Note: Yellow, beautiful readers :D
This is probably the longest chapter so far with over 2500 words! Yay, me!
I really hope that you'll like this chapter because I was unsure about some parts. Hopefully, it all ended up ok.
Thank you all for your reviews and follows. It means the world to me :D
Important: When I mentioned a sequel in the previous chapter, I think some of you might have misunderstood me.
So, to clear things up: After the things with Kohn end and the consequences of it, this story will be over. This was just one storyline. The whole point of it was to get Jax and Tara together. And they already are.
The sequel would be set a few months after the events from Set Me Free. It would still be the same Jax and Tara, everything would stay the same, save that there would be another, different storyline. It would show character development of Tara because there will be some things that'll affect her greatly.
I just think that this Kohn thing has to be separated from whatever is supposed to happen afterwards.
So, I hope you'll think about this. The story is almost over... (*cries*)
Reviews:
-I'm so happy that I managed to surprise you with the Gemma thing. I really want to do things differently in this fic and change the characters a bit (hopefully not to OOC) just to spice things up and not make it to obvious of what's going to happen.
-Yes, the family will eventually find out about Gemma's illness.
-Dear guest who left me the following comment (hope you recognise yourself): "My hope is that you leave Colette and Ima out. Finish Kohn quickly. Gemma being venerable in a normal way and Tara helping her through. With the events of the real SOA please give us a good Jax and Tara story to hang on to. You have talent. This story pulled me in from the beginning. Please keep the chapters coming (fast). I hope you will give real consideration to my comments."
Kohn will suffer. I had that planned out from the start, so no worries there. It is because if the dynamic of this fic and the beauty (if I may so) of Jax/Tara's relationship here that I don't want to involve Ima and Collette in this story. That is why I want to separate the storylines. And, there will be a happy ending :D (And thanks a lot for your kind words :D)
Chapter dedicated to kdr2730, .5, RhondaL. :D
Special dedication goes to NaeNae78 for reading the whole story in one sitting. Thank you :D
WordCount: 2706
Sorry for any typos and mistakes.
Happy reading :3
I Have a Name and It's Tara
Jax was sitting at the head of the table, his brothers sitting at their usual seats.
They all noticed that Jax was anxious. He kept clenching and unclenching his fists, his eyes fix on a spot in front of him, his jaw tense.
-"Jax, what's goin' on?" – spoke Tig from his seat.
All eyes were fixed on Jax. He lifted his head and met them with a darkened and determined look on his face.
-"Tara, my old lady."
He still felt odd saying that since they never spoke of it officially. Nevertheless, it seemed right to him. She was his old lady and so much more.
-"What about her?" – asked Chibs with a worried look on his face.
-"While she was living in Chicago, she was in a relationship with this guy... He-he-"
The words choked him. He was full of rage; he couldn't even speak of the bastard. But he knew he had to. They guys needed to know what this asshole did.
Jax was going to do whatever it took to protect Tara, but he knew he needed the club's help.
He had asked her if he could disclose this to the club, since they would need all the man power possible.
Reluctantly, Tara accepted. Jax said he'll tell them only the most pertinent parts of the story so they know who they're up against.
-"He stalked her, raped her then beat her up. She managed to escape and came to Charming, and he was supposed to end up in prison."
There was a collective gasp in the room and a few of the guys shared glances with each other, clearly plotting how to deal with the son of a bitch.
Even though they didn't know Tara, they were all aware of the effect she had on their President. They all agreed she must be some serious lady to have been able to tame Jax and they all respected her already.
Jax continued, his voice strained.
-"But apparently they let him go and now he found her. He's been playing some mind fucking game with her. I want us to find him and make sure he stays away from her for good."
Happy spoke first.
-"Whatever you guys need, we're here."
-"Aye. We gonna teach that fucker not to mess with our family."
The SAMCRO brothers nodded at Chibs's words. Jax's heart swelled with love and pride for his brothers.
None of them knew Tara, but here they all were, calling her their family and already looking after her.
Tig broke the short silence: -"When do we start?"
A FEW DAYS LATER
-"Darlin', you feel ok?" - Unser asked Tara.
They were standing at the hot dog stand.
The clubhouse was finally finished and Gemma decided to organise a party in that honour. Tara and Donna, along with some older croweaters helped her with everything; from food stands to games for children.
The MC parking lot was now crowded with Sons from, as Gemma explained, various charters. Most of them were older men, though there were some younger in the crowd as well. Old ladies, daughters and girlfriends were either at their side or helping Gemma around.
Abel, Kenny and Ellie were at the bouncing castle along with dozens of other children, most of whom were Sons' offspring.
The Charming charter was still absent because they had some business to handle.
Tara was glad for once that she was surrounded by these bikers, whom she would fear any other day. She'd hate to have to be alone.
When she wasn't with Jax, she made sure to be surrounded by people or to at least have some company with her.
Kohn's phone call really messed with her head and Tara wondered if she would ever be rid of this feeling of helplessness.
The day after she'd received the call, a bouquet of damasked roses was delivered to her doorstep. The same as the ones Josh brought her on their first day. She was terrified because she didn't know where Josh was headed with all that.
Obviously he wanted to play with her, with her mind. He knew just how much he damaged her, both physically and mentally and he was nowhere finished with her.
After that, the flowers kept being delivered for a week before Jax put a fear of God into every flower delivery service in town and surrounding areas and threatened anyone who tried to sell them.
Tara still found a fresh bundle of pink roses at her doorstep every morning which she's throw away immediately before Jax could notice. She felt like he was already doing so much that she didn't want to burden him anymore.
Gemma immediately noticed the change in her and asked her if she was alright. Tara almost spilled the beans, but opted not to say anything, at least for now. But she was still jumpy and scared so Gemma gave her one of her guns, for protection.
Even though Tara didn't say anything, Gemma knew something's wrong ever since those calls started. That gut feeling never betrayed her. She just hoped that whatever it was, Tara told Jax.
Tara smiled at Unser, pushing the thoughts of Kohn aside.
-"Yeah. I'm just a bit exhausted. And this smell is making me sick."
Unser smiled back and offered to move to the nearby bench. They sat and Unser started eating his hot dog while Tara drank water from her bottle. Lately, that was the only thing she could drink. No smell, no taste. Perfect.
Since Kohn called and decided to mess with her newly recovered psyche, she lost her appetite. She could barely stomach anything. And even if she managed to, her meal would found itself in the toilet in matter of minutes.
-"I see you've become a bit jumpy lately. Is everything all right?" - asked Unser between the bites.
Tara didn't feel like sharing.
It hurt her to know Kohn had it in for her and that she had no way of defending herself.
She would have spent her nights restless and awake, if Jax hadn't been there for her. Just being near him gave her the strength not to completely lose it. He also assigned one of his prospects, a guy named Kip, to look after her.
Kip was really nice and funny and most of the time he managed to cheer Tara up with his crazy stories.
Tara felt safe enough and she trusted Jax with her secrets and dark past, but telling them to someone else? She hadn't got to that part yet.
So, she just shrugged at Unser's inquiry, looking, around the TM lot to see if she would spot Jax.
-"I just feel tired. I'll be fine. How are you, Wayne?"
The old man wasn't a fool. He could see that Tara was hiding something, but he didn't want to be nosey.
Still, he kept thinking about the information he gathered on her past and couldn't help but feel great sadness for the woman sitting next to him, but also admiration. To have survived all that happened to her...
Four trips to the emergency room by the age of 11; the death of her mother, the history with her alcoholic father, the abuse she suffered through her childhood and later with her ex boyfriend, including the abortion.
Unser's contacts had been quite productive in getting all the 'dirt' on Ms. Knowles.
However, he knew well this 'dirt' wasn't on her. It was on her father and her ex. She wasn't to blame for the sick fucks they proved to be.
She was just the victim of two miserable shits.
After his contacts provided him with all the information on Tara, he wondered if he should, in fact, give it to Gemma. He was still sceptical regarding her intentions. What he couldn't ignore, however, was that Gemma did change.
Her change was so great, that it made him wonder if she was hiding something too. It just wasn't natural for Gemma.
He gave her the information, hoping she wouldn't use it for some ulterior motive. Something told him she wouldn't.
His thoughts then returned to Tara. He was aware that something must have happened because she looked like hell. She was pale, and refused to eat anything. Her eyes darted to the parking lot every few minutes.
She is probably waiting for Jax, he told himself. However, his cop instinct told him there was more to it.
Unser wondered what could have happened to her recently to be like this.
They chatted for awhile and Tara felt a bit at ease.
She got up and went to check on Donna, who was currently at a face-painting booth.
A boy, probably about seven years old, was sitting in front of her with his eyes close as Donna painted tiger stripes on his face. Donna was teasing him about a girl he liked and the boy giggled; his face blushed even under the paint.
-"Done. Let's see if you like it."
Donna took the small mirror from the table and turned it towards the boy. He assessed his face and smiled widely.
-"And?" - Donna asked grinning.
The boy nodded, then thanked her and ran off to his friends.
Donna started cleaning the brushes. She smiled at Tara when she saw her approaching.
-"Hey. Are you having fun?"
Tara nodded. She sat beside her and started helping her clean the brushes.
-"Actually, I am. These past few days were a bit hard for me and this party is just what I needed."
Even though she loved spending time with Jax, sometimes all she needed was some girl time.
In a short period Donna became her close friend. She reminded Tara of Beth, with her stubbornness and easy attitude. Also, Donna was talkative, unlike Tara, which suited her just fine.
-""Wanna talk about it?" - Donna offered, but Tara seriously didn't want to let Kohn ruin things for her. Not today at least.
-"No. It'll just ruin my good mood. How are Kenny and Ellie doing? Have they recovered from the flu?
Donna sighed.
-"Yes, though Ellie is still coughing. But they're all better now."
-"I'm glad."
They were talking about Kenny's latest hobby (swimming), when Donna's gaze suddenly froze. She was looking behind Tara, her face sombre.
-"Donna, what's wrong?"
When Donna didn't answer, Tara turned in the direction Donna was looking.
There, by the Elvis tent stood Gemma, arguing with some woman.
The woman had a long washed out blonde hair, too much eyeliner and some pretty tight clothes.
Tara could see from Gemma's posture and the exasperated look on her face that she had had it.
Fearing that the argument might escalate, Tara and Donna quickly got up and as they approached, Tara heard 'junkie whore' and 'old rat' being exchanged.
-"Gemma, what's going on?" - asked Tara with a confused look on her face.
The blonde turned and pouting her lips, assessed Tara from head to toe.
-"Is this the bitch?" – she nodded her head towards Tara.
Tara flinched. Who the hell was this woman?
-"Excuse me?"
The woman smirked and raising her voice, repeated:
-"I said, is this the bitch who's been messing around with Jax?"
Tara was now thoroughly pissed off. Who the hell does she think she is to have the audacity to behave like that to her?
Straightening her back and lifting her chin, Tara cocked a smile meant to overthrow the stupid confidence the blondie seemed to have.
-"First of all, do no ever call me a bitch again. Second, what's it to you?"
-"I'm Jax's wife."
-"Ex wife. And don't you forget that." - Gemma interfered loudly before Tara could say anything.
Tara gazed at the woman, not believing that it was the notorious Wendy.
She thought about Jax's ex a lot, wondering what kind of person she was. And every time, Tara would give her some benefit of the doubt, because she didn't want to base her own opinion of the woman on that of Jax or Gemma.
But standing here, face to face with Wendy, Tara was almost left speechless.
This was not the woman she imagined. She seemed far worse in both her appearance and her attitude.
Tara could see the marks on her arms and the yellowish colour of her skin. Her hair was greasy, tangled at the ends. She had dark bags under her eyes and a heavy coat of eyeliner which was smeared around her eyes. Her nose was puffed and her lips cracked.
-"Wendy, you should go. Like now." - Donna almost pleaded, fearing what might happen if Jax came and saw her.
-"Why is she here?" - Wendy asked Gemma, completely ignoring Donna.
Gemma sighed in I-am-so-done-with-her way.
Tara could see that Gemma was barely holding up, probably for the sake of the children, especially Abel.
-"Because I wanted her here, and so did Jax and Abel. Now, I'm gonna say this one more time: Go."
Wendy turned to Tara, her eyes filled with abomination which Tara knew well was uncalled for.
Pointing her finger at Tara, Wendy spat:
-"Don't think you'll take my husband or my son away from me! You're just a filthy whore Jax's using to warm his bed-"
Tara slapped her.
Wendy gasped on shock, her hand covering her burning cheek. No doubt there would be an imprint of Tara's hand left on her face.
-" .Not. . I'm not some random bitch Jax fucks. My name is Tara and you better remember it the next time you decide to talk to me. I'm his girlfriend, not a harlot and you'll give me the respect I deserve as a woman first, and his girlfriend second. As for your accusations, I'm not trying to take Jax and Abel away from you. From what I've heard and what I see, you've done a pretty good job on your own. I suggest you sort yourself out first, before Abel sees you like that."
Tara's hands were trembling from the altercation, but her voice was stern and decisive. She wouldn't let anyone humiliate her or talk to her the way Wendy just did.
Wendy gave her one last glance before storming off, presumable to the bathroom.
Tara took a deep breath to calm herself. When she looked at Gemma and Donna, both women had huge smiles plastered on their faces.
Gemma enveloped Tara in a tight, motherly embrace.
-"Oh, baby. I'm so proud of you."
-"You go, girl!" - Donna yelled, hugging her as well.
They all laughed which eased Tara's nerves a bit. Though, she felt sick again. All this worry about Josh and now Wendy really affected her.
-"I'll just go freshen up."
Gemma frowned.
-"You ok?"
Tara gave her a weak smile.
-"Yeah. I'm just not used to slapping people."
-"You did good, momma. Really good. Don't let what that bitch said get to you. You are more to Jax than she could ever be."
Gemma smiled at her and kissed her cheek in an endearing manner.
##############################
-"Fucking bitch."
Wendy washed her face, then observed her reflection in the mirror. Sure enough, there was a red handprint on her face. It burnt like hell. She sniffed, containing her tears.
Wendy knew for weeks now that Jax was seeing some newbie, but she always hoped they would get back together.
They were meant to be, she just knew it.
She was the mother of his son. He was with her once. Who says that couldn't happen again?
This whore he's been fucking is just a pastime fling.
He'll be with her. He has to.
#############################
After her altercation with Wendy, Tara went to kitchen and splashed some water on her face. She felt a wave of nausea coming up and a few seconds later, she emptied the content of her stomach into the sink.
After she'd rinsed her mouth, Tara sat at the kitchen table.
Certain suspicions filled her mind again.
Rubbing her temple, she sighed.
She had been thinking about it a lot in the last few days, but would somehow always end up lying to herself and avoid doing anything to confirm those doubts.
Now, however, she felt like lying was not the answer.
(Thoughts? Are we glad the club embraced Tara as their own? What do we think of Unser and Gemma so far?
Do you like Donna and Tara's friendship (I know I'm not giving you a lot, sorry about that)? How about that Wendy/Tara scene? Are we proud of Tara? What do you think of Wendy? And how about the little cliffhanger?
I'm about 25 reviews short of having 500 reviews in total on this story. It would mean a lot to me if you took time to comment. Thx :D
Next: BIG THINGS HAPPENING! Love you all xoxo)
