Okay, so the SOA story I'm writing might be a bit easier to understand if you read this two-shot first. I know, I know. I'm blonde and I can't help it.
Coming Home
Jax Teller waited patiently beside his mother, trying not to shuffle his feet as they sat in the back corner booth of Josephine's Diner. He sighed, slumping onto the elbow he'd already propped on the table before. This was so weird . . . And it was about to get a lot weirder. When his mother had announced that his old friend was returning a few weeks prior he'd been so caught up in what was going on with Wendy and Tara's unexpected presence that he'd barely given the other girl's return any thought at all . . . until Gemma had all but drug him from his bed at the Club and tossed him into the shower.
Apparently, Ripley was coming home today . . . and Gemma Teller-Morrow, the Queen of SAMCRO was going to give her a welcome befitting a princess . . . after they met and had lunch. Jax shifted, looking around the diner to see if maybe Ripley had already popped in and he hadn't noticed her yet. He'd been to see her while she was at school in Berkley and then when she'd gone on to her graduate studies in Long Beach . . . She couldn't have changed that much. He glanced back at his mother, still not used to seeing her so damn giddy. Not that it really surprised him . . . considering who they were meeting.
She'd always loved Ripley's parents, hell so had his old man and Clay, but apparently they all had a soft spot for the girl. She was the first daughter of SAMCRO . . . seeing as Piney had Opie and his parents had him . . . and she was cherished even after her parents had passed away. But to see Gemma here, dressed in an almost conservative white sweater and skin tight jeans tucked into a pair of caramel colored riding boots, was like a blast from the past. She looked more like she had before she'd decided to take life by the horns . . . But then again almost dying and losing a husband and a son would do that to anyone.
"Aunt Gemma? Jackson?"
Jax looked up, perplexed by the soft lilting voice that had just called his full name to see that he'd been wrong. His old friend had changed a lot in her time away. Ripley's once dark golden waves were now lighter and hung around her face in huge ringlets and curls, her bangs swept over the left side of her forehead and barely grazing one of her odd colored eyes. Her once full face had thinned with age, giving her high cheekbones an almost perfect nose and full plump lips set within an almost porcelain cream heart shaped face. But her eyes are what got him . . . she had always had the oddest colored eyes-just like her mother-but Ripley's were rimmed with thick sooty lashes and the blue green color was so light it reminded him of glass reflecting off of the sea glass Tara had always loved . . . the blue and green blending and mixing and not at the same time.
She smiled at him, blushing as she stepped a bit closer, letting him see her clearly. She'd lost the baby fat that he'd always picked on her about and curved in all of the right places . . . gaining an almost hourglass figure. Her legs seemed to go on nearly forever in the lightwashed mini-flared jeans and the dazzling green snake skin heels peeking out. The jeans were cut like trousers and had this edge to them that somehow suited her more than it would have his mother or Tara . . . . While the white silk shell tank she was wearing seemed to grow this funky retro multi-colored Dynastic flora print, the pintucked bodice showing her trim waist while the ruffled and lacey hem managed to seem feminine. Her cropped tan and white seer sucker blazer was pressed to perfection with the lacey trim hanging from underneath the hem. That paired with the ¾ sleeves and her long chained golden locket made her seem like she'd stepped out of a magazine . . . . and right back into their lives here in Charming.
Jax blinked as his mother shot up, grabbing Ripley in a tight hug that barely let the younger woman breathe . . . but he could tell by the way she slowly put her arms around his Mom's shoulders and hugged her back that this was one of the many things she's missed . . . He stood, smiling at her with arms slightly open as she stepped away from his mother. Ripley blushed bashfully before stepping into him, resting her cheek over his heart as she hugged him back.
After a few moments, she pulled back, pushing her hair behind her ears and looking between them before scooting into the seat beside Jax. He leaned back, arm slung over the back of the booth as she smiled up at him. The tension was slowly starting to seep from her shoulders and back as he watched her literally mellow in front of them. After the waitress brought them their drinks, she turned to him.
"Hey Jax . . . How've you been?"
He shrugged, smiling down at her before glancing across to his Mom. She nodded, reaching out and taking Ripley's hand to fiddle with the ring on her ring finger.
"Not bad . . . but I'll admit I've been better. I'm a dad now."
Ripley's face broke into a million watt smile as she squeezed Gemma's hand, reminding him of just why he and Opie had always loved to be around her as kids. Ripley had always been a bit backwards . . . not really talking much until she got to know you or saw something she was excited about. But she was almost always happy or content with things. And she could always remind you to be happy with what you had . . . because you could not have anything.
"Really? That's great, Jax! Do you have a little boy or a girl? What did you name them? Please nothing gay like Spencer or Sebastian . . . right?"
Jax laughed as Gemma smiled, reaching out and scrunching Ripley to him. God he had missed her . . .
"His name is Abel . . . and if you want we can go see him down in the NICU after lunch."
Ripley's smile fell, her brows burrowed.
"NICU? Why what's wrong?"
Jax sighed, glancing to his mother and shifting uncomfortably . . . something Ripley didn't miss in the least. She was about to let it drop when Gemma spoke. Letting Jax stare at his glass of tea while she was filled in.
"Wendy ODed and caused Abel to be born at 27 weeks . . . that coupled with a gastro tear and the family curse . . . well, they didn't think he'd make it. Now . . . both are fixed and he's stable but they won't be able to bring him home for a few more weeks."
Ripley nodded, leaning into Jax and looking up at him. If she'd known she would've come back sooner . . . why hadn't they called?
"You know I would've come sooner if you called, right?"
Gemma patted her hand, offering her a smile that made Ripley's heart warm. God, she had missed that woman. Gemma Teller-Morrow had taken a big part in her life after her own mother had passed away . . . officially making her a second Mom. Something Ripley had never forgotten even in her time at Berkley and in Long Beach . . . was that if she needed anything Gemma was always there.
"We know baby. But you were moving and you're here now . . . speaking of which, why don't we eat and we'll go see what all needs to be done in that house of yours."
Ripley nodded, patting Jax's chest as he brought the arm behind them down to hug her as their food hit the table. She knew there was more to this but she wouldn't push. They'd eat and go see Abel . . . then they could go to her house and maybe she could figure out what all had changed in her absence.
Gemma watched Ripley reach through the small openings in the NICU bassinette and run a knuckle softly over Abel's chubby cheeks. Ripley's sea glass eyes were watering, tears spilling ever-so-often as she watched the tiny boy breath and sleep, looking almost as lost as Jax did. She knew, from the way the girl acted as she touched Abel like he was made of glass, that she just couldn't fathom doing this to a child . . . especially your own.
"He's so tiny . . . Jesus, Gemma what was she thinking?"
After what seemed like an eternity she looked up, eyes locking with Gemma briefly before shooting to Jax and Tara as they talked on the other side of the glass observation window. Gemma felt her pride swell at the pure cynical glint and fire that settled in her god daughter's eyes before it disappeared and she looked back down to her grandson. It was nice to see she wasn't the only one with an issue there as well.
"So when did she come back?"
Gemma shrugged, reaching out and pulling Ripley into a one armed embrace as they watched Abel dream.
"No idea. She was here when I found Wendy . . . and I am not thrilled about the way Jax keeps sniffing around her."
Ripley nodded, glancing back over her shoulder again to look at the girl who had been a good friend to her once. Before she deserted all of them for whatever bullshit reason. She and Tara had been close, Gemma knew, always doing things together whenever one or the other wasn't with Jax. And while Ripley had never shown any romantic interest in her son, when Tara had started to act like a bitch . . . well, Gemma herself had dropped hints that maybe she wasn't cut out for everything that Club life entailed. But Ripley sure as fuck was.
She sighed, glancing back just in time to see Tara reach out and hug Jax, clinging to him almost desperately before pushing him away and practically shooting down the hall. Ripley's eyes narrowed almost simultaneously with Gemma's at the beaten down and weary look Jax took on before he stormed off towards the elevators. Ripley turned back to Abel, her glower softening as the boy yawned. But just barely.
"Stupid bitch. She really needs to leave him alone if she can't handle all of this . . . doesn't she think he has enough on his plate without her emotionally retarded ass in the mix?"
Gemma couldn't help it, she laughed and hugged Ripley tighter to her as the girl blushed. Oh this was new.
"My oh my. Where did this come from? You would've never said that a few years ago . . ."
Ripley shrugged, still blushing as she muttered.
"Yeah, well. I was the only female pathologist, Aunt Gemma. And the youngest. I learned to speak up or get stepped on. Besides, the guy I was seeing kind of liked that I would just pop off at random."
Gemma smiled, kissing her goddaughter's temple as she turned them and started them towards the door.
"C'mon sweetheart. Lets go get my crazy ass son and we'll go see about your house . . . you mind if we stop by the club to get Jax's bike?"
Ripley shook her head, wrapping her arm around Gemma's waist as they walked towards the elevators. Neither really caring about the odd looks they were receiving as they passed different patrons and professionals. This was why Ripley had always done so well with them. She knew how to operate in the world outside of SAMCRO . . . but she didn't let it define her. Even now, as they waited for the elevator she didn't acknowledge another person but Gemma.
Now if they could've only taught Tara that trick . . .
Ripley pulled in behind Gemma's Cadillac, following her towards the side parking spots near the office like she had a million times as a teenager. But something seemed different about the place now. She just couldn't put her finger on it, even as she killed the engine to the Chevelle and crawled out, pushing her gold tinted aviators up and into her curls. The Club had always seemed larger than life to her . . . but now, it just seemed normal. She shrugged, closing the door and following Gemma towards the office as Jax veered off to grab his bike.
Gemma waited, tossing her arm over her shoulders as she came up beside her and Ripley wasn't too grown up to admit that it was more than nice to have Gemma back in her life in more than just phone calls and occasional visits. She looked up, smiling big at Gemma and giggling at her own reflection in the older woman's dark sunglasses. Gemma just shook her head, pulling her closer as she reached out and pushed the office door further open.
"You always were a goofball, Rip."
She looked up as they entered, seeing Clay Morrow behind the desk feet propped up and chewing on a cigar as three men-two she knew- sat around him. All laughing and joking. The wave of nostalgia that hit her was almost like a tsunami. How many times had she and her Mom come here with Gemma and found some of the Sons doing exactly this? How many times had her mother rolled her eyes because her father had been smoking right along beside Clay and Piney?
All heads turned to them and the laughter died, breaking her out of her thoughts as she suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable with all of their eyes settled on her. This was new . . . she'd never felt unwelcomed here but something about the way they were all looking at her made her doubt her sanity for coming back . . . until Piney hopped up and crossed to her. He stopped a few inches from touching her, his blue eyes looking down at her almost in awe.
"Ripley? Jesus is that you?"
She smiled, hating the blush that spread across her cheeks as she nodded and Gemma pulled her tighter against her. Gemma's voice carried in the small room as Bobby and Clay both stood, waiting to see what was happening.
"Yep. Found her at Josephine's . . . apparently she was going to wait until she started work to let us know she was back. Something about not causing any trouble . . ."
Piney snorted as Bobby came around the other side, not bothering to wait as he scooped her up against him into an almost bone-crushing hug as he laughed and picked at her.
"You BRAT! That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard! You're family. Of course you'll cause trouble! But its all good!"
Ripley laughed, hugging him back as he spun her around.
"Put me down, Bobby! I get it I should've called!"
He dropped her, still holding her close to him as he looked her over and held up a long gold curl.
"Damn. Our little grease monkey went and turned into a lady and we didn't even know it . . . I'm so proud."
Ripley rolled her eyes before sliding away and hugging Piney. The older biker just gathered her up and held her to him . . . not bothering to hide the tears lining his eyes as he pulled back and looked at her. Ripley laughed, reaching up to wipe his eyes before cupping his cheeks, careful of the oxygen tube.
"Don't cry, Piney. Its not like I was gone forever or anything . . ."
Piney shook his head, leaning down to press his forehead to hers.
"No baby girl . . . you just look so much like your Momma . . . God, its like seeing her with blonde hair . . ."
Ripley smiled, kissing his cheek as she looked up at him and told him in a very low voice.
"I know, Piney. I kind of freak myself out some days still . . . "
He straightened, patting her cheek before taking her by the shoulders and turning her to Clay. Who had been watching everything quietly . . . He opened his arms to her and she didn't need a written invitation to act on the impulse. She's always loved Clay Morrow. More than she had John or any of the other Original Nine . . . with the exception of Piney. And as he closed his arms around her, pulling her into a warm hug, she couldn't help but feel like she was finally at ease in Charming.
"Welcome home, Baby Girl. We missed you . . ."
She smiled, not caring about the tears leaking onto Clay's TM shirt. She was home. And that was all that mattered.
Gemma watched Tig as he observed the reunion, knowing he was about as clueless as the others would be. Really, with the exception of Jax and Opie, the only ones who knew Ripley before were in this office . . . but she hoped that that wouldn't keep her boys from welcoming what was essentially her daughter back into her home.
She stepped over, coming to stand beside the Sgt At Arms as his eyes flicked over the girl Clay was holding. And, if she knew her husband and her goddaughter, the whispered words were probably tinged with tears and sniffles . . . She leaned over, answering the nudge of Tig's shoulder with a raised brow. His light blue eyes bore into hers before cutting back to the girl as Clay picked her up and spun her the same way Bobby had, only getting laughs and squeals instead of the goodhearted whining. When he sat her back on her heels, he tossed his arm over her shoulders and pushed her out and into the main garage, shouting for the others to come and meet the girl.
"Who is that, Gemma?"
Gemma smirked, walking to the door and leaning against the frame as Tig came to stand beside her, both watching Clay and the others with Ripley as he introduced her to Juice and the Prospect.
"She's family, Tig. Daughter of a Son. One of the Original Nine, as a matter of fact . . . she moved away for college and graduate school. Now she's back."
Tig nodded, eyes raking over the girl as Juice smiled and talked to her while the Prospect just blushed. Gemma knew that look and was prepared for the next question to pass his lips.
"She gonna hurt us?"
Gemma shook her head, reaching out and patting Tig's cheek. He turned back, looking at her before cutting his eyes to Ripley as she laughed when Opie saw her. The girl reached up, snagging his beanie and, to the amazement of the others, put it right on her own head. Gemma smiled as her voice carried to them.
"Seriously, Ope. It looks so much better on me . . . you just look like a serial killer or something . . ."
The roar of laughter from the oldest three was nothing compared to the true laugh form Opie as he tried to reclaim his hat . . . only to have Ripley toss it to Jax at the last second. And thus the game was on. Even Clay and Bobby got into the keep-a-way game as Opie tried to dash between them, all of them laughing until she finally caught it and motioned him down to eye level with her. When he stooped, the beanie went back to its place and she hugged him laughing and shaking her head as he rolled his eyes and adjusted it.
Gemma looked back at Tig, seeing the look flash across his face at Opie's laugh. They all knew he'd been different since his release . . . but Ripley just seemed to pull him right back out of his shell.
"She look like she's gonna hurt us, Baby?"
Tig shrugged, following Gemma as she made her way towards the girl. He knew her arrival would change things . . . he just didn't know how. But as he watched her slid easily under Gemma's outstretched arm, flushed and laughing from picking on Opie he couldn't fight the feeling that it was going to be big.
Clay motioned for the others to follow him back into the office, signaling for Opie to go with Jax and the girls while Juice and the Prospect were to follow him. As soon as the office door shut, all mirth drained from Clay's face. He turned to Juice.
"Go get Happy and Chibs. Tell 'em to meet us in Church. Now."
Juice nodded, dashing out as the Prospect followed. Bobby and Piney nodded, both going on and into the Clubhouse. When they were alone, Tig looked at Clay, waiting for the next order. After a few tense minutes, Clay spoke.
"I'm telling you this so you can stand behind me when I issue it to the others. That girl is family. Blood. None of us are going to fuck her over in anyway. She isn't a Croweater . . . and she doesn't do anything she doesn't want to without my order. If anybody is interested . . . she's an Old Lady or she's nothing. The memory of her Mom and Pops-and everything they did for this Club, for me and Gemma and Charming-demands nothing less. You got me?"
Tig nodded, amazed at the words leaving Clay's mouth. Family was always treated right. Always taken care of. But he'd just decreed that the girl pretty much be isolated unless one of them wanted to ink her. Jesus . . .
"Her old man . . . who was he?"
Clay looked up, smirking humorlessly at Tig before heading towards the Clubhouse. He stopped at the garage bay door, looking back over his shoulder.
"You really wanna know, Tig?"
Tig nodded, coming to stand just behind him.
"Yeah man . . . Gemma said he was one of the First Nine . . . but who was he?"
Clay smirked, pulling his cigar back to his lips as he lit it.
"Her old man was Ed Guadimus."
Tig felt his heart jump in his chest. Ed Guadimus . . . Jesus Tap dancing Christ. Her Old Man was the fucking First Sgt. at Arms. And she'd come home to Charming . . .
Dear God . . .
I have no clue who the original Sgt at Arms was so I'm taking a liberty with it. This is going to be pretty much AU after the first half of the second season anyway . . . but if anyone does know please tell me. I am mighty curious . . .