My stomach filled with knots as I passed the Welcome to Charming sign. I was there, I was finally home. It had been years since the last time I was home, ten to be exact. I wasn't sure how everyone was going to react. My mom, Gemma Teller-Morrow, didn't want me to leave; she fought me until the morning I left without saying goodbye. As much as I wanted to I knew if I waited to say goodbye I would have never left. My step-dad, Clay Morrow, loved me like his own and didn't want me to leave either and with him replacing my real father John Teller as president of the MC (John died when I was ten) I knew I had to get as far away from Charming, California as possible which landed me in Washington D.C. at Georgetown University. Georgetown University, I know what you're thinking, how does a Samcro princess get into Georgetown? Well, let's just say a 4.0 GPA all four years of high school, volunteering, and valedictorian had something to do with it. I graduated from GU four years ago, got a Masters in History and a BA in Medieval Studies with a double minor in French and Geography. I worked as a Federal Historian for the Department of the State making pretty good money till a week ago when I quit. Working at the Department of the State was fun for a while until I pissed off the wrong legislator. Weeks following that I was constantly harassed, so I quit. This led me back to my home; Charming. I had been on the road for days, literally. A car ride in my 67' black Impala from D.C. to Cali in August was just terrible, but I just couldn't stop, I wanted to get home.
I sucked in my breath as I pulled into Teller-Morrow Auto. This was it, no turning back now. I parked the car and looked in the rear-view mirror checking my appearance. My just-past shoulder-length red-auburn hair cascaded in waves and my natural looking makeup was perfect and not smudged despite the hot-ass weather. I wore a black tank, vintage high-waisted black and cheetah print short shorts with studs on the left pocket, studded earrings, my dad's dog tags, studded black high-heeled booties, and a dark brown leather jacket that I threw in the back. Pulling down my black vintage square framed glasses I looked into my baby blue eyes which contrasted off my sun-kissed skin making sure my mascara wasn't smudged. Satisfied, I poofed my hair and got out of the car grabbing my dark brown leather purse. Strutting to the office I noticed all eyes from the garage were on me. One of the guys, obviously new because I sure as hell didn't recognize him yelled at me, "Hey, you here to get your car fixed?"
I stopped right before the office and looked at him. "No," I said before I stepped into the office.
My mom sat at the desk and still looked the same as ten years ago. Dark brown hair with the same highlights, glasses on (only when reading and on the computer of course), and her same biker mom style with a black button up, black lace tank underneath, dark blue skinny jeans with a wide-set black belt, and knee-high black leather, heeled boots. She looked up.
"Hi mom," I said looked at her.
"ASHLEE!" she yelled as she got up quickly and attacked me with a big bear hug.
"Where have you been?" she asked. A tear formed in my eye.
"It's a long story, Mom," I said hugging her back. Damn did I miss her.
She let go and looked me over.
"You looked so much older, Ashlee. So much more….mature," she said.
"I know," I replied. I know what she meant. Before I left, I was kind of a tom-boy, always wearing guy shirts, baggy pants, and converse. She never really saw me in anything else.
"Let's go into the clubhouse. The boys are here, I think they are just getting out of church," she said as she practically shoved me out of the office.
Some of the guys that were working on cars before were gone, probably in church, including the guy that asked where I was going.
Walking into the clubhouse everything still looked the same. The same bar, the same mug shots of the guys on the wall (with a couple new ones added), and the same pool table in the corner, it was all almost the same as when I left it. The guys weren't out yet and Gemma motioned for me to sit at the bar.
"Let's wait," she said as she grabbed the bottle of Jack from behind the bar. "Want any?" she asked.
"Sure," I said. "I think I'll need it."
She laughed and poured each of us a shot. I downed it, feeling the burning sensation all down my throat then the calming warmth erupting in my stomach; I closed my eyes. You can do this Ashlee, you can do this, you don't fear anything…anyone.
"Nervous," Gemma said smirking, her usual smirk at me.
"Just a little," I said smiling.
"Well then, here's another," she said as she filled my shot glass.
"Thanks," I said before I downed it.
"So where have you been?" she asked.
I filled her in on my GU college experience with my masters and BA, history club, Student council president for two years, graduation as valedictorian for my masters and BA, and my study abroad semester in France. I also enlightened her on my job with the Department of the State, my cute apartment in the city, my ex-boyfriend Darrin, and why I quit.
"So it sounds like you have had a fun 10 years," she said as she sipped her drink.
"Yeah you could say that," I said right before the doors opened. Out came the guys.
Jax walked out; he had long blonde hair, a stache, a black Samcro tee with his cut, and baggy light wash jeans. He stopped when he saw me.
"Ashlee?" he said.
"Yes it's me Jax," I said standing.
"ASHLEE!" he yelled as he ran over and picked me up into a monster hug.
"Jax…Jax…I can't breathe," I said as he hugged me.
"Sorry Ash," he said. "It's just been so long," he continued as he set me down.
"I know it's been too long," I agreed. Then I saw Clay; he looked exactly as I left him short speckled gray-brown hair, blue eyes, a Sons tee, his cut, and baggy light jeans.
"Baby girl," he said as he pulled me into a hug.
The rest of the guys stared as I pulled away from Clay.
"This is Ashlee guys, Jax's sister, JT and Gemma's daughter and my step-daughter," Clay said to the guys. I took my time going around giving each of the guys hugs, the ones I knew of at least.
Tig: "Doll face," he said as he gave me a hug.
Bobby: "Look at you all grown up," he said as he hugged me.
Chibs: "Lass yer taller," he said as he hugged me.
Opie: "The same little punk," he said as he ruffled my hair and gave me a hug.
Piney: "Punk," he said as he gave me a hug.
I turned to the next guy. He was the one that yelled at me earlier. I didn't know him. He had a short Mohawk with tribal tattoos on each side, deep brown eyes, darker skin (Puerto Rican maybe?), a great smile, a white undershirt, his cut, and baggy black jeans.
"I'm Juice," he said as he pulled me into a really awkward hug. I pulled away and gave him a slight smile; he smiled big back at me.
Then the last guy, a prospect, had dirty blonde, long-ish hair, gray-blue eyes, fair skin and wore a short sleeved dark grey and white plaid button up, his prospect cut, and light blue baggy jeans. Before I could say anything Jax said, "And this is Half-Sack."
"Hey," I said as Jax dragged me towards the bar.
For the next hour I spent catch up with the boys, filling them in on my college and job adventure.
"So where ya staying?" Jax asked me as we downed some Jack.
"Uhmm I really haven't thought about that one yet," I confessed. He laughed.
"You can come stay at my place, I have a spare room you could have," he said.
"I- I couldn't Jax. I don't wanna mooch off you," I said as I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.
"No, really it's no big deal. I insist!" he said as ruffled my hair.
"Hey stop that," I said as I fixed my hair. "My hair looks good today, so don't fuck it up. And yes I guess if you don't mine"
"Oh okay little sis," he said sarcastically, "And I don't mind at all."
"I can take you by my place now," he said as he stood.
"Okay," I agreed as I stood up and followed him.
"Bye guys!" I yelled as I made my way out.
Two hours later I found myself lying on my new bed in the spare room at Jax's house. I really missed everyone and for once in a long time I felt like I really belonged. I fit in here. I missed Jax and Ope teasing me, Tig making sex jokes, Bobby cooking and playing Elvis, Clay teaching me how to ride, Chibs teaching me how to fight, and Gemma, my mom, talking to me, having girl convo's and shopping. I missed it all.
Fall asleep Ashlee, you are going to have one long day tomorrow.
The next day, Friday, I woke up early, at 7am, and decided to go for a morning run, so I jumped out of bed, threw my hair into a bun on top of my head, dressed in a black sports bra that barely fit over my 38c's, black jogging shorts, and black and white Adidas's, Feeling the cool morning air on my skin as I ran was the best thing ever. With running came peace. No problems, no worries, no stresses, when I ran everything just disappeared. Turning the corner I ran onto the main strip in Charming. Most of the places minus the diner were not open yet. As I ran I turned and looked across the street. Most of the places that were here so many years ago still were here which brought a smile to my lips. BAM! I ran into something hard knocking me off my balance as I fell to the ground. Looking in front of me I saw a man in a cop's uniform looking back at me as he picked up his to-go coffee that was now spilt on the ground.
"Sorry," I said as I looked up at him.
"Its fine, really," he said as he helped me up. He had short brown, side parted hair, blue eyes, and looked slightly familiar. Then it hit me; it was David Hale.
"David Hale?" I said guessingly. He looked back at me his eyes scrunched.
"Yes," he said. Then his eyes got wide as he looked at me. "Ashlee…Ashlee Teller?"
I smiled. "That's my name don't wear it out," I said sarcastically. I leaned in and gave him a hug. David and I went to Charming High together and were very close. He was my best guy friend in school. We both dreamt of getting out of Charming and we did, at least for a little while.
"Your back," he said as he pulled away.
"Yup and so are you," I said. "So police school worked out huh?"
"Yes of course," he said as he pointed to his uniform that lay perfectly over his muscular body. "What about you?" he asked.
"I went to Georgetown University in D.C., graduated, got a job, didn't like it and ended up back here as of yesterday. That's just the short version," I said as I shrugged my shoulders.
"Well that's great. The whole college part and you being back I guess," he said. "We should catch up for lunch or something?"
"Yes we should," I said excitingly. "Maybe tomorrow at noon? I'm busy today with family stuff," I said.
"Works for me. Meet at the diner at noon, got it," he said as he pulled me in for another hug.
"It's nice to see you Ashlee," he said as he pulled away.
I smiled. "You too David. Cya tomorrow," I said as I continued my run down the strip.
"Bye," he yelled as he got into his squad car.
Seeing David was such a shocker. All through high school, he always had a crush on me and I always kind of had this little "thing" for him too. We never acted on it because lord knows what our families would do and we really didn't want to jeopardize our friendship. Our families hated our friendship to begin with. Yet seeing him, all those feelings flooded back.
Minutes passed before I ran back into the house covered in sweat. I walked into the kitchen in search of water, I ran out half way through my run.
"Have a nice run," Jax said; he was sitting at the table in his boxers holding a cup of coffee.
"Yup," I said then I gulped the whole bottle of water from the fridge.
"I'm going to take a shower," I said as I threw the bottle into the trash and headed down the hall.
Jax's bathroom was medium sized and cozy. No decorations or anything, kind of plain. It needed a woman's touch. I stripped off my clothes, hopped into the shower, and turned the water on cold. At first I shivered then it started to feel good as the cold water cascaded down my naked body. I was five foot five, a size 7, and wore an 8 and ½ shoe. For being 5ft5in I was pretty curvy for a size 7, but it never really bothered me. Girls are meant to have curves, so get over it. I had 7 tattoos all over my body. All in conspicuous places of course though, because having a job with the government you have to maintain a professional appearance, it was bullshit. My first tattoo is on my right shoulder blade and is of an opened cage and a bird flying away with a chain that bursted connecting the two, with the words "Nevermore" underneath it. My second tat is on my left lower back and is of a dream catcher with a bear print in it and two big feathers coming off of it. My third tat consists of dog paw prints cascading from the side of my thigh up to my boob on my right. The fourth one is a half moon and a star with the quote from Edgar Allen Poe saying "All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream," in cursive on the top of my left foot. My fifth one is on my left side between my boob and hip and has a couple trees with the words "The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep," by Robert Frost underneath the trees in cursive. My sixth one is on the side of my right foot and says "Moi, je ne regrette rien," in French which means "Me, I regret nothing." "My last tat is on my left ankle and is of a feather that breaks off into birds flying away. I love all my tats and no matter what age I turn, I always will; like my one tat says "Me, I regret nothing," and I never will. When it comes to piercings I only have the two in my ears and a belly button ring. Nothing too exciting, like I said working with the government you can't be overly tatted or pierced up. Stepping out of the shower I dried up and headed off to my room. Today I have to go shopping with Gemma so I know to wear something cute or she'll kick my ass from hear to the moon. Thirty minutes later I decided on a black skin-tight v-neck shirt, light wash denim cut-off jean shorts with camo on the front and a studded pocket, my dad's dog tags, an army green scarf, and army green tie up, heeled ankle boots. For my red-ish hair I straightened it. Makeup wise I put on some foundation, bronzer, and some mascara; not much but still enough to look good. Satisfied with my look I tucked the front part of my shirt into my shorts and headed out into the kitchen to find breakfast.
"You look good today Darlin'," Jax said as he strutted in dressed as usual in a Samcro tee, his cut, and baggy jeans with his hair still wet from his shower.
"Thanks," I said as I pulled out a bagel.
Hours later I showed back up at Jax's carrying 20 bags of new clothes. My mom went a little crazy. Clay was going to shit when he finds out how much Gemma and I spent today using his credit card.
"Baby hurry up we gotta head back to the clubhouse and set up for the party tonight," mom yelled from the kitchen. I laughed, oh mom, still running things as usual.
I walked out and we headed to TM.
Strutting up to the clubhouse I saw Half-Sack working on a bike. I had to admit he was pretty cute with his blonde hair and puppy dog blue eyes. He was build pretty well too, probably had a six-pack. I would not mind tapping that.
"I'll meet you inside, Mom," I said as I walked towards Half-Sack.
"Okay Baby," she said as she strutted hurryingly inside.
"Looking good," I said as I leaned against the car looking at Half-Sack.
"Wh-what?" he said as his face grew red. Hmm might as well fuck with him.
"The bike," I said grinning as I played off my flirty comment.
"Yeah it's a pretty good bike. I'm fixing it up. It just needs some new brakes," he said trying not to look at me.
"Bet you're really good with your hands," I said as I looked at him. He looked up and I stared into his blue-ish eyes.
"Ye-yeah I guess I'm good at fixing things with my hands," he said nervously looking up at me.
"Hey Ash," Jax yelled from behind me. Half-Sack quickly looked back at his bike and began working again.
"Hey Jaxxy!" I said turning his way.
"You harassing the prospect?" he asked jokingly.
"Of course, it's my job!" I said. "Right Half-Sack," I continued as I patted his shoulder. He grinned.
"Well let's head inside and grab some beers," Jax said nodding towards the clubhouse.
"Okie dokie!" I said. "Bye cutie," I whispered in Half-Sack's ear. He turned and looked at me gulping. I stared at Half-Sack for a few moments before I turned and ran catching up with Jax.
"So what was that about?" Jax asked smirking at me.
"What was what about?" I asked innocently smiling back at him.
"You know what Ashlee. Don't play innocent with me darlin'," he said looking back at me.
"I was just complementing his bike Jax, nothing more," I lied smirking at him.
"Okay, okay whatever you say little sis," he said as he opened the door to the clubhouse for me.
"Thanks," I said as I entered the room.
"Welcome back Ashlee!" everyone yelled at me as I stood there befuddled by the group.
"Oh you guys," I said reddening. "Thank you guys so much," I said as I ran up to Gemma giving her a big hug.
Thirty minutes into the party I found myself sitting at the bar with Tig trying to out-drink him. I had already down a whole bottle of tequila and was on my second and so was Tig.
"You will not win!" I said to Tig as I downed another shot and slammed it back down on the table. Tig laughed and took another shot as he pulled a girl onto his lap; another croweater. I looked over at Sack, he was behind the bar getting drinks.
"Hey Sack would you be a doll and get us another bottle please," I said sweetly to him while batting my eye-lashes.
"Don't you think you've had enough," he said grinning at me.
"Never!" I said jumping up in my seat. "Come here," I said to Sack waving him over.
"Okay," he said as he moved closer. "Closer!" I said leaning into him.
I whispered into his ear, "Maybe if you're a good boy and get me another bottle I'll return the favor later." Sack gulped and looked at me, our faces inches apart.
"I-I uhm, uhm. Okay," he said as he leaned away and grabbed another bottle giving it to me.
"Thanks," I said as I leaned forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He reddened. "You're welcome," he said smiling at me.
"Sack, get me a drink," Juice ordered from across the bar. I looked at Juice.
"Hey Juicy boy," I said waving at him.
"Hey Ash," he said giving me his megawatt smile. I went to get up and go over to Juice when I fell against the bar.
"Oh wow," I said leaning against the bar. I must be really drunk. I laughed. Out of no where came Juice helping me stand.
"You okay Ash?" he asked with a concerned look in his brown eyes. I looked at him; we were inches apart and giggled.
"Juicy boy my hero!" I said leaning my body against his as I wrapped my arms around his neck steadying myself.
He laughed and leaned into me. "Let's get you to bed," he said trying to get me to move.
"No I wanna dance," I said as I started to crawl on top of the bar.
"Ashlee, you really shouldn't," Juice said stepping closer to me. I stood up fast. "You're not my boss Juice," I said shaking my ass at him. Then I started really dancing. Queens's song Fat Bottomed Girls came on. "This is my song!" I yelled. I got hoots and hollers from the guys in the room.
"Aaaaare you gonna take me home tonight, aaaaare down beside that red firelight, aaaaaare you gonna let it all hang out, fat bottomed girls, you make the rockin' world go round," I sang off key dancing on the bar. I went to turn when I slipped on some spilt tequila and fell into something soft. I looked up, it was Juice.
"Hey Juice," I said touching his cheek.
"Hey Ashlee," he said looking back down at me with his big brown eyes.
"We should get you home," he said. I huffed. "But..but I don't wanna go home," I said frowning.
"I know Ash, I know," he said. "Hey Sack you're sober right?" he said.
"Yeah," Sack said walking over.
"Great. Do me a favor and take the princess home tonight. Her car is parked right out front. Here are the keys," Juice said as he took my keys and gave them to Sack.
"Okay," Sack said. "I'll take her from ya," he continued. Juice set me down and tried to steady me against Sack.
"You okay to walk?" Juice asked.
"I'm fine," I said as I leaned against Sack. "Bye Juicy boy you're my hero!" I said ecstatically as Sack walked me out of the clubhouse.
"Bye Ashlee," Juice said.
We got to my Impala and Sack opened the door and let me climb in.
"Thanks Sack, nice to know chivalry is not dead," I said as he buckled me in.
"Your welcome," Sack said smiling. Then he shut the door and climbed in the driver's side.
"Let's go!" I said as he started the car.
"Nanananananana BATMAN!" I said as we drove down the road. Sack laughed.
"You know Sack it's been sooooo long sense I was this drunk," I said looking at him.
"I can believe that," he said in agreement.
"You know my last boyfriend Darrin. I call him fucker now slept with another girl on MY birthday in MY bed at MY party," I said to him. He looked back shocked. "Really?" he asked.
"Oh yeah really. I found them fucking in my bed right after I opened my presents," I said. "I tore the bitch out of my bed and kicked the living hell out of her. Safe to say she never came near me again and as for fucker, he got all of his clothes thrown out into the street along with the rest of his shit," I said. Sack laughed. "I don't know why anyone would ever want to cheat on you," he said looking at me.
"Thank you," I said as I leaned closer to him.
"Well, here we are," Sack said as we pulled to a stop in front of Jax's house.
"Here we are," I said unbuckling myself. Sack got out. I opened my door and fell into Sack's arms.
"Be careful," he said lifting me up. Sack lifted me and practically carried me to my room. I steadied myself at the end of my bed, Sack stood in front of me. I went to move and fell on top of Sack on top of my bed.
"Sorry," I said as I sat up straddling him.