Just remember to breathe.
Chapter 1.
The car ride had been hell. From sunny, ocean scented breeze to cold, damp smelling wind. The reality of the biggest decision of her life was hitting harder and harder the closer she got to her destination. Like a whirlwind, a million thoughts, conversations and the unspoken goodbyes were over taking her brain. It hurt, a dull ache had crept up and formed a skull scattering throbbing that no pill could cure.
SOA
" WHERE IS SHE ! " he growled through gritted teeth. The man before him, unfazed by the threat in his question.
" Far away from the likes of you" the older man slurred. He tried to close the door, but a white sneaker stopped it.
" what ? Where did she go ? When will she be back ?"
A raspy chuckle rose from the old man. " I told you already, hopefully over the border by now. " he smiled, please that the prince had no idea where she was. He kicked away the foot and slammed the door.
SOA
After what felt like the longest trip of her life, well if she was honest at 19 years old it was, Tara had reached her new apartment.
Tired and heart broken she made her way inside. It was white,very white. A stark contrast from where she had been. The walls mocked her, a fresh new start in a clinical looking one bedroom studio. She laughed, a menacing chuckle.
" well, you wanted out and here you are " the sound of her voice echoed. She would need to get some furniture.
" tomorrow" she thought. For now a shower and sleep top priority.
SOA
He rode, not sure where he was going, the need for space and freedom, that only came from the open road beckoned. Hours past, the sun was fading, but he couldn't return without her.
Suddenly becoming aware of his surroundings, he felt a familiar pang at his heart. He rounded the corner and there was that marker, the one that changed his life, sent it spiralling down to the depths of drunken, drug fuelled hatred. Tara had been the only light. His becon, that dragged him back to life and now his light was gone.
The buzzing prepay startled him.
"Hey Ma. "
" hey baby, where are you ?" His mothers voice floated through the phone. Worry evident.
" out at Jt's marker. What's up?"
" clay, he wants you at TM. Some shit has gone down. I don't know what,but you need to hurry back Jax. " she explained
he sighed, " Jesus Christ, I'm on my way" jax ran his hands over his face,nodded at the marker and headed back to charming.
Arriving at the club house, bikes were lined up. He recognised some faces from Tacoma and it appeared his uncle jury from Indian hills had also turned up. He parked up and headed inside.
" Jackson Teller " his uncle hollered as he held out his arms. " it's good to see you son "
Jax returned the man hug. "Jury, what are you doing here ?"
That earnt a laugh " geez, what a welcome "
" sorry, it's good to see you, but it's unexpected that's all "
"Ran into some trouble and I have news. Wanted to come and share face to face. " jury explained.
All the patched members headed for chapel.
" ope, jax come in and shut the door" the two youngest looked at each other, nodded and with big grins followed into church.
SOA
Tossing and turning all night, Tara decided to get up and take a walk. Heading out into her new neighbourhood for the first time in weeks, she felt relaxed.
After aimlessly wandering she discovered a coffee shop.
Once inside she grabbed a coffee and the local paper. Setting up in the corner table she flicked the pages, sipping on her coffee, a headline caught her eye.
" rival mc's duel, 5 dead, 2 injured and 6 arrested. " she turned the page, determined not to read about it. Minutes passed and she went back to the page.
" charming and Lodi rival mc's caused a disturbance in downtown charming, 5 members of the Lodi mc were killed, 2 charming members injured and 6 outlaws arrested. Chief Unser has confirmed a full investigation into the Mayans and sons of anarchy will be conducted and possibly more arrests will follow. "
Her heart sank, thinking back to her blue eyed boy, she hoped he was safe and hadn't been involved. She knew better thou. They were days off being patched members, of coarse they were there. Opie, god, she hoped and prayed he was ok.
An overwhelming urge to call Donna and check came over her. She couldn't, she left without saying goodbye, she had no right to ring.
SOA
The party for jax and opie becoming full members was epic. The legacy had finally patched in. Due to the recent trouble with the Mayans, the club were staying close and had back up if required. Cro eaters were flaunting their business back and forth waiting to be the one that Jackson Teller picked. He was drunk, his heart was broken and god damn did he need to get laid. He walked over to the two blondes, then he caught sight of a brunette. Putting on his best teller grin he headed to her,
" hey darlin, wanna come with me ?" He whispered in her ear.
She nodded and he lead her to his dorm room. The rest of the girls giving her evil looks.
SOA
Tara had spent a whole day sorting out her life, well the two boxes that she had brought with her, the new furniture had arrived and she had kept herself busy putting it all together. She was starting school in two weeks, so Tara had plenty of time to get settled and make it feel homely.
The late afternoon sun was coming through the lounge window, a great spot to sit and read, a knock at the front door startled Tara.
"Coming" she yelled as she got up off the bean bag couch. When she opened the door, she wished she wasn't home.
" Gemma, what are you doing here ?"
" well, you didn't say goodbye and I had to come and see your new spot for myself to make sure you were safe " Gemma stepped closer and pulled Tara into a hug. Tears ran down Tara's face.
" I'm so sorry, I couldn't it was too hard "
" I know sweetie, he may be my son and you his girl, but he hurt you and I had to make sure you are ok , it's a mothers job, it's has to be done " Gemma explained while gently patting Tara's hair.
" I thought you would be happy I'm gone ?" Tara sobbed.
" I happy your going to school,but I'm not happy it's here. I miss you and I know jax does too "
" oh god, please don't tell him I'm here. I'm not ready to see him yet. " she said looking away from Gemma.
" I know, now show me your place, then let's do some shopping " in a bid to cheer up Tara, Gemma was willing to treat her what ever she wanted. Although she would never admit it, Gemma had a lot of love for Tara. She would be having words with her son when she returned to charming.
SOA
Jax woke to movement in the bed beside him, he rolled over, long brunette hair covered the pillow. He snuggled into her.
" Tara. Babe. Wake up, let's go for a ride " he whispered in her ear.
She moaned and rolled over " who the fuck is Tara ? " the cro eater, who's name Jax had forgotten questioned.
" my old lady. Grab your shit and . !" He bellowed.
Opie happened to be walking out of his room as he saw belle scurrying away from Jax's room.
" knock, knock"
"Yeah"
" hey brother, busy night ?" Opie asked, as he sat next to the bed.
Jax chuckled. " you could say that. "
" belle reminds me of Tara. "
" ope, you got something to say, just say it or get out " Jax growled.
" you need to find her and fix this. Stop banging all the cro eaters and get your old lady back" he hissed and walked out.
Jax ran his hands through his hair, grabbed a cigarette and lit it. He missed her, he couldn't stop thinking about her. If only it was as easy as getting her back. He didn't even know where to start looking, would she even want to come back ?
He sat there and recalled the last time he had seen her
It was the usual Friday night party at the clubhouse. They were drunk, playing pool with Opie and Donna. Tara seemed off, instead of asking her what was up, Jax started pushing her buttons firing her up. Opie sensed what jax was doing and pulled Donna outside.
Tara had enough, " what is your problem Jackson ?" She seethed
" ha, I could ask you the same Tara !" He spat back.
" I am not hanging around here and putting up with this shit. I'm going home "
" fine, but don't come back when you realise your wrong !" He yelled at her back as she walked out the clubhouse door.
Hours passed and she hadn't returned. Sheila one of the older cro eaters had been watching the show down between the two and then watched Jax chug the jack Daniels while watching the door. It was obvious Tara wasn't coming back, so being the pro that she was Sheila went in for the kill.
" Hey Jax fancy a dance ?" She whispered in his ear, whilst running her hand down his chest.
He grabbed her hand and lent over, " I've got a better idea" he whispered then flashed his trademark grin and led her to his dorm room.
Tara had wondered the streets, she couldn't go home, finally realising she had been an idiot she turned and headed back to TM. She walked up to see Opie and Donna sitting outside.
" hey hon, your back. Are you ok ?"
" yeah don, I'm good. Just gunna go and apologise to Jax. "
"Ok, we'll be here."
" cool, bring us back a beer" Opie added.
Tara nodded and headed inside. Jax was no where to be seen, so she headed to his dorm. She opened the door and stood there, tears began streaming down her face, she couldn't speak or move.
Jax heard the door and looked up, straight into his girls tear filled emerald eyes. He pushed off Sheila and moved towards Tara. Her legs began to move, she was now running through the clubhouse with a naked Jax following.
Opie stood when he saw Tara run out of the lot, as Jax came out the door Opie hit him square on the chin.
" Donna, were leaving NOW " he bellowed and headed towards the caddy.
They peeled out of the lot, in hot pursuit of runaway knowles.
That look and the tears that were streaming down her face haunted him every time he closed his eyes. She didn't say a single word, she just ran and apparently didn't stop.
He sighed and got up. Opie was right he needed to get his old lady back.