A/N: So, not only do I have a sore/swollen face, I managed to stab my hand. I skewer went about 2 cm into the palm of my hand. And the cut is a little infected, so despite school starting and a shit tonne of assessment I have decided to alleviate my frustration through the writing of this story.

Might as well share, might as well smile
Life goes on for a little bitty while.
A little bitty baby in a little bitty gown
It'll grow up in a little bitty town

-Little Bitty, Alan Jackson

Her very first day at the hospital had been hectic; she had already observed and helped with one surgery. Tara had just been about to eat lunch when she had been called frantically to surgery.

"What is it?" Tara asked, changing into scrubs.

"Late twenties, early thirties female. Suspected meth addict. She's overdosed and gone into labour. The child is about eight weeks premature." The nurse said, helping tie the scrubs and surgical mouth. After thoroughly scrubbing her hands Tara entered surgery, ready to save the life of a baby.

Jax could see Tara in Wendy's room as he approached. He was pissed.

"What the hell happened?" He demanded angrily.

"When was the last time you saw her?" Tara asked, sighing and crossing her arms.

"Couple of weeks," Jax answered shortly, he already thought it was his fault he didn't want Tara to think it too.

"Her hands and feet were full of tracks," Tara said, mimicking his shortness, "Toxicology isn't back yet, but it's most likely crank." Jax looked over at Wendy, she was unconscious and looked terrible. Good, he thought bitterly.

"The baby?" Jax was almost afraid to know. The last time he had been in this wing of the hospital, he had lost a brother. And while he may now have that brother back, his baby wouldn't.

"We had to do an emergency C-section," Tara informed him softly. "He is 10 weeks premature."

"Holy shit." Tara had never seen Jax look so scared, he glanced briefly at his mother. Almost asking for help, and looked back at Tara. They were the two women in his world he could rely on. They would help him.

"Come on. Let's sit down, and walk you through it." He could hear the hesitance in her voice, this new was not good.

"Just tell me." Jax implored. Doctor mode switched on.

"He's got a congenital heart defect and gastroschisis- a tear in his abdomen. The gastro and early birth are a result of the drugs, and the heart defect is genetic," She knew he knew what it was from, but it was her duty to remind him- and Gemma- of the flaw they had given this child. "Either one would be serious but not life-threatening. However, the two of them together-" Tara stopped when she saw the tears in his eyes. Jax shook his head slightly, not really wanting to know. It wasn't that he didn't care, but to lose his kid? That would be too hard. Tara took a deep breath and continued; "Doctor Namid gives him a twenty percent chance, and…" She didn't want to say it, "I'm afraid that's being optimistic."

"Oh, my god," Gemma said from next to Jax. Tara didn't like Gemma, but she felt sympathy for her, Tara felt her heart break a little at the pain in her voice and in his eyes. Gemma turned to her son.

"She never wanted to talk to me. I didn't know." They knew he blamed himself, but what could they say? That taking no interest in the welfare of his unborn child was good? It wasn't his fault, but he didn't help it either.

"Her OB. said she missed her last three appointments. No one knew." Gemma was annoyed that Tara was the one soothing her boy's worries. That was her job, Tara gave that right up.

"Doctor Namid wants to fix his belly up first. Then if he stabilises he'll go in and try to repair the heart. I'm sorry Jax." He looked away again, guilt and anguish welling up in him. But Jax nodded to assure Tara he'd heard. "I can take you to see him now." Tara stepped back, offering to let him through. Thinking Jax would follow her lead she started towards the incubators.

"Tara." She turned to see him. "You don't have to do this, I'm sure you have other patients." Did he think she didn't want to help his child? Did he think she was so petty? Especially after how she had taken care of Thomas?

"I asked Doctor Namid if I could assist," Tara informed him. "I want to help your son." Despite what I think about your wife. Jax gave her a small smile and nodded gratefully. He wondered if she knew he was standing so close on purpose.

"His name's Abel."

"It's a good name." Tara offered before Jax started to walk away.

"Jax?" Tara called after him.

"Jackson?" Gemma questioned. He turned briefly.

"Go with Tara, I've got something I've got to do."

Gemma turned to look at Tara. "Can I see him?" It took all of her professionalism to agree, but Tara showed Gemma where he was.

"He- He's so small," Gemma remarked in surprise.

"He is one of the smallest babies I have ever seen." Gemma knew what that tone of fondness meant. She saw that expression on Tara's face when she looked at Abel.

"What are you still doing here?" She asked haughtily, trying to intimidate the younger woman. Tara certainly looked affronted but answered with a cool ease.

"I have to ensure nothing happens to my patient."

"You think I'm going to hurt my grandson?" Gemma demanded; there was a line you did not cross with Gemma Teller, and that was family.

"No! But if you accidently budge a tube, if you touch him and your hand is too warm or cold, if you bring in too much pollination or germs, you will kill him. And I don't want our history to be the reason Jax loses a son." Oh. So she was playing the moral high ground. That was a very 'Tara' move. She wanted everyone to think she was pure and innocent. Gemma would show everyone what she really was, starting with her two boys.