in last night.
"I didn't hear him come in," Dean admitted.
"It just means that he is better than you," Sam teased with a smile. Then his face turned serious. "You don't think he came back because the school called do you?"
"No, my detention is almost over only one more day on Monday, they wouldn't have called," Dean assured trying to believe what he had just told his brother.
Dean quietly made his way to his father's bedroom and saw the exhausted man sleeping soundly with only the top of his head visible. He closed the door with only a click escaping and went back to the kitchen for breakfast. He tried to paste a smile on his face and put his butterflies to rest but he had a feeling it would be a long morning.
Around 11:30 they heard the shower running followed a few minutes later by a tired looking man with wet hair. "Hey boys," John said with a yawn.
"Hi Dad," the two returned the greeting with a tad of apprehension.
"So boys it looks like you did well, I had no unexpected phone calls and the house looks good," he said stretching his arms out.
"Yes sir," Dean replied. "I told you we could do it."
"It sure looks like you did," John said proudly. "Now I'll expect it all the time."
As John shuffled towards the kitchen there was a knock at the door. Dean quickly made his way to the front door to find Mrs. Dodge standing there.
"Hello there Dean," she said warmly.
"Um, hi," Dean returned as he tried to keep the door as narrow as possible.
"Who is at the door Dean?" John asked pushing his son aside.
"Hello, I'm Mrs. Dodge Dean's math teacher," she said extending her hand towards John.
"John Winchester," the man replied as he eye-balled his son.
"I just stopped by to see how Dean was doing?" she said trying to gauge John's reaction to her appearance.
"Has there been a problem?" John asked.
"No, um his grade was slipping into the danger zone so he's been coming by after school some extra help, but yesterday I had to leave early so I wanted to see how he was doing with his assignment."
John seemed skeptical but had no reason to doubt the teacher. "I see, so how are you doing Dean?" he asked.
"I'll show you Mrs. Dodge," as he ran off to find something that resembled a math paper.
"It's nice that you are helping him out," John said.
"That's all part of teaching," she cheerfully offered.
Dean eyes were full of apprehension as he returned and handed her a paper with a hastily scribbled math problem on it. The teacher glanced at it and told him he was on the right track but she would review it with him on Monday. She then told John it was nice to meet him and left the way she came.
"Is there anything you want to tell me?" John quizzed his eldest.
"No sir, everything is just fine," Dean assured his wary father.
After school on Monday when Dean and Mrs. Dodge were alone she looked at the boy and asked a favor. "Okay I covered you on Saturday so you need to do something for me."
"What would that be?" Dean asked.
"Lift up your shirt so I can see your back."
"What, why? Oh you want to see if I have any bruises. I told you earlier that my dad doesn't hit me. Why don't you believe me?" Dean asked.
"Because that's what everybody says Dean and there was something in your behavior Saturday that troubled me. Now come on cooperate," she stated.
Dean looked around and lifted up his shirt glad that this hadn't happened right after his jaunt into the experiment station as occasionally a belt mark would find its way above his waist line.
"Satisfied?" Dean glared.
"I suppose, now let's get down to business," she said opening the math book.
"I want to tell you guys how proud I am of you two," John said at dinner Monday night. "You were home for every phone call and somehow I managed to not receive one call from anyone telling me you were in some sort of trouble. I must say that I am amazed."
Both boys beamed at their fathers praise. "I told you we could do it," Dean said with confidence.
"Yes you did," John answered admirably.
"I told you everything would be fine," Dean told Sammy later when John had run out for a while.
"There's only two more weeks of school left and we will have been here the whole year," Sam said excitedly.
"You're right, we actually stayed some place for an entire school year," Dean said marveling at the accomplishment.
Dean managed to keep his nose clean and actually studied with Angie for the upcoming finals. His few sessions with Mrs. Dodge were quite helpful and figured he could review enough to pass all of his finals. Things were going well, too well and that's what scared the sixteen year old.
***
Dean's premonition was right as shortly thereafter things got a bit too exciting. John had taken off for a few days to help out another hunter and when he returned he immediately saw things at home had been a bit rough.
"I want to know now Dean! I want to know why Sam has a black eye? Did you do it? Were you guys fighting and you hit your brother?" John demanded to know.
"It wasn't Dean Dad it was a couple of other kids, but Dean and Brady took care of it," Sam assured.
"That doesn't make me feel much better I want to know right now what happened and don't leave anything out," John said with a severe tone.
"Sam came home from school with his clothes all messed up and a black eye one day. He said some kids from school had jumped him," Dean began.
"They had threatened Denise and me at the beginning of the year but left us alone because they were afraid of Brady and Dean," Sam interjected.
John nodded and turned back at Dean to continue.
"So I found out what happened and Sam gave me a note that said if I wanted to settle this then to go to the park that night at midnight and I could even it up. Brady got one too even though they didn't hurt Denise. So Brady and I discussed it and we went to the park that night; because after all you don't hurt a Winchester and get away with it. There were two guys waiting for us they had to be at least college age; they were big but it became obvious to me that they had little in the way of fighting skills. I took the big guy and managed to get his legs out from under him immediately with a few blows thrown just the way you taught me he decided to stay down and take a nap. Brady was holding his own but it was obvious that my assistance was needed. I didn't even see the first guy get up with the broken bottle. He cut me here," Dean said lifting his shirt to show a gash that had been stitched up by an amateur.
"Who stitched that?" John inquired.
"I did," Sam admitted quietly. "Just the part Dean couldn't reach."
John's face revealed a mix of pride and shock. "So then what happened?"
"Somebody in the neighborhood must have called the police because we saw the sirens flash as they came around the corner. The four of us took off; Brady and I in one direction and I guess the other two took off the opposite way," Dean finished.
"So the police don't know that you were there?" John asked.
"No, I'm pretty sure we all stayed anonymous," Dean answered.
"Well I think it best that we get out of here just in case," John suggested.
"NO!" Sam screamed surprising everyone including himself.
"What did you say?" John asked with a touch of severity in his voice.
"I mean I want to stay here until schools out; we only have a week left," Sam said calming his voice down.
"Well sometimes we don't get what we want kiddo and this is one of them. Start packing I want to be on the road first thing in the morning," John said.
"Dad I think Sammy's right. We should stay until the end of the year, I have finals and Sam gets to put his science project in for the final judging," Dean said to a shocked John.
"Since when do you care about school anyway?" John asked.
"Since we managed to stay in one place for this long; my grades won't be complete without these tests and I know I can do well on them," Dean said trying to bargain with the old man.
John just stood there shocked not believing his boys were standing up to him like this; especially Dean trying to negotiate a longer stay due to school.
"I understand but I don't like it," John said.
"They won't go to the police, they cut me and we gave them a pretty good run for the money and we were a lot younger and smaller. They will keep their mouths shut and we definitely will. Just give us the week; please," Dean begged.
John ran his hand through his hair and blew out a big breath of air. "Anything weird happens and I mean anything we are out of here."
Finals were done and all that was left was the final judging on Sam's science project. Sam and Denise were waiting excitedly as the judges were making their rounds through the tables set up in the elementary school gym. John was feigning great interest and Dean couldn't even muster that. They were packed and ready to the hit the road; the boys unhappy but John satisfied he had held up his end of the bargain. Besides there was a hunt three states over that needed his attention.
As the elder Winchester's waited a shot of adrenaline went through Dean as he looked over at a disturbance in the far corner of the room. The two boys from the park had come in and started a commotion immediately. They were teasing the kids and poking fun at projects as they made their way around. Dean was instantly at John's side telling him who they were. Several teachers began to make attempts at removing the problem men but they were simply ignored. As they moved towards the back of the gym where the doors were John made his move. He quickly glided his way over to them and easily pushed them right out the door to the courtyard.
"I see you like to cause problems, just like you did with my son the other night. Let me ask you how does it feel to have a sixteen year old put you in your place?" John asked as he had his forearm across the first ones throat.
Dean held the other one back as he looked around the deserted area. "If you think I'm tough this is the man who taught me," Dean commented.
John only received a smirk in response so he slammed the young man against the brick building eliciting a grunt.
"Well do you have anything to say?" John asked.
"No, nothing," he said in a shaky voice.
"Good then I expect that you will stay away from those younger than you and abide by the laws of this state and county. One day you will lose and lose big and someone not as kind as my son and I will finish you and mark my words it will happen," John said as he released his grip.
As the two men slid away the police came around the corner. John was able to pick the lock on the door so he and Dean could slip back inside without going to the front. They were just in time to see a very happy Sam and Denise pose for their picture holding their first place ribbons.