NO MERCY

Sam came out of the front door of the school, Jeremy close beside him, whispering something into his ear. Both boys dissolved in laughter but Sam's laughter cut off abruptly when he saw John's truck idling in the street in front of the Impala.

Stricken, Sam stopped, knowing with one look at Dean's impassive face and John's impatient one, that this would be his last day at Conley High School.

After a minute, he continued on reluctantly, stopping again after a few steps to say a few words to Jeremy, whose initial look of shock soon changed to one of extreme dislike, divided evenly between John and Dean.

After a helpless shrug from Sam, the two boys exchanged a clumsy farewell and the youngest Winchester trudged on to the Impala, throwing a last longing look back at Jeremy, who was watching him gloomily.

Clutching his book bag, Sam slumped into the passenger seat, drawing in a trembling breath.

"Sorry, Sammy," Dean said quietly.

Sam didn't answer. Blinking hard, he stared out the side window as Dean eased the Impala back into traffic behind their father's truck, leaving Jeremy, Conley High School, and Greenville, North Carolina behind.