Three hours later, Sydney wakes up next to Jax in his and Tara's bed. Careful not to wake either of them, Sydney slowly removes Jax's arm from around her and slides out. She has two more days of school until Thanksgiving break and she's looking forward to a week off. What she isn't looking forward to is Johnny going to stay with his mom. He's leaving this morning after he takes her to school - he's flying to Colorado.
Sydney throws her hair up into a cute, messy bun and puts a bow around it so it's not so boring. She steps into some jean shorts and pulls a t-shirt featuring the studio she dances for on it. She can't remember the last time she wore something so basic to school but she's not in the mood today - she's still questioning all that happened at work last night and what Daniel wants from her. She's curious if this Daniel is the same man Tara was crying to Jax about in private. If so, she knows she needs to speak up because Tara mentioned how dangerous this could be and was so worked up about it. She makes a vow to tell her father tonight whenever she gets the chance.
Sydney sighs as she stares at herself in the mirror. Why have I been so insecure lately? She's already washed, moisturized and primed her face so she goes ahead and grabs one of her favorite foundations that gives her amazing coverage without caking over. After shes applied it as well as concealer, she sets it with powder before contouring, highlighting and adding some blush. She chooses a shimmery, champagne colored eyeshadow for her lid and throws a matte brown shadow in her crease for dimension before curling her eyelashes and applying two coats of mascara to make them extra long and full. That's better.
After brushing her teeth and waiting for Johnny to pick her up, she shoots Grandpa Clay a text. "Hey, grandpa. I know this is short notice, but would you be able to take me to school tomorrow?" Sydney jumps to the sound of a thump behind her and she whips around to see Tara wincing as she walks towards the kitchen. "Ouch. Good morning, Sydney. Sorry I startled you. Have a lovely day at school.. think you can handle two more?" Laughing, Sydney shrugs. "I hope so.. it'll be tough." Tara smiles before disappearing into the kitchen. Sydney looks out the window and sees that Johnny has just pulled into the driveway.
Johnny parks his truck in the Charming High parking lot before looking at Sydney. "Have a good next two days of school and a fun, family-orientated holiday break. I'll miss you." Sydney smiles and leans over to give him a hug. "Thanks, Johnny. I am going to miss you too.. but enjoy the time you have with your mother. I know she must miss you a lot." They pull away and kiss passionately. "Sydney... I-I.. There's something I want to tell you." Giving him her full attention, Sydney sits back in the passenger seat and looks at him expectantly. "Yes?" Johnny takes a deep, nervous breath. "I love you." Sydney's eyes grow wide and she thinks her face might crack from how widely she's grinning. "I love you too, Johnny." They kiss once more and say their goodbyes as she hops out of his truck and makes her way towards the front doors.
School drags on and Sydney looks at the clock for the seventeenth time in her third period geometry class. Ten more minutes. Sydney has an entire week off of dance and school, so she's not too sure what she is going to do to keep busy.. work maybe? She's been thinking about getting a different job.. especially since last night. She wants to work somewhere that she doesn't have to deal with people like that.. somewhere she would be happier. There are a few cute stores uptown that sell adorable women's clothing. Maybe I should apply..Sydney thinks as she's supposed to be taking notes for a quiz tomorrow. "How about you, Miss Teller? What's the answer?" Mrs. Burdue asks, shaking Sydney from her thoughts. "... What's the question?"
The whole class laughs and Sydney frowns. She's not even trying to be funny - she really didn't hear the question. Mrs. Burdue squints her old, crows-feet surrounded eyes and exhales a long, annoyed breath. Sydney cannot stand Mrs. Burdue. She is always picking on her and criticizing her because of her family's lifestyle. Sydney knows the "club life" isn't the best way for a child to grow up, but she personally thinks she turned out okay so she can't help but be offended. "Miss Teller, you're so much like your father..." "You say that like it's a bad thing" Sydney spits defensively. Jax had Mrs. Burdue in high school before he ended up dropping out. They never really got along, and by that Jax meant Mrs. Burdue hated him. He rarely showed up to class, but the times he did he wouldn't complete his homework nor pay attention. He was rude and disruptive with Opie. Not all of his teachers disliked him though - Mrs. Burdue is just a cranky, old bitch. "Well.. I'll say that you do care more about your grades than your father ever did, but-" Sydney cut her off though. "You don't know my father. Sure, he didn't do his homework or pay attention in your class, but can you blame him? Geometry is boring and useless anyway. He doesn't use it in his everyday life and neither will I... only geometry teachers do." Angry, Mrs. Burdue continues. "That'll be enough out of you, Sydney. I'm trying to prevent you from ending up like the women in your fam-" "SHUT UP!" Sydney yells, "How dare you talk about them that way, you bitch! You don't even fucking know them!" Taken aback and slightly frightened, all Mrs. Burdue manages is: "Office, Sydney Teller. Now." Collecting her unopened text book and notebook as well as her bag, Sydney gets up to leave. "Gladly."
Fuming, Sydney leaves the classroom and starts walking towards the stairs to head down to the office. On her way, an eighteen-year-old girlfriend to a son of a Mayan sticks her foot out in an attempt to trip Sydney. Stumbling forward but regaining her balance Sydney turns to face her with a glare. "Where are you going, Teller? I would stay in school if I were you.. people are watching you, y'know.. you're safer here" she grins evilly. Sydney's stomach does a flip-flop as she thinks of last night. "What, are you scared, daddy's little whor-" She's unable to finish that question due to Sydney punching her in the mouth. Maria gasps and tackles Sydney to the floor and they roll around punching each other and pulling hair. Sydney somehow managed to get on top and repeatedly punch Maria in the face until she is ripped off of her by a senior named Kyle. Confused and very disoriented, Sydney realizes all that just happened as she is walked to the principal's office, Maria behind her still laying on the floor and surrounded by teachers.
"Hello?" Jax says into his phone, the number unfamiliar. Jax has an iPhone for family and personal use, and a track phone for business ordeals. He's just answered a call on his iPhone. "Disrespecting a teacher and starting a fight? Did she win? I mean, is she okay? Yeah, sure. I'm on my way." Jax can't keep the grin off his face as he ends the call. "What's that about?" Tara asks while feeding Thomas. "Sydney cussed out Mrs. Burdue and started a fight with a senior. I'll be back babe" he says while kissing her and gently stroking Thomas's head. "Can I come!?" Abel begs. Jax smiles. "No, son, I'm afraid that isn't the best idea. I will be back in a little bit with Sydney though, okay?" Jax hops on his bike but decides to take a vehicle instead since Sydney might have a lot school books to bring with her. He drives to Charming High and parks out front in the visitor parking area. He's buzzed into the school and heads to the office, seeing Sydney through the glass windows and door waiting for him. She looks up and sees he's looking right at her, not a trace of anger or disappointment on his face. She lets out a sigh of relief as her eyes fill with unwelcome tears. She looks down and blinks them away as she is called into the principals office again, but this time with Jax.
"Sydney told Mrs. Burdue to shut up, called her a bitch, and dropped the f-bomb. Upon leaving the classroom, Maria Sanchez offended Sydney so Sydney thought it was okay to punch her in the face. Maria tackled her to the ground and Sydney had to be ripped off of her as she was repeatedly hitting her in the face. Jax gave her "knucks" under the desk. "She's going to be suspended for ten days.. school days that is. Teachers have the option to give or not to give Sydney the work she will not be here for. That's all unless there is something you'd like to add to that.. it's been a while since I've had you in my office, Mr. Teller.." Jax grins. "Yes, it has. Thanks, Mr. Sietz. I'll make sure she's sorry for what she's done.. say "hello" to Burdue for me, okay?" Sydney giggles but Mr. Sietz isn't amused.
Jax and Sydney walk out the front doors and to his truck. "Who's Maria?" "A young, Mayan old lady. She's a bitch... So you aren't mad at me?" "God no, darlin'. I'm just glad you're okay.. That's all that matters. I'm sorry my behavior is backfiring on you, Sydney. Mrs. Burdue never did like me. Thanks for sticking up for the club and me, babe." Sydney smiles but is suddenly overwhelmed by everything that's happened in the last week - Daniel following her, showing up at her place of work with Alvarez, talking about Jax and Clay, Johnny leaving, Mrs. Burdue being a bitch, getting into a fight, and now getting suspended - Sydney stops walking and puts her face in her hands as tears roll down her warm cheeks. About five steps later, Jax realizes that she's stopped walking. He retreats back to her and wraps his arms around her as her body shakes with quiet sobs. "Hey, now.. shhh, it's okay, baby. What's the matter? I'm not mad at you. I promise. Please look at me.. Sydney?" Sydney squeezes him tight and finally looks up at him, silently thanking herself for wearing waterproof mascara. Jax takes in the site of her bloodshot eyes, tear-streaked and sad, fearful face. "I love you, beautiful."
Jax ended up carrying both Sydney and her bookbag to his truck. She's now home in the bathroom taking her makeup off and examining her black eye and fat lip. She lets her hair down - it was a complete mess. She takes off her jean shorts but keeps her shirt on. She leaves the bathroom and goes into the laundry room to grab a clean towel. She quickly strips off the rest of her clothes and puts them in the dirty hamper. She wraps her naked body in her towel and heads to the bathroom but is stopped by Tara. "Hey, killer.. can I look at your face?" "Should I ice it or is it too late?" "No, I think you should.. at least take down a little bit of the swelling.. Did she hit you anywhere else?" "No, that's it thankfully."
After her long, cool shower, Sydney lays down in her bed and tries to take a nap but can't because she's still so overwhelmed. She goes over in her head all that she needs to tell her father and tears fill her eyes for the millionth time it seems like in just the past week. She gets up to put the ice pack back in the freezer and finds her phone to text Jax. "Hey, daddy. When will you be home tonight?" She gets a drink while waiting for his reply.
Jax has just finished telling the guys at the shop about Sydney's day at school and her ten day suspension. "I knew she was a bad ass" Tig says proudly and they all laugh. Jax checks his phone. "Whenever you need me, baby" he sends and she replies instantly. "No rush, I promise. But if I'm asleep when you get home, will you wake me?"
Sydney goes back to her room and sits on her bed criss-cross-applesauce while checking all her social media. She shoots Johnny a text telling him to reply when he can and that she hopes he's enjoying himself. "I am enjoying myself.. but I'd much rather enjoy myself with you." Sydney smiles and replies with kissy-face emojis and hearts as there is a knock on her door. "Come in." Jax walks in and makes his way over to her bed. "What's up, Syd?"
"Who is Daniel, daddy?"