The bell rang for the end of the day on the last day of school and all the students gathered their things to leave. Summer vacation was ahead of them. Vanessa was the last to leave the classroom when she saw Sam across the hall. Vanessa admired Sam. It always seemed like he knew what he was doing, even when he didn't have a clue. He never kept anything from her so she returned the favor. He always helped her out in school even when she tried to convince him that it wasn't important. Vanessa approached Sam as he was walking.

"Hey!"

"Hey, how was your last day?"

"Okay I guess. How was your last day of school ever? Were you happy?"

"Yeah," Sam just remained quiet. Vanessa could pick up there was something wrong.

They waited outside for Dean to pick them up, but of course he was probably out. Since he turned twenty-one he always went to the local bar. But as soon as Dad came home he turned into the good son he always is.

"Good thing Adam gets out an hour after we do," Sam said as they were on the bench.

"Yeah, if not I'd kill Dean for leaving him by himself."

Sam smirked but only to have his face turn serious right after, "Vanessa, I need to tell you something."

Vanessa looked up at him. Her face was concerned, "What's wrong?"

"I'm going to college."

Vanessa didn't have a reaction. What does he mean college?

"Why are you going to college? It's not like you need a degree for hunting."

"No, but I need one to be a lawyer." Vanessa's face fell, "Why are you leaving us?" Vanessa's voice broke.

"I'm not leaving you; I'm just leaving to college."

"It sounds like you're running away."

"It's not like that-," Sam got defensive, but Vanessa interrupted, "Then how is it?"

Sam was quite for a moment, "I got a full ride scholarship and if I wanted to I can leave now."

"You're just gonna pick up and leave? Is that how it's going to be?"

"You're acting ridiculous. I thought you'd take this differently."

"You thought wrong, then," Vanessa spat out.

"I'm just a phone call away. I'm not leaving the planet."

"Might as well be," she said quietly. Sam got his hand and placed it under her chin so she can look at him, "I can really use your thoughts on this. You're the only one I've told."

Vanessa wanted to cry out "I love you and I'll die without you!" or "Stay with me so we can have a life together!" or maybe "I hate you. So don't leave, because I want to be with you forever!" but went against it. She had no idea what would happen if she told Sam her real feelings for him. She feared for his rejection. So many emotion just ran through her. Ultimately she chose to do the best she could to make him not feel like a total ass on his decision. She couldn't hurt him that way. No matter how much this was hurting her. He gave her the puppy dog eyes waiting for an answer.

"I'm just really going to miss you."

Sam smiled, "So are you angry at me?"

"Yes," she thought, "No," she answered.

Sam relaxed a little, "I was kind of worried on what you would think."

"Why? It's not like what I have to say matters in your life."

Sam's face was taken back a little. Where did that come from?

"How can you say that? You're one of the important people in my life. You're my friend-,"

"I'm your only friend, Sam."

Sam gave out a light laugh, "We've grown up together, so you're like my sister."

"Thank you. You really know how to make me feel special," Vanessa said in mock affection.

"I'm serious," Sam's face was hard. You see, how can she destroy that. Vanessa decided to talk, "All I can say is you have to tell Dad."

Sam looked unsettling. Vanessa realized that he didn't want to tell him, "You weren't planning on telling him were you?"

Sam sighed, "No."

"Dean?"

"Yes, but I don't know how."

Vanessa shook her head, "You need to tell them. I'm sure they'll be proud of you."

"You really think so?" Sam had I bit of hope inside his eyes. Vanessa didn't say a word for what seemed like hours, but in reality it was a few seconds, "Yes. They might have my reaction, but if you explain to them, they will accept it."

"I don't know, that's easier said than done."

"Well it's your choice, but if it were me, I'd say something."

Sam looked in the field to the distance and finally turned his head to smile at her.

The Winchesters were in house that was on lease, so they've been there a couple of weeks so the kids could enjoy their summer vacation. John was home tonight so they just finished having dinner. John was in the recliner writing in his journal as he drank a can of beer. Dean was watching TV on the couch as Adam and Vanessa were playing chess.

"Check mate, Adam," Vanessa took Adam's queen. He just sat there pouty face, "Don't worry, Sam kicks my ass at this game."

"That's because you guys are older. Older people are always better at this game," Adam complained.

"Not true. I stomp Dean at this game and he's seven years older than me." Vanessa pointed to Dean as he looked at her then decided to cheer up Adam, "Yeah, so age has nothing to do with it."

"That's because she's smarter," Dean gave a look of offense, but Vanessa smiled.

Sam walked in the room with a nervous look on his face stopping at the doorway. He took a deep breath then went over by John.

"Hey Sam, what's up?" Adam greeted his older brother. Sam smiled then spoke, "I have something to tell you guys."

John lifted his eyes from his journal and gave his full attention to the middle son, "What's wrong?"

Sam shook his head, "Nothing, it's just a month ago I sent an application to Stanford."

"And?"

"And I got in," The room was silent. Everyone's eyes were on Sam, except for Vanessa's. Hers were on everyone else, just waiting to see their reaction. John stood up and threw his can at the wall, "Are you out of your mind?" he roared. Sam's face went from nervous confidence to being torn into hurt within seconds. Dean bolted up, "Vanessa put Adam to bed, now," he ordered. Vanessa didn't question; she dragged Adam to their room and shut the door behind her.

"What's wrong with everyone?" Adam asked with tears in his eyes. He was so confused and didn't understand the situation. Vanessa could hear the yelling. John would yell about how Sam's being selfish and running away. Sam would yell at John saying he's selfish for making them live this life. Then Dean would yell saying they need to stop.

Vanessa leaned up against the door and slid down, "This is my fault. I told him they'd be happy, but I wasn't expecting this," she cried.

Adam sat next to her; head on shoulder, "It's not your fault, you had no idea how dad would take it." They heard a crash on the other side of the door causing Vanessa to bolt up, "Stay here, she commanded.

She opened the door quickly then shut it fast. She ran down, what seemed like the never ending, hallway to see an angry Sam walk right past her, almost bumping her and not even acknowledging it. Then the next words she heard made her heart sink.

"You walk out that door, you stay gone!" John roared from the living room.

"Dad! Please don't do this!" Dean begged as his father. John just threw his hands up in irritation and just turned around going to sit back on the recliner. Vanessa heard a slam from front door behind her; without even realizing it, she ran outside to follow Sam.

He was already on the street by the time she caught up to him.

"Sam, wait!" She yelled. He stopped in his tracks.

Vanessa was on the verge of tears, "I thought they would be happy. Not this," her voice was so shaky that it broke at the end. Sam just turned his head back a little. She waited there, longing for his response.

"You thought wrong," he said darkly. Vanessa felt the anger and hatred in his voice tear into her heart. Sam continued to walk on into the night as her watered-down pain escaped through her eyes.

Vanessa didn't even notice that Dean ran past her to catch up to Sam. She paid no attention because she just let the darkness that was creeping take over her.