A/N: I decided to take a break from Because You Loved Me, it will have an update as soon as I figure out where I want to take it next. I have been working on this story in my mind for awhile, even before I decided to write and publish anything. I hope you all enjoy! All reviews will be appreciated! Let me know what you think :)
Sixteen is the age most kids dream of finally getting to their entire childhood. Sweet sixteen parties, officially able to drive without a parent in the car, more freedom from their parents.
To Tara Knowles, this day meant nothing. There wasn't going to be any parties, she's been a designated driver for her alcoholic father for over a year now. Her mom died when she was 9, she's been taking care of herself and her dad ever since. This day will be just like every other day in this miserable town.
Halfway through her shower, the water shut off before she had the chance to rinse the conditioner out. Great, happy birthday to me. She wrapped herself in the robe hanging on the back of the door and went to get the jug of water sitting by the kitchen sink.
She leaned her head into the sink and poured the water on her heading hoping to get as much of the conditioner out as possible. Good enough.
She glanced at the clock on the stove, 6:45. Good, I have enough time to make me some breakfast. Of course, empty. I guess breakfast at the diner it is then. Pancakes sound awesome.
She grabbed her backpack and house key, locking the door behind her. It's not a long walk to the diner but she picked up the pace anyways to make sure she was on time for first period.
"Have a seat anywhere, honey." The waitress greeted her as Tara walked through the door.
She chose a seat in the back, away from the other people dining here.
"What can I get ya?" The same waitress asked.
"I'd like the chocolate chip pancakes with a coke please." Tara smiles politely.
Tara pulled out her copy of Pride and Prejudice and started reading waiting on her food to be brought out. She didn't notice that someone had sat down in front of her.
"Must be a good book." She heard an unfamiliar voice say.
She looked up, stunned to see Jackson Teller sitting in her booth, smiling at her.
She and Jax had been in school together since kindergarten but they weren't friends, not even close. She was sure he didn't even know she existed until now, here he is, sitting in front of her.
"It is." She finally answered. "What do you want Jackson?" She asked, looking around to see if the diner had filled up, leaving him no where else to sit. No, there's seats everywhere...why did he pick this one?
"I want some pancakes. If I'm bothering you, I can sit over there." He said, pointing to a booth across from them, starting to get up.
"No, that didn't come out like I meant." She stammered. "I just meant we never talk, so I was wondering if there was something you needed." She said, clarifying. She bit her lip.
"Well Ms. Knowles, I don't know about you but I think we should change that." He said, smirking.
Change what? For you Jax Teller I'd change everything.. What are you saying. You don't even know him, sure you've grown up together but you definitely don't know him.
Realizing she hadn't actually replied to him, she blushed. "Change what?"
"The fact that we don't talk, we should change that." He said, raising his eyebrows.
The waitress came out and brought Tara her pancakes and took Jax's order.
"Those look good." He said, picking off a corner of her pancake and popping into his mouth.
"Hey you. Eat your own breakfast." She chuckled. Right on cue, the waitress brought Jax his order.
"Here you go, sweetheart." The waitress said, sitting his plate down in front of him.
"Thanks Doris." He flashed his mega watt smile, pouring syrup all over his pancakes.
"So I don't usually see you here." He says, swallowing his mouthful of food.
"Yeah, I don't get out a lot. School and Home, mostly. I guess today I'm treating myself to a special birthday breakfast." She blurted out before she even realized what she was saying.
"Today's your birthday?" That mega watt smile creeping back up on his face.
"Yeah.. 16th." She said, finishing her last bite of food and pushing the plate away.
"Well happy birthday. Any special plans?" He asked.
Yeah..School then home to spend the night all alone, again this year.
"After school, my dad's going to take me to dinner and then a movie." She lied, not wanting Jax to know about her home life. She's pretty sure everyone knows about her alcoholic father already but she didn't want to advertise it.
"Cool. We should just ditch then..spend your birthday doing something fun." He said.
Shit. Jax Teller is asking me to spend the day with him on the day that I have 3 tests. Shit Shit Shit. Just my luck.
"I wish I could. I have 3 tests today, I can't miss." She said, getting up and laying cash on the table, not noticing the frown that crossed his face when she turned him down.
"Well, at least let me pay for your breakfast. The birthday girl should not have to buy her own food." He handed her the money she put on the table and paid for them both.
"Thanks, Jax. That's very nice of you." She grinned.
"You're welcome, darlin. You want a ride to school." He held the door open for her and she squinted when the California sun hit her eyes.
"Um..well..sure..." She stammered.
He led her over to his bike. "You ever ridden before?"
"No, I've not had any offers before now." She said, wishing instantly she could take that comment back.
He smirked at her, handing her his helmet. "Well I'm glad I'm your first..." He paused, bit his lip. "I mean your first offer to ride a bike. Sorry."
She chuckled. "Well thanks for the offer."
"Anytime darlin."
She wrapped her arms around him, holding tightly as he sped off in the direction of the school.
"You ok back there?" He laughed, as he turned off the engine, after pulling into the lot at school.
She released her grip on him. "Yeah. Uh. Sorry."
"It's cool, what's your first class?" He seemed oblivous to all of the stares they were getting. She on the otherhand wasn't.
"English." She answered, dropping her eyes away from the hateful stares being thrown in her direction.
He walked her to her locker and took the books from her hands, carrying them to class for her.
"Thanks, Jax." She kissed his cheek, taking her books from him before turning to walk into class. A blush creeping upon her cheeks again.
"See ya later, darlin." He winked, rubbing his hand over his cheek she just kissed.
The rest of Tara's day passed by uneventful, Jax skipped out after he dropped her off at first period.
The final bell rang and she jumped out of her seat just like everyone else, rushing for the door, excited for the three day weekend.
Well let's go home and spend another birthday by myself. Maybe I should stop by the market, pick up some stuff to make myself a cake.
She walked to the store, picked up the ingredients to make the cake, some icing, some ice cream, chips, and soda.
What the hell I'll throw myself a birthday party, there won't be anyone else in attendance but that's normal. I haven't had any guests over on my birthday since before mom died.
Tara arrived back at home and her dad's cutlass wasn't in the driveway.
Guess he got an early start today. I'll wrap him up a slice of cake and put it in the fridge for him.
Tara sighed, looking around the messy house. She wished he would have taken one day to stay sober and spend with her but of course, that wouldn't happen.