18

Tara's

Still Perfectly Imperfect

Christmas

New to Tara's Story Helpful Info: I also write Tara's Story and Jax Is Really Alive. This is a stand alone story. You don't need to have been a reader of Tara's Story to follow this story. Jax and Tara are finally a couple. Tara's aunt left her with her father during her sophomore year in high school. She and her father have had a strained relationship. He works at a local hardware store and sings with a band on the weekends leaving Tara alone.

Readers of Tara's Story Helpful Info: I wanted to write a Christmas story at Christmas, but it is spring inTara's Story so this story skips ahead nine months. This story doesn't give anything away or spoils Tara's Story. There is one thing you will notice—Hale is different. There is a story arc that causes big changes in him. Tara hints at it but doesn't say what it was that happened.

Chapter 1 Recap

Tara feels the loss of her aunt and fondly remembers all the baking and cooking they did at Christmas. To honor her aunt's memory, she bakes, cooks and decorates for Christmas.

She has two goals—to give Jax the perfect present and to get on Gemma's good side.

Chapter 2 Look at What Ima's Wearing Again or

There Are Some People You Just Can't Take

Anywhere

I thought a lot more about what Opie said about humiliating myself to get on Gemma's good side. I've embarrassed myself a lot of times, but I've never done it intentionally.

Despite Jax's assurances that he didn't care if Gemma liked me or not, I was worried that she would poison his mind against me a little at a time until he dumped me.

If I managed to get on Gemma's good side, how long would it last? Would I always have to dumb myself down so Gemma could feel superior? These questions went around and around in my head and I was no closer to a decision.

Friday, Jax came over with the Muffuletta ingredients to help me make 60 sandwiches. Gemma wanted to make sure there was plenty of food.

I put Jax to work slicing the 30 sandwich rolls length-wise. We wouldn't slice the sandwiches into two until tomorrow. Next, we dug out most of the bread from inside the rolls. It keeps the sandwiches from getting soggy and it helps the layered cold cuts fit better into the sandwiches.

While Jax divided up the assortment of meat into thirty portions, I chopped up the olives for the olive salad. Gemma surprised me by getting an assortment of olives. I didn't think she would be able to get more than the standard green olives and black olives, but she got Kalamata olives, garlicky green olives, crushed red pepper spiced green olives and a couple of varieties of green olives I didn't know the names of but I tasted them and they were delicious. I had to watch myself when I chopped the olives. They are soft and a lot of fun to chop, so I had to be careful I didn't get carried away and chop them too fine. After I finished chopping the olives, I chopped up the pickled carrots and cauliflower and then I mixed the olive salad and the pickled vegetables together.

By the time we finished layering the cold cuts, spreading the olive/vegetable salad into the hollowed out sandwich tops, wrapping each sandwich in plastic wrap, putting them on cookie sheets in the refrigerator and then placing another cookie sheet on top of the sandwiches along with pots and pans willed with water to weigh the sandwiches down, I was tired.

"Never again," I said. "I was crazy to volunteer."

I should have just taken the normal deli sandwiches and put olive salad on them. It wouldn't have been a true Muffuletta, but it would have been a lot easier, but no, eager to get on Gemma's good side, I just had to volunteer to make all the deli sandwiches. It's the annoying overachiever in me.

Jax grinned.

"That' exactly what I thought only it didn't take me 30 sandwiches to figure that out."

"I owe you one."

"I'm collecting. Guess who Opie is bringing to the Christmas party? Ima."

"I thought Opie was smarter than that."

"Here's where I collect the favor you owe me. They're coming with us."

"A double date?" I asked, hoping that there was another meaning. Spending an evening with Ima was an unimaginable horror.

"Yeah. It shouldn't be boring. She's bound to do something shocking."

"What does Opie see in her?"

Jax looked at me with raised eyebrows and flashed that Jax Teller grin,

"You honestly don't know?"

"OK. Now, I get it," I said. My face was hot with embarrassment.

"Between Gemma and Ima, it's going to be a great party."

"I have a feeling great isn't going to be the word for it."

"How about memorable?" Jax suggested.

Saturday, Jax and I went over to the clubhouse to drop off the sandwiches, two huge trays of treats and the children's gift bags. One of the trays I made had fudge, peanut butter fudge, white fudge with cherries and nuts and popcorn balls in cherry and lime green. The popcorn balls were mostly for the children. The second tray contained Mexican wedding cake cookies, pecan tartlets, gingerbread men and a mix of sugar and butter cookies frosted and decorated. I think my aunt would have been proud of me.

After Jax and I brought in all the food and the gift bags, Gemma volunteered Jax to help move and set up tables. I unwrapped the sandwiches, cut them in four on a diagonal. Gemma thought the smaller size would be better because people liked to sample a little bit of all the different foods. I arranged them on a large red tray Gemma had given to me. I was working at a small table tucked in a corner. It was the perfect vantage point to watch what was going on without being part of it.

Gemma ordered around more than a dozen Crow-eaters. She was the old lady of the club president and that made her their superior. They had to respect and obey her or she could cut them off from what they wanted most—the men of SAMCRO.

This might be another reason for the problem I had with Gemma. Her position as the president's old lady didn't mean anything to me. She was my boyfriend's mother. I didn't have to show her Crow-eater level respect and obedience.

I could humiliate myself to boost her self-esteem, but that would only buy me a temporary trip to her good side at best.

If I groveled and kissed up to her like the Crow-eaters, it might lessen her hate, but I remembered Opie's words—that Gemma would hate any girlfriend of Jax's.

At sixteen, I didn't know who I was because I was still growing and maturing, but after watching Gemma with the Crow-eaters I realized I had to have some self-respect. I couldn't humiliate myself and grovel so Gemma could feel good about herself. And there was no guarantee that if I made a fool of myself, it would land me on her good side. She might hate me more because I had done something idiotic.

I had just finished the sandwiches when my father called. He had forgotten the tray of cookies and candy and the gift bags for his co-workers. It was the perfect excuse to leave.

Jax was almost as happy as I was to get away. Gemma had plenty of help. She didn't need us.

My father normally sings with his 80's cover band The Fire Ants on the weekends, but the hardware store was also having its Christmas party and he was actually taking a weekend off from performing.

Jax drove me home. We grabbed the tray and gift bags and brought them to the hardware store. My father made a joke that he'd forgotten to bring his contributions to the pot luck because he'd never before brought anything.

He introduced us to his co-workers. I have to admit that when he mentioned Jax was my boyfriend, I felt such a rush of pride. I still had trouble believing Jax was with me. He was such a rock star in my eyes then. It wasn't until I returned to Charming ten years later that Jax took on more human sized proportions.

One of my father's co-workers, a middle-aged gray-haired woman pulled me aside to tell me how proud my father was of me and how much I'd improved his life. He credited my mother and my aunt for doing a good job raising me because he'd been too immature and irresponsible at the time. I thanked her for her kind words and she hugged me.

My relationship with my father had come a long way in the almost nine months I'd been living with him. I think part of it was Christmas. He hadn't really celebrated it since my grandmother died, but he seemed to be enjoying it. There were even presents for me under the tree. I hadn't been expecting that.

Jax dropped me off at home so I could get ready for the party. It took me more than two hours, but for the first time in my life, I'd gotten it all together, clothes, hair and make-up. I looked better than I thought possible. I was wearing a burgundy sort of burnt out velvet dress a bit above my knee, black tights and knee length boots. When I wanted to feel powerful, nothing beats boots.

With three styling products, a blow dryer and a curling iron, I'd managed to coax my hair into a beachy wavy curly look. I also managed the technically difficult subtle smoky eye. I used a burgundy stain on my lips topped with a little gloss on the bottom of my lip. It's supposed to give my lips this voluptuous look. I'd just finished with the lip gloss when Jax knocked on the door.

"Wow! Tara, you look beautiful and hot," Jax said once he was inside.

I had an ear to ear grin on my face.

He moved close to kiss me.

"Not on the lips, you'll wreck my lip gloss."

"Are you telling me that your lip gloss is more important than a Jax Teller kiss?"

"Hmmm . . . Those Jax Teller kisses are pretty spectacular, but my lip gloss . . ."

Jax pulled me into his arms. He nuzzled my neck and kissed me below my ear. I caught my breath. There was something about the warmth of his breath on my skin and the feel of his lips on my neck that always made me melt. He lightly bit my ear lobe before releasing me.

"Sorry we have to break this up. We've got to go pick up Opie and Ima."

Jax and Opie had a big old blue Ford Crown Victoria that belonged to TM that was used as a loaner car and for parts runs, but for most of the time that was the car Jax or Opie used when they needed a car.

After we picked up Opie, Jax drove to Ima's house. Opie got out of the car and walked up to Ima's door.

"Do you think she borrowed the outfit from her mother's stripper wardrobe?" Jax asked as we watched Opie and Ima walk to the car.

Ima was wearing a skimpy Mrs. Santa Claus outfit with a very short red skirt that barely covered her rear trimmed in fluffy white fur that countless rabbits lost their furry little lives for. Her top was short sleeved, low cut and trimmed in fur. She also had on white fishnets, a black belt and black stiletto heeled boots that I wouldn't even have attempted to walk in. She completed her look with a Santa hat tilted at a jaunty angle and a big black tote bag, which seemed a little out of place.

"I hope she's wearing underwear," I said.

We were both still laughing when they got to the car.

She answered the underwear question as soon as we got to the club house. She twirled around so her skirt flew up to her waist revealing the answer. She was technically wearing underwear—a red G-string that fully exposed both her lower cheeks and a white fur strip that mostly concealed her frontal crotch area. If there hadn't been kids there, it would have been funny because it was just so trashy and outrageous.

Most of the men were appreciative, but the Crow-eaters and the other women present shot Ima poisonous looks. She smiled back contemptuously. She was tall, blonde, skinny and sixteen. I was sure that she thought she was the hottest girl in the room and she had just proven it.

Opie wasn't amused and Jax wasn't laughing. Gemma looked furious. Opie grabbed Ima by the arm and led her outside like a mother with a naughty child. When they returned a few minutes later, Ima's lower lip was stuck out in a pout and she had a sullen look on her face.

SAMCRO's Christmas party had two parts. The first was an invitation only dinner buffet for MC members, old ladies, Crow-eaters and friends of the club. Members from other charters attended as well.

This was followed two hours later by a holiday treats buffet open to all Charming residents. It was a good will gesture and a thank you to the town's people.

Gemma and the Crow-eaters had done an impressive job of decorating the clubhouse. There were garlands everywhere—draped at the windows, along the bar and along the tables. All the tables were covered in red tablecloths with green table runners down the middle.

A Christmas tree with white lights was decorated with motorcycle ornaments. There was also a smaller tree sitting on the bar with silver reaper ornaments. A man's name was engraved along with a date. I saw JT's and realized this was a memorial to fallen MC members.

Jax stayed by my side as we mingled, his arm either around my waist or holding my hand. He gave me something I'd never had before; the feeling that I was precious and he was lucky to have me. I couldn't help, but believe that it was partly the result of me following Hale's advice that I should make Jax work to get me.

Thinking of Hale always hurt. I had been naïve with Hale. It took me quite awhile before I realized he was helping me with Jax hoping that by spending time with him, I'd fall in love with him and realize that Jax was only a crush and he was the real deal. I hoped he was having a good time surfing in Hawaii. He deserved some happiness in his life.

I always took delight in being seen with Jax. He was a prize and I savored the feeling that he was mine. I hated the way girls threw themselves at him, but I loved the hostile looks they gave me when they saw us together. The hardest part though was knowing that they were all thinking that Jax could do so much better than me for a girlfriend.

The Christmas music was turned off while Clay gave a short welcoming speech and then Gemma said a few words before announcing dinner was served.

There were two tables loaded with food. One contained cold food; the sandwiches I'd made, coleslaw, potato salad, two kinds of pasta salad and cranberry sauce and some Jell-O type salads. The other was lined with crock pots containing Swedish meatballs, meatballs in sweet and sour sauce, a cheesy potato casserole sprinkled with bacon, a mushroom and green bean casserole, assorted rolls and biscuits, macaroni and cheese, sweet and sour mini sausages, a rice casserole, baked beans, mini meatloaf balls drizzled with a BBQ sauce and scalloped corn.

A third smaller table had an ice filled tub on it containing bottles of water and an assortment of soft drinks. There was another smaller tub of ice with little scoops so people could scoop the ice into their cups. Next there were two beautiful glass beverage dispensers one with sweet tea and another with tea with lemon slices. It was an unexpected nod to the South's sweet tea tradition. There was also a large dispenser with coffee. Gemma had thought of everything.

After filling our plates and getting iced tea, we sat at a small table with Opie, Ima and other friends of the club. Ima was still pouting, but there was Christmas music playing, great food to eat and I was with Jax. I savored the moment. I was wrapped in happiness. Life didn't get much better.

Normally, I would immediately be consumed with fear, worried that my happiness was going to end. That was the old Tara. This was the new hopeful Tara who didn't worry about the future.

After dinner, Gemma and the Crow-eaters began changing over the room for the holiday treats reception clearing away the paper plates, putting away the leftover food and removing the trash. I felt as Jax's girlfriend I should help but he assured me that his mother had more than enough help. The men in keeping with MC tradition did absolutely nothing to help.

I was pleased to see that all the sandwiches Jax and I made were gone. The ninety or so diners had made a big dent in the food, but there was still plenty leftover.

Everyone was on their feet mingling, waiting for Gemma and the Crow-eaters to put out holiday treats and replenish the drinks table.

Ima went to the bathroom and came back in a much better mood. She was actually nice to me. I knew immediately she must have taken something.

Clay sent Jax and Opie out to get more soft drinks, little paper plates and napkins. Opie realized something was wrong with Ima and he asked me to watch over her. I agreed because I couldn't say no.

When I lived in Chicago with my aunt, I learned in school about drugs and what happens to your body when you take them. Based on that, I thought Ima had taken ecstasy. That's why she had suddenly become friends with me. It gives you this kind of "loved up" feeling.

Ima was carrying around a large black tote bag. I thought it was a strange accessory choice, but then I thought it was part of her costume; Santa had a big black bag filled with toys, maybe Mrs. Claus carried a large black tote bag.

Since I was now her best friend thanks to the "loved up" feeling she was getting from ecstasy, she shared her brilliant plan with me. She led me down the wing of the clubhouse that had a couple of apartments and a bunkhouse room with three sets of bunk beds. She tried each doorknob until one turned. She pulled me inside with her. We were in the bunkhouse room.

"I heard there's a movie producer here. That's the only reason I agreed to come to this with Opie. I am going to do a special holiday performance of a one act play I wrote myself."

"I think the movie producer makes porn," I said.

I had met Luann and Otto once at a BBQ at the clubhouse. Little did I know that Otto would play a pivotal role in my life. Jax told me Luann used to be a porn star, but was she now producing and directing them.

"It doesn't matter," Ima said, shrugging off this news. "Porn is more mainstream now. I'm sure the producer has contacts who make regular movies."

Ima began stripping off her clothes. She left on her white fishnets, G string and boots. She slipped a long loose white garment over her head.

"It's going to be very dramatic. Mary's story hasn't been told the way it should. It needs a modern edge. I'm going to be Mary and I'm going to talk about how God knocked me up. And what it felt like and how I told Joseph I'd been knocked up by God and I was still a virgin and I was having God's son."

I would have suspected that Ima was joking, but I'd learned she didn't have much of a sense of humor. I couldn't imagine a more offensive Christmas play than Ima's one woman show. This was Ima, so, of course, it got worse.

"I'm going to turn my back and simulate giving birth with lots of screaming, then, I'm going to hold up my baby." She pulled a baby doll from her black bag. It was smeared with red stuff.

"What's it got on it?"

"Strawberry jam. Babies come out bloody."

It would have been great watching Ima humiliate herself, but I had to stop her. It was sacrilegious. SAMCRO's holiday treats reception would be ruined by possibly the most offensive Christmas play in history.

"I don't think this audience would appreciate your take on this. Small towns and small minds. What if I could bring the producer to you so you could talk to her privately? You wouldn't need to do your play."

"I'm doing the play. It's my art and I want to share my gift with the world. Mary's story demands to be told."

I decided I needed to pretend to be on her side as a way to control her.

"I have this great idea. I am going to tell Clay that there's going to be a surprise performance. I'll introduce you. We want to make sure you're the center of attention."

"That's really nice of you."

"Stay right here and I'll be back in a few minutes and we can walk out together."

"OK," Ima said as she stuffed a pillow under the elastic of her G string.

She noticed me watching.

"What? I'm supposed to be pregnant."

"You have thought of everything. I'll be right back."

I walked quickly. I had to hurry because I was afraid Ima would grow impatient and decide to begin her performance without waiting for me.

My first choice was to dump this problem on Opie, but he and Jax were nowhere to be seen, so they must still be running errands for Clay. I called them, but neither had their phones with them.

So, I was down to my last choice—Gemma.

As always, please review.

Author's Note

I am adding and making changes to the original Christmas story. Chapter 3 will have almost all new content. I'm doing some shorter chapters that I will post more frequently than weekly. I want to pace the story so that the final chapter is posted the last week of December. The original had some chapters that were too long. I'm doing shorter better paced chapters this time. I know some of you like long chapters, so sorry.

NEXT UP

Gemma try to prevent Ima from performing one of the most offensive one woman Christmas plays imaginable.

I hope to post this chapter next week.

WHAT'S UP NEXT FOR ME

I hope to post another chapter to Tara's Story next week and to Jax Is Really Alive in two weeks.