Fallen From Grace
by Nicole J. Coltan.
"It had taken one taste of temptation and she knew she'd follow him into the pits of hell..."
Disclaimer: I in no means own anything related to the Sons of Anarchy. I merely own Dianne O'Neil, Wren O'Neil, José Fernandez and everything else which you don't recognize.
Chapter Edited: 2017/07/02.
Bold Italics — Memories/Flashbacks.
Italics — Thoughts.
Chapter Three: Unwarranted Attention
In truth, Dianne O'Neil wasn't sure what to make of the quaint little town known as Charming. Up until three weeks ago, Dianne had no inclination that such a place existed—not that she was surprised.
Recalling the uneventful flight from Budapest to Los Angeles, Dianne had been rather grateful that the process of getting through the all the hustle and bustle had been nothing but smooth—not that she expected less from a man such as José Fernandez.
He had dubbed her visit to the States as a long term vacation, despite knowing that the moment the shit storm blew over, nothing and no one would stop her from taking the justice in her own hands. It had taken longer than what José had originally planned but having been given ample of enough time to get things ready when she landed, Dianne O'Neil could safely be considered as a citizen of the USA.
As far as the public was concerned, Dianne had been studying abroad for her Ph.D in Business Administration in the year 1999 before finally completing the course in 2008, something that seemed to boggle Dianne's mind—no doubt wondering what had possessed José to add that to background.
The only thing that seemed to be somewhat true were the multiple speeding tickets she had gotten throughout the years, a brief run in with the law —that had proved to be a misunderstanding on both parties— and a brief complaint on having made too much noise. If only these people knew...
She was in no means proud of the double life she had lived but knowing that the past was something she couldn't change, Dianne was forced to live with a constant reminder that it was a life not worth running from. It was the only life she had known, to be honest.
Dianne O'Neil was never a woman to act upon fear but after having discovered that she was pregnant, the soon to be mother had felt the full force of the nerve wrecking emotion.
But she had managed. She had left that life behind in hopes that she could give her little Wren the life she deserved—what good did that do her? She had failed as a mother, that much was for certain.
This is a life I cannot run from. It ran deep into her veins, the burden of being in a profession such as hers.
"Don't think about that, Dianne." The woman chastised herself before focusing her thoughts on a more concerning matter.
It had been decided that in order for Dianne to blend in the small community of Charming, the woman would no doubt have to find a job, despite having enough money to see her into the foreseeable future.
But knowing that she'd get nowhere until she managed to get some organization in the mess that would be her home until further notice, Dianne knew she had it in for her the moment she took in the various boxes stacked and littered throughout the house.
It had been two days since she had arrived in Charming and nothing truly remarkable had happened, nothing that concerned her in the least—though other than the occasional rumble of a Harley Davidson passing by her house, nothing seemed to scream suspicious.
"Don't look at me like that," Dianne murmured in retaliation towards the beady eyes staring back at her in silent contemplation, as if waiting patiently for something, "—that's not fair."
The only response Dianne received from the eight month old beagle was a simple bark followed by a large yawn, something that seemed to melt away at the frustration she had felt moments before.
It reminded her of the look her daughter had perfected throughout the years whenever Dianne would be adamant at refusing something Wren needed, or what the little girl thought she needed. For it would forever remain her weakness; the sorrowful sight of puppy eyes. "Fine," she pointed a stern finger at the excited pup weaving through her legs. "—after today, no more junk food."
Diego —as her daughter had named her after the sabertooth tiger in Ice Age— had been at her side since the poor pup had finally realized that Wren was no longer. Dianne had refused to leave him behind in Budapest, knowing that a piece of her daughter would be left behind.
"Give me three minutes," Dianne murmured before pivoting towards the direction of her room, the sound of her bare feet bouncing off the walls nothing but a constant reminder that silence had become her companion.
Pulling on a sleeveless red blouse over her frame, Dianne merely huffed in contemplation before stripping herself from the track pants she had worn since arriving and traded it for a casual sky blue denim.
Making sure that she didn't look like she had just gotten out bed, Dianne took more than the three minutes she had promised—though not that she could be blamed. It had been days since she had taken a look at the mirror and the reflection staring back at her was enough to make her blink back the tears.
Vulnerable.
The death of her little girl weighed heavy on her shoulders, something that she doubted would ever leave. It didn't matter how many a times she scrubbed her hands clean, the blood of her daughter would forever remain imprinted in the skin itself. "No."
It stung but the pain was welcoming as she glanced at the reddening mark appearing on her cheek. Emotions to her had always been viewed as a weakness, something that would pull her down—though that had been until Dianne had given birth to Wren.
Opening up and showing more emotion than what she was use to was something she had never thought someone like her could ever achieve—.
A soft whimper roused the woman from her thoughts and Dianne glanced down at the source, a silent understanding passing between man and dog. "I miss her too, Dee."
Wren had meant the world to her and knowing that Dianne would no longer hear her little giggles and excited rambles brought a burning ache coursing through her veins. "Come on, bud."
Mustering the courage through the memories of her daughter, Dianne knew she needed to be strong for the hurricane heading her way.
Because like José Fernandez said.
God have mercy upon my enemies for I will have none.
Being the center of attention had been something Dianne O'Neil had become rather familiar with but this, this was just taking it to a whole other level.
Just relax, Dianne. It would do you no good to shoot the first person who approaches you.
Weaving through the different aisles, Dianne came to an understanding that Charming seemed to a close knit community—something that proved to be surprising. "Don't harass the nice folk, bud."
It was rather amusing to see the curious yet friendly gazes people would send her and though she returned it with a small smile of her own, Dianne couldn't help but feel exposed.
Something that José had warned her beforehand. It was the reason as to why the man had gone through such a length at providing a subtle background that would not raise many eyebrows. Because someone was bound to a background check on her, that Dianne O'Neil was certain of.
Glancing at the beagle sitting eagerly in the rather large trolley, Dianne raised a eyebrow at the excitement radiating from him. "Oh," the woman breathed in realization. "—you attention seeking bastard."
Diego was living the high life with the constant attention upon them, not that Dianne could blame him in the least. He was rather adorable and hard to resist.
Well at least one of us are having fun, Dianne thought dryly as she continued on towards the next aisle—the sudden delightful squeal of a young girl proved to be the only warning the woman received before the sight of a excited face peered back at her.
"It's a puppy," the little girl exclaimed in a eager tone, her face radiating nothing but happiness as she pampered Diego in thousands of kisses. "—and he's so cute."
Dumbfounded, Dianne simply stood there and watched the scene unfold before her. "Ellie Winston!" And just as quick as it happened, Dianne could only watch as realization dawned on the little girl's face before she retreated back into herself—something that the woman found rather odd for a girl so young.
"He likes you," Dianne reassured the small girl, Ellie —or what she hoped to be the little girl's name— and smiled encouragingly, "—you can pet him, if you want."
Continuing to blink at her in utter astonishment, Dianne found herself rather intimidated by the silence lingering between the two. But before the woman could rethink her offer and assure the little girl that all was fine, her hands had wrapped themselves around wriggling pup before easing him out the trolley, "He doesn't bite."
It took her breath away the moment the little girl's face beamed back at her in a smile that could only remind her of Wren. "He's so big." The girl exclaimed in absolute glee that brought a sense of relief towards the woman.
Placing the over eager pup on the ground, Dianne stood back and watched the scene unravel before her—a smile having found its way across her face without the woman noticing.
The girl seemed to be in her own little world, petting and rubbing his tummy with giggles tumbling from her mouth.
"What's his name?" Before she could process the question, the heavy thud of footsteps approaching them had the woman fighting back the urge to act on instinct—a paranoia that had settled deep into her bones since leaving Budapest.
"Daddy," the first thing that registered through Dianne O'Neil's mind was that the man approaching them was nothing but intimidating—and coming from her personally was saying something. "—isn't he adorable?"
Dianne O'Neil could safely admit that she had underestimated the small town of Charming, because the moment she caught his gaze—she knew that trouble was fast approaching.
Though not insanely drop dead gorgeous, Dianne would be dubbed as a liar if she said that she didn't find the man attractive, after all, she was a grown woman.
From his scruffy appearance, Dianne could honestly admit that she found herself lost in his eyes the moment their gaze locked on one another.
Because from the brief smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, Dianne O'Neil knew without a doubt that Charming had just gotten a hella' interesting and she didn't mind it one bit.
Author Note: I changed some sentences here and there and added a few things; though not by much. I am aware that pets aren't necessarily allowed in stores; but for the sake of my sanity, please pretend that this store allows such acts. Thanks once more for all the support and reviews for this chapter, as it means the world to me.
And for those who made it thus far, thanks for sticking until the end.
Much love,
Nicole J. Coltan.
