A/N I'm really sorry it has taken me so long to update. This chapter has not been beta'd at all. So all mistakes are mine. Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed. I want to say that I promise I don't hate Tara or Layla. Disclaimer: Clearly I own nothing. I hope you enjoy!
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A man dressed all in black opened the back sliding glass door.
"Stupid cunt." He smiled not believing his luck.
He knew it was going to be easy, he just didn't think it would be this easy. His dick was hard just thinking about what he had in store for her. The man stood still for a moment. He listened carefully to the sounds of the doctor's drunken snoring and the rustling of sheets. With a smirk, he walked towards the sounds coming from the master bedroom.
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Tig fumed as he walked towards Ava's back door. Gunshots filled the air and a man came running out the back door. Tig immediately pulled his gun from his back holster, aimed and pulled the trigger as the man climbed over the back fence. Tig moved to follow him as Jax came up behind him.
"Christ, Tig, what the fuck?"
"Fuck, Ava!"
Tig ran into the house and towards the master bedroom. He turned on the light and found Ava snoring dead to the world. Tig saw the gun in Ava's hand. Why did it seem so familiar? He grabbed it out of Ava's hand. He looked at the gun. Fuck! Tig took two bullets out of the magazine of his gun and then placed his gun in her hand. Sweat formed along his hairline breaking his concentration as Jax, Clay and Gemma came into the room. The only sounds that could be heard were that of Ava still sound asleep. Clay cleared his throat.
"What the fuck just happened?"
Tig stared at them and shrugged his shoulders. What the fuck did just happen?
Gemma moved to the side of bed and shook Ava. "Why don't you guys go to the kitchen? I'll wake her up."
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Ava stirred slightly. The man was coming after her again. The gun hadn't seem to slow him down. He touched her arm and shook her hard. Ava startled herself awake. She opened her eyes but the room was unfocused. She couldn't hear anything. Taking a deep breath, she felt the metal of the gun. It was warm. As Ava moved to wipe the sleep from her eyes, the room spun before her as she felt someone grab her arms. Ava tried to shake herself free.
A soft voice spoke while stroking her hair. "It's ok baby. Shh. You're safe. It's ok."
Ava screamed silently and gulped for air.
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Jax appeared at the bedroom door. "Ma, I'm going to the front door. I'm sure someone called the cops. I'll head them off so they don't come in guns a blazing."
Gemma nodded. She could smell the scotch, gunpowder and sweat on Ava as she held her.
"Jesus, you a need a shower. Come on baby girl. Wake up."
Ava looked up with a tear stained face to see Gemma. In a drunken slur, "What are you doin' here?"
"You shot off your gun."
Ava hiccupped. "What are you talking about? I didn't shoot off the gun. I need to pee."
Gemma moved to let Ava get up from the bed. Ava got up unsteadily using the comforter to cover her body. Ava made it to the bathroom and closed the door. By the time she emerged back out, she had left the comforter in the bathroom and was now wearing a robe that covered her neck to toe. Still unsteady, she walked towards the bedroom door to go the kitchen. Tripping, Ava bumped into to Tig who appeared in the bedroom doorway. He caught her as she was about to fall. Ava's face was contorted in confusion when she looked up at him. Tig felt a sharp pain in his chest. His Aves was a fucking mess.
"I got you, Ava."
Ava took a deep breath and tried to steady herself without Tig's help. "I don't need your help, Tig. I was fine before and I'll be fine after."
Her words made Tig physically wince. "Ava..."
"Get outta my way, Tig."
Gemma moved to help Ava and looked at Tig. "Yeah, she's nobody."
Tig's eyes darkened with anger as he made his way to Ava's kitchen.
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Deputy Sheriff Hale was the responding officer and he wasn't too pleased that his main witness was drunk. Well, Ava wasn't drunk. She was fucking wasted. He felt like he had asked the same damn questions over and over again with no clear answers. The only things he knew where someone had broken into Ava's house, three shots had been fired off and the suspect had fled the scene. It was completely shitastic.
Hale had been in the house for the past 30 minutes and his patience was starting to wear thin. His people had confirmed Ava had fired the shots and confirmed the criminal Trager's story of a man just in black fleeing from the scene. There were boot prints going up the fence. He just needed answers to his questions. Hale stared closely at the doctor as she sipped her coffee.
"Now again Dr. Connelly, where did you get the gun."
She hiccupped. "Guns are scary. I have one."
Hale sighed impatiently.
Ava stared at him. "You seem familiar but I don't think we've met."
"No, Dr. Connelly we haven't met. Please just answer the question. Where did you get the gun?"
Ava exhaled. "I got it because of all the home invasions."
Hale looked incredulously at Ava; then at Tig, Jax, and Clay. Their expressions revealed nothing.
"Ok. So, you have a gun. Dr. Connelly, I'm a little unclear as to what happened this evening. Why don't you take me back through this evening's events after you got home."
"I told you I don't know what happened."
Hale quirked his eyebrow like he knew he was on to something. "Why is that?"
"Well, I remember scotch and lots of it. I just love scotch. You know, it's the only a lover a girl can actually trust."
Ava hiccupped again and sipped her coffee. Hale fiddled with his pen and notepad as he took notes.
"And then what happened?"
Ava looked down at her hands. "Oh yes, and I played my guitar. I always play my guitar when I've had a bad day."
"You had a bad day?"
Ava looked down again. "Yeah. I lost a patient today. A little boy. Can I go take a shower? I don't feel so well."
Hale pressed her again. "Do you remember anything else?"
Ava clutched her bathrobe tighter to her body. "I was asleep."
"Did you make any phone calls tonight to invite any men?"
"Of course not and I don't like what you're implying. So shut your mouth right now."
"Dr. Connelly, I have to advise you not to threaten a police officer."
"So it's ok for you to insinuate that I'm a whore, but if I call you out on it, I get in trouble? Fuck, I don't like you."
Deputy Hale grimaced as he heard several people cough. He felt like he was getting nowhere fast. How could she have used the gun and not known it? He knew in his gut Ava was telling the truth, but none of it made sense. He took a deep breath. Hale knew she wouldn't remember anything tomorrow, so he asked one last question. "Dr. Connelly, what would have caused you to fire off your gun while you were sleeping?"
Ava paled slightly and fiddled with the belt on her robe. "I don't know. I really just wanna take a shower."
Hale closed his notebook and got up. "All right, but it's a good thing you sleep with a gun. I shudder to think what could have happened."
Ava looked up at Deputy Hale as she realized who he was. "I remember how I know you. Will you please tell Tara that I will need to be taken off the emergency contact list for tomorrow?"
Jax stiffened. "Why the hell would he need to do that?"
Ava looked puzzled. "Because they're dating."
Clay and Tig grabbed Jax before he could attack Deputy Hale. "Are you fucking kidding me?!"
Hale smirked. "Try and have a good night."
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Ava pulled her robe tighter once again feeling the animosity in the room and feeling even more uncomfortable than she thought possible. She stood up unsteadily from her chair. "I'm just gonna go shower now."
When she reached her bedroom, she shut the door and locked it. Ava didn't bother turning on the bathroom light. She preferred not looking at herself, especially naked. Turning on the water, she took off her bathrobe and shed her bra and underwear. The hot water felt amazing on her skin. She picked up the bar of soap and lathered her body. She was always efficient when it came to washing her body. Ava didn't like touching her body anymore than necessary. It was more than the emotional scars; her physical scars were also a brutal reminder. Once she had finished, Ava slid down the shower and let the water fall around her. When the water turned cold, she turned off the water and got out.
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Olivia stretched her tired body as she left the hospital and looked down at her phone. There were five missed calls with five voicemails. Four of the calls were from Shelly.
"Damn girl is drunk dialing again. Well, I can at least make fun of her later for it."
Olivia didn't recognize the fifth number. She dialed her voicemail and input her passcode. Shelly's drunken ramblings started as soon as she hit #1.
"OH MY GOD, OLIVIA! YOU HAVE TO FUCKING CALL ME! AVA TOTALLY SHOT UP TIG'S BIKE! I THINK HE'S GOING TO KILL HER!"
"FUCK, OLIVIA! CALL ME BACK!"
"OH, GOD!"
"Hey, sorry about those messages; Ava got away. You don't think he's going to harm her do you? Shit."
Olivia was startled and confused by the messages. As far as she knew Ava didn't know Tig. He hadn't been to the hospital and Ava never went to the club parties. Other than work, Ava was a hermit. The girl didn't even own a television. Olivia sighed. Ava like boring and Tig was the antithesis of boring. Who knew the quiet doctor had so much rage towards a man Olivia thought she hadn't even met. What the hell is going on? She deleted the messages from Shelly and went on to the last message. Surprised, she almost dropped her phone.
"Hey Livvy, its Jax. Some shit went down tonight and I need you to get to Ava's. She's gonna need a place to stay tonight." She could hear him take a drag off of a cigarette. "I'll see you later, darlin'."
As much as Olivia knew Jax meant nothing, it always made her giddy when he called her "darlin'". Which to Olivia's way of thinking was ridiculous; Jax was dating Tara Knowles. They'll be together forever. Olivia sighed again and got her car keys out of her bag.
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Tig was outside smoking a cigarette, his thoughts churning. The two thoughts that were most prominent thoughts were of the gun and his supposed death. Neither one made sense. He didn't relish talking to the club about the gun. Tig knew he had been fucking up lately with the club. It wasn't just about Ava. He couldn't comprehend how she could have thought he was dead. Nothing was making sense to him. Even if Hale hadn't noticed, Tig had seen the way Ava had paled. He would eventually find out, but first, he needed to know where she got the gun. Tig put out his cigarette and went back into the house.
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Fifteen minutes later Olivia arrived at Ava's. Jax called out to her as soon as he saw her get out of her car.
"Jesus, Jax what happened?"
"Some asshole broke into Ava's and she shot at him."
"Oh God! Is she ok?"
"She was asleep evidently when it happened. Can you believe that? The man got away, but it's just been one fucking hell of a night."
"Shit."
Jax lit a cigarette. "Pretty much. She's in the kitchen with Tig."
"You left her alone with him?!"
Jax sighed. "You knew about those two?"
"I didn't until I checked my messages when I got off of work. Shelly left a few drunken messages."
"Christ." Jax ran his hands through his hair.
Olivia put her hand on Jax's bicep. "Hey, you ok?"
Jax gave her a crooked smile. "Darlin', I'm always better than ok."
Olivia laughed and punched his arm. "You know your charms don't work on me. I've known you far too long. I'm serious, though. Are you ok?"
"Let's just say Tara's been dividing her time between me and Hale."
"Are you kidding me?"
"You didn't know?"
"Jax, even though we aren't close, I would have told you if I'd known. Ava doesn't gossip. She keeps everything close to the chest."
"I'm sorry, Livvy. I just can't believe I got blindsided like that."
Olivia frowned. "Well, if you need anything, let me know."
Jax quirked his trademark smile. "Anything?"
Olivia rolled her eyes and punched him in the arm again. Jax laughed and followed Olivia as she walked into Ava's house. Jax's heart did a somersault because no matter how dark things seemed to be, Olivia always had a way of making him smile. Besides, he never would have passed 9th grade English if it hadn't been for her.
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Ava sat at her kitchen counter with another cup of coffee after she had showered and dressed. She leaned forward and laid her head down on the cool surface. Ava was going to need an elephant tranquilizer in order to sleep for the rest of the night. She felt a hand brush thru her hair, startled Ava looked up to see Tig.
"How ya doing, doll?"
Ava shrugged her shoulders. If it had been anyone else touching her she would have smacked their hand away. She just closed her eyes. Tig brushed his hand through her hair some more. He needed to know about the gun.
"Where did you get the gun, Aves?"
Ava shrugged her shoulders again, but she answered this time. "I bought it at a pawn shop."
"That's bullshit, Ava. Where did you get the gun?"
"Where does it matter where I got the gun?"
Tig grabbed her arm. "Jesus Christ! What the fuck is wrong with you?"
Ava paled for a moment and the fear in her eyes made Tig want to go out and kill someone. The fear in her eyes however, was quickly replaced by anger.
"What the fuck is wrong with me? Are fucking kidding me? You are not my father, my brother, my boyfriend, my husband, or my lover. I don't have to fucking tell you anything. Christ on a stick, Alexander James Trager. Just leave me the fuck alone."
Ava slammed down the almost empty coffee cup and turned away from him; tears threatening to come forward. Fuck, she was a mess. Tig moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her body.
He breathed her in. "I'm not gonna leave you alone, Aves."
"You did before."
He kissed the top of her head. He wanted to tell her it wouldn't happen again, but he didn't believe making false promises. Maybe this was a second chance? He nuzzled his face in her hair.
Ava's breath hitched. God, she had missed him. Ava was tempted to lean back into him. A throat cleared loudly behind them. Tig let go of Ava and they both turned around. Olivia stood beside Jax. Olivia spoke first.
"Jax called me. You wanna come stay at my place tonight?"
Ava shook her head yes and went to move. "Let me go get a pillow."
Tig stopped her. "I got it."
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Tig walked back to Ava's bedroom. He looked around the room and took in the scent of a smoking gun. Tig picked up Ava's pillow and brought it to his nose. Coconut and Vanilla, fuck me. Tig looked at the wall opposite Ava's bed and noticed that some bullets had been removed. He felt a headache starting to form. The gun had to be disposed of tonight and quick.
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There wasn't any conversation during the ride over to Olivia's. The only sounds heard were that of the radio playing low and Jax's motorcycle as he followed them. Ava stared out the window into the black starless night. She had too much on her mind for any one coherent thought. Ava wasn't even aware the car had stopped until Olivia had put her hand on Ava's shoulder. Jax helped bring in Ava's things and made sure the alarm system was turned on before he left. Ava turned to Olivia.
"Thank you. I'm sorry to have kept you up so late. I hope you don't have to work tomorrow."
Olivia smiled slightly. "It's no problem. I was just leaving work and was headed over to the club."
"I never figured you to be the type for the country club." Ava quirked her mouth.
"Ha. Ha. I heard you pulled one hell of a show."
Ava looked down at her hands. "Oh, you know just some unfinished business."
Olivia laughed. "That's some hella unfinished business. So, you and Tig, huh? I thought you liked boring?"
Ava shrugged her shoulders. "It's a long story; one which would require lots of booze and cigarettes. But I'm not in the mood for any more booze. Do you have any food? I really need to eat. I can't remember when I last ate."
"I can whip us up some food and I also got cheesecake. Besides, you telling me will take your mind of the dickhole who broke... Well I think it would be just what the doctor ordered."
Ava shrugged. "Everyone says there was someone at my house, but it hasn't hit me yet. Food sounds amazing."
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Olivia poured a glass of water for Ava. Ava lit up a cigarette and exhaled slowly. After taking a long drink, Ava told Olivia the story of how she and Tig met. Olivia was silent for a few moments before she spoke.
"Hey Ava, can I ask you a question? You don't have to answer. I'm just curious."
"What?"
"From what I understand, you've been thinking Tig has been dead for the last 15 years and Tig ain't no gentleman. What made you carry such a torch for him?"
Ava smiled slightly. "It's stupid and irrational, I know. And no, before you ask, he wasn't my first. Most of time after we'd had sex he would either grunt and fall asleep, slap my behind and say 'atta girl, or some variation."
Olivia laughed. "Wow."
Ava smiled. "Yeah. Then one night we went out to this tree in the jungle and made love for hours, staring into each other's eyes with our hands on one another's hearts. It was completely amazing and unlike all the other times, he said 'I love you, Ava. I don't ever want to be without you.' at the end. I fell asleep that night as he watched over me and stroked my hair. The next day he was sent on a mission and I was sent home. Nuns don't like it when their charges runoff and sin. Two weeks later, I received word that his convoy had been attacked and he was dead. The only time I've ever felt safe was in his arms."
Olivia sighed. "Oh sweet baby Jesus, no wonder you kept a torch."
Ava smiled again. "Now, don't get me wrong, he still had the same manners back then as he does today. But I loved him."
Olivia laughed and took a drink from her wine glass. "Are you going try and get back with him?"
Ava downed the rest of her water and finished her cheesecake. "No. Hindsight being what it is, he never gave a shit about me and he never will. It's over and done; just another faded memory."
Olivia opened her mouth and then shut it. Seeing what she had in Ava's kitchen earlier, Olivia knew Tig Trager still cared about Ava; even if Ava couldn't see it.
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Ava laid down on the bed in the extra bedroom. Putting her head face down on the pillow, Ava inhaled deeply. A masculine scent tickled her nose. She didn't need to wonder whose scent it was. Ava knew the moment his scent hit her nostrils. She could feel her heartbeat and breathing slow to a normal pace. Ava closed her eyes and fell asleep getting the first good night of sleep she'd had in a long time.
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Tig stared out at the pavement as he rode the motorcycle back into to town. He had gotten rid of the gun as soon as he had spoken in private to Jax and Clay. This time it wasn't going to come back to bite him in the ass. Christ, it had been one hell of an emotional roller coaster of an evening. Tig hadn't been too pleased about getting his ass chewed out by his President and V.P. They had been more than pissed about how he hadn't told them about his history with the doctor.
But Tig had figured at the time there was nothing to worry about. He was still just trying to figure it all out, he supposed. Shit, he had no idea so had believed him dead all these years. I just thought she'd forgotten about me. All of his previous bad thoughts toward her disappeared into the night like the smoke he exhaled from his lungs. Maybe he should have let Gemma interfere. At least my ride would have fared better.
Jax had been the one to suggest on how Ava could pay back Tig for the carnage against his bike and the disrespect towards the club. Especially since that cunt, Tara, had been two timing him. Tig wasn't excited about the idea of it all. Of course, they were going to have Juice run a background check on her before they approached the club and took a vote. He knew Ava wouldn't be able to give him money for the bike she'd damaged. It wasn't about money. Under other circumstances, Tig just would have exacted his revenge in the most painful of ways. While he knew she had a temper, he just had never known how volatile it could be.
Tig pulled into the clubhouse parking lot and killed the engine. He stretched his body as he walked into the clubhouse. Shortly after the showdown with Ava, the party had dissipated quickly. Kozik was sleeping on the couch. Tig laid the keys on Kozik's stomach and rubbed his face with his hands feeling exhausted. He heard Kozik laugh.
"So Tiggy, how's it feel to get your ass handed to you by a little girl? Looks like you're gonna be riding bitch for awhile."
"Fuck off, Kozik. She ain't no little girl."
"Maybe she just needs to a real man to tame her."
"I'll fucking kill you, Kozik, if you touch her."
Kozik threw his hands up. "Christ Tig, I was just kidding. I don't need that kind of crazy in my life other than one night."
Tig moved to punch him, but Chibs and Happy pulled him back.
Juice came over from his space and tapped Clay on the shoulder. "So I got the deets on Dr. Ava Connelly like you asked."
Clay nodded and yelled, "Church!"
The men had filed into the room and sat down, Clay looked at Tig. "What the fuck is up between you and that doctor bitch?"
"It's personal."
"Personal or not, you need to keep that shit in check."
Tig nodded. "I'll take care of it."
Clay sighed. "You better. Juice, what did you find?"
Juice cleared his throat. "Dr. Ava Rie Connelly graduated from the University of Nebraska with a double major in Biology and Chemistry. She got her medical degree from NYU. Ava is licensed to practice medicine in New York, California, and Maryland. She also spent a lot of time working for Doctors without Borders. She has no debt, thanks to a dead step father who left his entire estate to her upon his death the same year she graduated from college. The only other family she has is a mother, who got remarried to a rich businessman in Omaha. From what I can tell they have no contact. Up till she moved here, she's been living in various parts of Africa for the past five years, most notably South Africa."
Juice took a swig of beer and continued. "However, there was a year she didn't practice medicine when she was in Africa, but there are no specifics as to why. All of her activities during the other time points towards helping give vaccines. Don't worry; I'm still working on it. Currently, she is the attending E.R. doctor at St. Thomas. I talked to Olivia about her too. Says Ava hasn't dated anyone since moving here, just works a shit ton of overtime due to the hospital always being understaffed in the E.R. and volunteers at a few clinics. I hung out with her and Olivia a couple of weeks ago. Ava seems like good people. She has no social network accounts."
Opie was suspicious. "She doesn't have any social accounts? That seems like a red flag to me. People like her always have social accounts."
Juice put his beer bottle down. "I'd normally think that was a red flag, but when Olivia and I were talking about the Kardashians the other day, Ava asked if they were Olivia's neighbors."
The men laughed.
Opie shook his head. "Christ, I wish I didn't know who they were. Ellie told me the other day, Kim was her hero. I wanted to throw up."
Clay sighed. "Goddamn liberal bleeding heart. Anything to suggest knowing her would come back to hurt us?"
Juice quirked his head. "Other than her being pissed at Tig, nah."
Clay picked up the gavel and looked at Jax.
Jax shook his head. "Well that's what we're meeting about tonight. We can't just have anyone thinking that they can come in and fuck anyone of us like that, personal or not. And no, we ain't gonna take her out."
Happy shifted. "Damn. I would have taken her out if I'd seen it. She must be some pussy, Tig."
Tig flipped him off.
Jax crossed his arms. "I have another idea on how she can make it up to us. Due to finding out that Tara has been fucking Hale, I'm throwing her ass to the curb. I don't trust her. So we need someone else."
There was a hushed silence as the men felt their brother's pain. Being that it was never easy in their lives, the women had always helped keep them sane. To think the supposed love of Jax Teller's life had literally fucked him over hurt them all.
Opie spoke up. "Jesus, Jax. I'm sorry. What about Olivia? She knows us and we know her."
Jax shook his head. "Olivia is a nurse and that's not to say she's not damn good at her job or more knowledgeable than any doctor. But when it comes down to it, we need a doctor for our more interesting incidents that we can't go to the hospital for. So we need to take a vote."
Tig protested. "Nah, man. I said it before and I'll say it again. I don't want Aves anywhere near here."
Chibs stroked his beard. "Aye, I understand your concern brother, but Juice you said she's an E.R doctor? She'll be able to patch us up in no time."
Bobby looked at everyone like he was way too intoxicated for this vote. "Let's just get this shit over with."
Two minutes later, Ava's fate had been decided.
Clay looked at a very unhappy Tig. "I'll leave it to you to tell her the good news. Next, we have a more pressing matter that we need to take care of. Our black mexi alliances are thin at best. But even more important we've got to deal with this white hate shit."
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Several days later, Tig pulled into Ava's driveway. Luckily, they had been able to fix Tig's bike with a few spare parts around the garage. He pulled off his helmet and walked to the front door. It opened just as he was about to knock. Olivia came out. She looked at him warily.
"She's not in the mood for company."
Tig pushed past her. "Club Business."
Tig found Ava in her living room sitting on the couch with an untouched cup of coffee in front of her. Ava sat cross legged with a guitar on her lap, strumming. Tig paused for a moment as he took her in. Her hair was all the way down. He wanted to run his hands through her hair and carry her off to bed. He knew Ava had never considered herself pretty. Back then, she'd been cute. But now, to him she was the epitome of beauty.
Ava looked up. She saw Tig and bit her lip. "Tell Jax, I'm really sorry about Dr. Knowles. I honestly didn't know."
"I'm not here for that. I'm here to let you know how you can make it up to the club."
Ava crossed her arms around her body. "I won't apologize about your bike. I'd do it again in a heartbeat."
Tig stared at her. He took a deep breath and exhaled. "Ava, you gotta make it right with the club, which is why I'm here. I have a proposition for you."
Ava's throat went dry. "What kind of proposition?"
Tig threw up his hands. "Christ, Ava, it's nothing like that. We would just need you to help us out in the event of any medical emergency."
Ava was confused. "Why wouldn't you just go to the hospital?"
Tig answered her. "Sometimes, it's best for us not to go to the hospital. You know, all that paperwork can be a hassle."
Ava looked at Tig like a light bulb finally went off in her head. "And because of patient confidentiality… How long would I be in this debt?"
"Til we say you've paid it."
"Do I have time to think about it? I mean wouldn't it be easier just to write a check?"
Tig folded his arms. "No dice, doll."
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When Tig left, Olivia squeezed Ava's hand tightly. "Don't worry. It will be ok."
Ava didn't know if Olivia was trying to comfort her or herself with those words. She sighed.
"You know I just need a girls' night. I finally got the pool cleaned. Do you and Shelly want to hang out?"
Olivia smiled. "That sounds amazing. I've been dying to get in it. I'll call Shelly and see what she says. I don't know though. Shelly's been ducking me lately."
Ava nodded and picked up a full trash bag.
"I'll just go take this out."
As she took out the trash, she spotted Gemma doing the same.
"Hey Gemma."
"Hey baby. I do believe it's hotter than the 9th ring of hell. You must enjoy having that pool."
"I actually haven't used it yet. Olivia's gonna hang out with me today and we're gonna see if Shelly wants to come over. A girls' night. If you're not busy, you should come over too."
"That sounds really nice. Jax is having Anita watch Abel today, so I think I will join you."
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Even though Gemma knew it was a girls' only event, she may have left out that bit of information when she talked to Clay and Jax. It wasn't her fault that some of the members showed up. Besides, watching Tig and Ava interact was easily becoming a favorite pastime of hers. The tension between the two was so palpable you'd need a blowtorch to cut the tension. They may be constantly going for each other's throats, but Gemma noticed the way Ava and Tig would look at each other when they thought the other wasn't looking. There was an element of spring in the air despite it being the middle of September.
Speaking of spring, Gemma couldn't help but notice Jax and Olivia as they sat next to each other with their feet dangling in the pool. As a mother, Gemma had always suspected Jax had had a crush on Olivia in high school, but never acted on it because of Tara. His face always lit up in a way with Olivia that it never had when he talked about Tara. Jax always seemed under pressure when it came to that whore. Gemma knew it was just a matter of time before they ended up together and Gemma found she didn't mind that idea at all.
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Jax stared at Olivia reading a book by the poolside. Whenever he thought about her two things always came to mind. The first was the night his father died. He had been in his room waiting for Tara to come over. Tara had told him she'd be there in a few minutes but that had been four hours ago.
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There was a knock at the door. Jax heard his mother answer the door. He was surprised it had been the reverend. His dad had never been one for religion. There was a quiet knock on his door before it opened. He didn't want to see anyone. He was going to tell them to "Fuck off", but it opened and Olivia was standing there. He watched her silently enter the room and move to the bed where he was sitting. Olivia sat down beside him. She didn't say a word, just picked up his hand and held it as she sat down beside him. They sat in silence for a while. Jax got up still holding her hand.
"You wanna get out of here for a bit?"
Olivia nodded her head yes and they went off into the night on Jax's motorcycle. They rode until they were in a forest clearing surrounded by trees. Jax got off his bike, picked up a stick and starting hitting the trees as hard as he could. His cries of rage and sorrow filled the night air.
She got off the bike as he fell to the ground and rushed over to him, throwing her arms around him. Olivia cried for Jax as his body sobs shook them both. Running her hands through his hair, she kept repeating. "I'm sorry, Jax. I'm so sorry."
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He had almost kissed her that night, but he didn't. Not because of Tara, but because she had been so beautiful and innocent. He didn't want to spoil her trust in him. They had never been friends and they still weren't. He took a long pull from his beer. His thoughts moved to their graduation night.
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He had just dropped Tara off after she had told him she was leaving. He felt lost as he drove through the streets of Charming. As he turned right at the stop sign he spotted Olivia looking dazed and confused. He pulled the bike over and called out to her. She looked up to him with a half smile. Jax handed her a helmet, she accepted it and climbed on the back of the bike. Olivia held tight to Jax as he drove off into the night.
When the bike stopped, Jax got off the bike and held his hand out to her. Once she was off the bike, he pulled a blanket out of the saddlebag and laid it on the ground under a tall redwood. They both laid on the blanket for a while not speaking. Jax broke the silence.
"You, ok?"
"I just found out my father has been having affairs and my mother is addicted to alcohol and pills."
"Jesus, Livvy. I'm sorry."
Olivia shrugged. "Ever since Martin ran away, it's been so different."
Jax nodded. "I heard you got a scholarship for nursing."
"Yeah. I'm excited and nervous about it. I'm thinking of not taking it. I don't want to leave them, but I've tried to get them help. But they just ignore me. Your mom tried to help my mom, but she doesn't want help."
Jax took her hand and kissed it.
Olivia propped herself up. "How come you're not with Tara?"
Jax lit a cigarette. "She doesn't want anything to do with me or Charming."
"I'm sorry, Jax."
"I just don't understand it. I thought we were in love. I'm so fucking stupid."
"You're not stupid, Jax. I tutored you, remember?"
Jax laughed. "I remember. You should accept that scholarship, get out of this one horse town."
Olivia was quiet for a moment. "I like this one horse town, Jax. It may take me four or five years, but I'll always come back."
Jax knew in that moment she was telling him the truth. They fell asleep under that tree, getting the most peaceful sleep they each had in a while.
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It had taken her ten years, but she had come back more beautiful than ever. Jax had just taken up with Wendy and he didn't feel worthy of Olivia's time. That hadn't stopped Olivia from being there for him though. They'd had always been in this strange place of not being friends, but closer than acquaintances. Closer than any woman he'd ever been and yet they'd never been physically intimate. Shaking his head, Jax heard Olivia laugh and got up and sat down next to her.
"I kicked Tara out the other night. She's going back to Chicago as soon as she gets everything in order."
Olivia took Jax's hand and squeezed it. She didn't know what else to say.
Jax laughed. "She didn't even apologize when I confronted her. Tara just seemed to be relieved that she had just found a way out."
"I'm sorry, Jax."
Jax's voice dropped. "You know what the worst part is? She doesn't want anything to do with Abel. She's the only mother the kid has known and she's walking out on him too."
"Abel is very lucky, though. He does have you, Gemma, Clay and the club."
Jax half smiled. "You always do that, Livvy. Always finding a bright side to every situation."
Olivia shrugged her shoulders. "It's better than looking at the alternative."
Jax inhaled the scent of the suntan lotion and put his arm around her. He couldn't believe a fool he had been all these years. He exhaled as he thought to himself, This time I'm not letting her go.
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Ava couldn't believe the Gemma had invited some of the club members, especially Tig. She had specifically stated this was a girls' only event. Ava was covered in long yoga pants and a huge long sleeved t-shirt. She didn't know if she would've worn anything different if had been just the girls, but now there was no way she was showing skin. Too many questions. Ava felt like throwing up.
Standing deep in thought by the pool, she ignored the conversations around her. Ava was still trying to wrap her head around the idea that Tig wasn't dead. She didn't think it was a bad thing. Ava was just unbelievably hurt. Clearly, Tig had meant more to her than she did to him. Ava was too lost in her thoughts to hear the heavy tread of boots behind her.
"I'm sorry, doll."
Startled Ava fell into the pool. A few seconds later she came back up thoroughly soaked and pissed to see Tig laughing.
"Goddamnit, Alex! Fuck! I fucking hate you!"
"Jesus, Aves that was hilarious!"
"Maybe to you, you Goddamn jackass! The least you could do is help me out."
You're gonna get yours, you fucking bastard, Ava mused to herself. Tig moved closer to the edge of the pool and reached out his hand. Ava moved to wall, grabbed Tig by his hand and pushed off of the wall with her feet. Tig went down into the pool with a big splash on top of her. He came up sputtering.
"What the fuck, Aves? Christ I'm wet."
Opie, Bobby, Chibbs, Clay and Gemma chuckled.
Olivia did not even bat an eyelash. "That's what she said."
Ava had her hand over her mouth trying not to laugh and moved away from Tig. Ava looked again at Tig soaked from head to toe and started giggling,
"Don't you dare fucking laugh."
Her giggling gave way to full blown laughter. The way she had laughed had always been a turn on for him. His eyes darkened as hers got brighter.
Olivia looked over at Gemma.
"Ya know, I think that's first time I have ever heard her truly laugh."
Gemma nodded in agreement.
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Eventually, Tig and Ava got out of the pool. Ava walked past him and went into the house. Tig stripped down to his boxers, leaving his clothes on the pool chair. Stretching, he made his way into the house. Tig found Ava coming out of her bedroom fully covered in a different outfit running a towel through her hair. Her unique scent of vanilla and coconut reached his nose. Without thinking, he hauled her up into his arms and kissed her passionately. Ava clunged to him tighter than she ever had before. Their tongues mingled together fast and then languidly. A heady moan escaped Ava's mouth and Tig was immediately hard.
They were knocked out of their passion by a loud clearing of a throat. They both turned to see Olivia. Ava quickly righted her shirt once Tig put her down. Contrary to what he had told her, Ava had always been dynamite in the sack. Tig was pissed at being interrupted.
"What?!"
"Um, Jax said you guys have to go."
Tig sighed and looked down at Ava.
"We'll continue this later."
Ava shook her head, quickly went back into her bedroom and locked the door. She fell to the floor, confused tears quietly streaming down her face.
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Leaving Ava's house, Opie's phone started ringing. He looked over at Jax.
"Shit, it's Mary."
He opened the phone.
"What Ma? What do you mean a parent teacher conference? I got some stuff going on. Are you fucking kidding me? Fine. I said I'll be there."
Opie sighed.
"Guys, I gotta go to this thing for the kids."
Jax nodded.
"No problem, bro. We got this."
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Margaret Devereaux giggled with her students as they took off their smocks at the end of the day. She looked over at her student Kenny. He was struggling to pull the smock over his head.
"Hey sugar, lemme help you."
Pulling the smock over his head, the boy's t-shirt rode up. Ugly bruises stared up at her.
"Oh, honey, what happened to you?"
The boy looked frightened for a moment.
"It's nothing, Ms. Devereaux. I play pee-wee football."
"Are you sure, Kenny?"
"Yes, ma'am."
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In the teacher's lounge, Margaret couldn't shake the feeling that there was something wrong with Kenny's bruises. She knew Karen Tate's son played pee-wee football. Margaret sat down next to Karen on the couch.
"That must of been a pretty rough game this weekend. Kenny Winston looks worse for wear."
Karen looked at her in confusion.
"I don't think Kenny's on team."
"Huh. I thought that's what he said, but I musta been wrong."
Margaret took a deep drink from her water bottle. She had heard the stories about Mr. Winston and his motorcycle club. She had found Ellie, Kenny's sister, crying in the bathroom the other day about their dad's girlfriend. Margaret had been somewhat appalled in founding out she was a porn star. Sighing, she thought of their grandfather. He was an oak tree of a man. The parent teacher conferences were that evening. Margaret was going to find out what was going on in that household. She owed it to those kids.
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Opie sighed as he walked into the building. Giving his name to the lady at the desk, he picked up the schedule. Opie looked down at the list. The art teacher was first. Opie remembered his art teacher. She had been old and smelled like weed. He wondered if she was still teaching. Opie opened the door and strode into the room, not stopping until he reached the chair. turning it around, he plopped down. Ellie and Kenny's teacher was nothing like Mrs. Garten. The woman had perfectly coiffed red hair, porcelain skin and emerald green eyes. He would have looked down at the rest of her body, but he was afraid to look. She was gorgeous, model gorgeous. The woman held out her hand.
"Hello, I'm Margaret Devereaux, Kenny and Ellie's art teacher. You're Mr. Winston, I presume?"
Opie gulped. He was not prepared for the southern accent. It was smooth as honey and slightly smoky. Opie took her hand. The instant their hands touch, Opie felt a zing. He laughed nervously.
"Sorry. Just call me Opie."
Margaret Devereaux did not look amused. "It would be best if I called you Mr. Winston. Well, why don't we just get down to it."
Opie coughed as he thought of a way they could get down to it.
"Ok. How are they doing?"
"They are doing wonderfully in my class. Howeva, I am concerned with the difficulties they are facing at home."
"What do you mean difficulties at home?"
"Mr. Winston, I asked all my students to draw a self portrait of what they thought they would look like in the future. Ellie is an amazing artist. So you can imagine how disturbed I was, when she turned this in."
Margaret pulled out a piece of paper from the folder on her desk. Opie stared down at the picture in horror. His beautiful little girl had drawn herself as a stripper dancing on a pole. The physical image of the girl was just as disturbing. There was blood coming out of the back of her head and Ellie had drawn her body as big as a horse; her face just as vile as a little girl can think of herself.
"Jesus Christ."
"Indeed. Now, Mr. Winston why on earth would a little girl draw herself like this?"
Opie looked from the picture stunned. Margaret continued on.
"As far as Kenny goes, he is a model student in my class, always helping me get out and put the art supplies away. The others, from what I hear, not so much."
Opie didn't think his body could be anymore tense. That is until Margaret spoke again.
"I've been told Mrs. Winston passed about a year ago. I'm really sorry about that. And, I also understand your current girlfriend is in the adult entertainment business. It seems to me like you're just taking care of yourself as opposed to your kids. But I'm sure your real proud of the way Kenny plays football."
Opie stared darkly at the woman across from him. His jaw clenched tight for a full moment, before he could speak.
"Kenny doesn't play football."
Opie felt as if the woman was penetrating his soul with the look she was giving him.
Margaret smirked. "I know, as I'm sure you know where he's getting those bruises."
Opie was dumbfounded. He couldn't believe this teacher would think he would beat his son. He got up, slammed the chair back into its rightful place.
"For your information, bitch, I haven't been staying with my kids this past week. I ride a motorcycle. I'm not a monster."
He didn't give a shit that he'd scared the teacher. He wanted to scream. As he strode out the door, her heard her call out.
"Oh, I'm sure you're the perfect role model for your children."
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Margaret sighed shakily with relief once Mr. Winston left her classroom. He had unnerved her, but she had done what was right for those children. Someone had to protect them. And she'd be damned if it wasn't her.
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Opie parked his bike a couple of houses down from his. He couldn't figure out how his kid had gotten those bruises. The only person, the kids had been staying with was Lyla as he'd had shit to do for the club. He quietly entered his house. He couldn't believe the image before his eyes. Lyla was drunkenly screaming at his kids, telling them they were worthless just like their whore mother. Opie slammed the door behind him. His children stared at him in fear. He cleared his throat and pulled out his gun, aiming at her.
"I don't care where you go, but you and Piper have 5 minutes. I brought you into my life. Now get the fuck out."
Lyla moved closer to Opie. "But Opie.."
"I'm starting the timer now."
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Ellie and Kenny fell asleep in their dad's arms as they watched a movie on the TV. He picked them both up, carried them to their rooms, tucked them in and kissed the cheeks goodnight.
Opie felt like he couldn't breathe. Opening the closet in his bedroom, he pulled out Donna's bathrobe. Cradling it in his arms, he laid down on the bed and cried himself to sleep. His last thoughts were of Donna and a vow to never let his kids down again.
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Later that evening, Ava had showered and was starting to get ready for bed when her phone went off. Looking down at the caller id, she didn't recognize the phone number.
"Hello?"
"Ava, it's Jax. We need you to meet us at the clubhouse now with your medical bag."
The conversation was over before it began and Ava quickly changed into sweats and tennis shoes. She grabbed her medical kit and headed out of the door. Ava was nervous. Jax didn't say who it was. While she found she didn't know what to think of Tig at the moment, Ava hoped it wasn't him. God, she was praying it wasn't him. Ava arrived at the clubhouse 10 minutes later. When she walked in she saw Tig at the bar, Ava sighed in relief. An unknown blonde haired biker came up to her.
"Kozik. This way."
Ava followed him into a side room. Entering the room, she instantly smelled blood. Bobby sat in a chair with a shoulder wound. Ava took a deep breath and went into doctor mode.
"What happened?"
Jax moved towards her. "Bobby took a bullet to the shoulder."
Ava nodded and put her bag on the table next to Bobby. She grabbed latex gloves. Turning to Bobby.
"You aren't allergic to anything are you?"
Bobby shook his head no and took a big swig off the bottle of alcohol. Ava examined the wound.
"You're lucky it's a through and through. Ok. I'm gonna need anyone not medically trained to leave. I'm also going to need some music."
All the men save Chibs left. Behind the door, the music had been turned up.
"Army medic."
Ava nodded and went to work on Bobby's wound. Ava noticed she worked well with Chibs. He seemed to know what she needed before she asked. Tig looked in from the doorway and watched Ava take care of his brother. Her hands were fast and gentle as Ava explained each step she was talking to Bobby. Before he knew it, Ava was finished and cleaning up. Jax came up behind him.
"Ava done already? Tara was nowhere near that quick and she is a surgeon."
Ava turned around. "Surgeons have a little more control than us E.R. docs. Besides, I had fantastic help. I've given him a sedative to help with the pain and sleep. I also left some pain medication in case he needs more. I'm just gonna get cleaned up. Where's the bathroom, again?"
Jax pointed her in the direction and Ava left the room brushing past Tig. Her body felt warm and tingly as their bodies collided with one another. Ava hurried faster to the bathroom. The last thing she needed was Tig knowing he still had the ability to affect her. Although Ava was pretty sure he did earlier when they had kissed.
Upon reaching the bathroom she noticed some of Bobby's blood on her shirt. She ran the spot under cold water till it disappeared and washed her hands and face. She jumped as she moved the towel from her face. Ava had thought there had been someone behind her for a second. Taking a deep breath, she knew she would need to take one of the sleeping pills that she was rationing. You can do this,girl. I'm ok. You're ok. Bile threatened to come up but she choked it back down and washed out her mouth. She reached for the door handle opened it and flicked the light.
Reaching the main area of the clubhouse, she bumped into a scantily clad woman. Ava could smell the alcohol on her breathe as she slurred.
"Watch it, bitch! You don't know who you're fucking with."
Ava quirked her eyebrow and tried to move past her. The woman blocked her.
"Just so you know we porn bitches get first pick and then you can have whoever's left."
"I'm sorry but you have the wrong impression. I'm just leaving."
"You better be leaving. Cause these men need a real woman." The woman moved her hand around her chest.
Ava looked at the woman's breasts. They looked about as real as a barbie's. "I hate to break it to you but the plastic surgeon who told you he could make them look real, lied."
Enraged the woman moved to slap her. A hand grabbed the woman's arm. Ava looked up to see Tig.
"Oh so I see your date has arrived for the evening. If you'll excuse me."
Tig pushed the woman aside. "Christ, Ava."
Ava felt like crying as she walked away from him. What the hell is wrong with me?
Jax was still in the room with Bobby when she went to retrieve her bag. He leaned toward her.
"Let us know if you ever need money for supplies."
She nodded and turned to face the men. "Oh by the way, I just thought you should know that Ga'norrhea and her sister Chlamydia have been making their rounds lately. And you never know when their brother Herpez will make a visit. So ya'll might want to get tested."
The drunk woman belched. "Great, more pussy I gotta compete with."
Ava crooked her eyebrow. "She's kidding, right?"
Jax half smiled. "I don't think so."
Ava shook her head. "Huh."
Tig touched her arm and she flinched slightly.
"I'll walk you to your car."
"Whatever."
Ava said her goodbyes and Tig followed her out to the car. As she got into her car, Tig grabbed the door before she could shut it. He looked down at her.
"Thanks for helping Bobby."
"No problem."
He touched her face. "Have a goodnight, Aves."
Ava was glad the light was not on in her car. She closed her eyes as felt his hand on her face. She really missed him. A car backfired in the night and for a moment she didn't see Tig, she saw the face that haunted her while she slept. Ava quickly pulled away. Panic and fear rose in her chest like a wet blanket.
"I gotta go, Tig."
Tig gave her a weird look and let go of the door. He walked back into the clubhouse as she pulled out. Reaching the inside, his brothers were sitting around. Jax shook his head.
"Who would have thought we'd have a bleeding heart doc patching us up?"
They all laughed. Clay just shook his head. "Girl has no idea that she's dealing with the devil. And the devil always wins."
They all laughed except for Tig.
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As soon as she turned down the street, her emotional floodgates gushed. She barely made it home 15 minutes later. Once she pulled into her driveway and placed the car in park, she stared out the window into nothingness. Eventually she wiped her eyes and went into her house.
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Opie knew he was dreaming. He was in a forest surrounded by tall redwoods. A woman in white walked towards him. As she got closer, Opie could see it was Donna. God, he missed her. Donna smiled at him as he reached for her.
"Baby, I miss you soo much."
"I know Opie, but our babies need you."
"How am I supposed to go on? I let some whore into our house and she hurt our babies. How can I move on knowing I did that?"
"Baby, I know you're hurting. I know you miss me, but you have to let me go. Nothing good can come of this, I promise. It's been a year since I died. I'll always love you and I'll always watch over you. But in order for me to do that, I need you to do some things for me."
"Donna, it should have been me. You would know what to do. You wouldn't have let our babies come to harm."
Donna put her arms around Opie.
"You don't know that. Who's to say that I wouldn't have gone just as crazy or even crazier than you. Now listen, I don't have much time. You and the kids need to go through all of my things. Whatever they want to keep, box up and store for later unless it's something small. Get a new bed. Infact, get all new bedroom furniture. Save our set for Ellie or Kenny. And for everything else, you'll figure it out."
"But what if I can't?"
"Don't worry, Op. She'll help you out."
"She? Who is she?"
"I gotta go Op. I love you. Take care of our babies."
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Opie woke up with a start as the alarm clock went off.
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Shew, that was a long chapter! I hope you enjoyed it. I'm not too sure about some parts, namely the beginning. Please review!
