"Hey Donna." Tara said with a devilish smile on her face.
"What's up Tara?" Donna asked.
"I am not going to charming this weekend." Tara said but quickly added. "You can take the Jeep if you want to go."
"No I think I am going to stay right here with you and teach the same lesson." Donna said with a look of determination on her face.
Tara's smile grew even bigger before she replied back to Donna. "You have no clue who happy that make me feel. I doubt they will even notice we aren't there."
"I hope you are right about them not noticing." Donna said a little worried about the way her husband is going to react.
"Well if they do then when they call we don't answer their calls like they do us." Tara stated hopping Donna would go along with her plan.
"Ok but what if they show up here?"
"We greet them and play nice then take off to do whatever we want like they do us." Tara answered with the rest of her plan.
"Do you think this will work?" Donna asked looking hopeful.
"We will find out tomorrow when we don't show in Charming." Tara answered the best way she could.
"We need to get started on a list for the store, so we can go tomorrow after school." Donna said now smiling just as big as Tara's.
The two spent the rest of the night playing with the kids. When it came to bath time they took turns Bathing them and cleaning up the toys. So both could finish getting them ready for bed. Once Nathanael and Izabella were finally down for the night Tara and Donna would work on school work. This had been their routine neither wanted it change too much on the small children at once.
After a few Hours of school work Tara called it a night. Why am I so tired all the time Tara thought to herself? Maybe I'm getting sick. Tara didn't even take the time to shower before bed she just took off her jeans and climbed in the bed. It only took a few minutes for Tara to drift off in a peaceful slumber after her head touched the pillow.
Tara woke in the morning to her stomach flipping and turning. Tara moved out of the bed and quickly to the bathroom to empty all her stomach contained. I must hove cough a stomach bug Tara thought once she was done. Tara brushed her teeth before taking a quick shower to start her day.
Donna had already gotten both children up and ready for the day with Neeta's help. "Morning." Both Donna and Neeta greeted Tara as she walked in to the room.
"Good morning to both of you." Tara said back with a small smile on her face. Tara turned to Donna and said. "I don't think I am going to school my professors will post the lessons on their web sites so I can get the work that way.
"Are you not feeling well?" Neeta asked knowing Tara wouldn't miss a day unless she was sick.
"Yes Neeta I am not feeling too great this morning. I think I have a stomach bug." Tara answered with the best answer she could give.
"Well go lay down I'll get you some dry toast and a cup of tea that way you get the caffeine your body is use to in the morning." Neeta said going in to full mom mood.
"Neeta you don't have to fuss over me, just take care of the children." Tara said in protest half knowing it wouldn't do her any good.
"Tara." Neeta said with a pointed look on her face before she finished. "I can handle the three of you so just please let me."
"Ok But I am going to lay on the couch that way I can help some." Tara said as she went to her room to get a pillow.
Donna finished getting ready and kissed both of the children goodbye before telling them. "You to be good today."
Tara laughed. "Are you going to tell me to do the same?" Tara asked once Donna's eyes meet hers.
"Well to be honest I was going to tell you to behave and to do everything Neeta tells you to." Donna said with no humor in her voice.
"Yes Mom I will be a good girl today." Tara teased.
"Good now where are the jeep keys?" Donna asked knowing she needed to get out the door.
"In the bowl by the door." Tara answered.
Neeta made the children some breakfast before bringing Tara her toast and tea. "Do you want me to call Jax and tell him you are not feeling well?" Neeta asked as she pulled her phone out.
"No he hasn't come her all week and he doesn't even call. Hell I am lucky if he answers my calls." Tara said hopping Neeta hadn't already placed that call.
"Ok I will not call him but if he calls to see how Nathanael is like her does every day." Neeta said before Tara cut her off sounding more pissed off than she has ever heard her before.
"Don't tell him anything about me not feeling good."
"Ok sweet heart I will not say a word about you." Neeta said as she pushed Tara's hair off from her forehead and asked. "Is there something going on with you to?"
Tara just shook her head before answering honestly. "I have no clue what is going on, but two can play the game he is."
Back in charming
Jax was feeling excided now that shit with the club was handled. He was going to have a well-deserved weekend filled if nothing but his family. He knew he was going to catch hell for not calling or answering any of Tara's calls, but he was getting up at the ass crack of down every day. Finally returning back to the club house with just enough time to take a two hour nap before having to do it all over again. The only time he had a few minutes he knew Tara was in school so he used this time to call and at least check on his son.
Jax reached over to the side table and snacked his phone up quickly pressed the speed dial number that would call his beautiful wife. When the phone started ringing he could feel the knot in the pit of his stomach he had so much to make up for. After their talk a few weeks ago and him promising her would try to come to Palm Springs a few times a week and keep in contact all week with her. When she didn't answer his call he was shocked but left her a nice message.
Hey baby, I just wanted to call to hear your voice. I guess I will see you after school today. I love you Tara.
Jax spent the rest of the day wondering when she would call him back. Would she would call him back. Was she trying to teach him? By showing him how it feels to be ignored by the one you love. Would she do that to him?
Jax picks up his phone one more time and calls Tara one more time knowing she should be in class and will not answer.
When her voice mail said to leave a message that is just what he did.
Baby I am sorry things were happening and I couldn't keep my promise please forgive me. I love you.
The more time that passed without a response from Tara the more Jax started to feel the weight on his shoulders when he decided to call and at least check on Nathanael. That is what he did Neeta even handed Nathanael the phone so Jax could talk to his son and hear him babble back to him. Once Jax was done with his phone call to his son he walked out to the bar to look for Opie.
"Hey man." Jax said as soon as he saw Opie.
"What's up brother?" Opie asked knowing the look in Jax eyes.
"Well Opie after a week of not even talking to my wife I think I am going to Palms Springs for a weekend with them." Jax answered knowing that Opie was in the same boat as him.
"That may be the best plan you have ever had. We can cook dinner for them and give Neeta the rest of the day off even." Opie said as he headed for the door.
"Brother we can't leave right now."
"Why not?" Opie asked with a lifted brow before explaining. "Club stuff is handled, we don't work today. I need to see my wife and daughter even if I may get shot on the spot."
"Ok we leave now go to the store pick up the stuff to make a nice dinner and Let Neeta have the rest of the day off." Jax said as he strapped on his helmet. Before taking off with Opie to his left both knowing they didn't have to pack clothes because they had some in Palm Springs with their families. The pair went to the store and picked up a pork tenderloin the things to marinate it with that would only take a few hours to marry in to the meat and the sides. Only having their settle bags on their Motorcycles to Carrie the few groceries to the house.
"Tara sweet heart are you feeling any better?" Neeta asked as she handed Tara a bottle of water.
"Yes Neeta thank you for everything." Tara said as the sound of motorcycles filled the living room.
Neeta put her hands in the air and said. "I didn't tell him anything when he called."
"I believe you." Tara said as she got up and went to the bathroom yet again. This time wasn't to get sick it was to try and fix her appearance before her Husband and most likely her brother saw her. She could hear Jax giving Neeta the rest of the day off and hear someone else moving around in the kitchen. Before hearing the second voice ask. "How is Daddy's Princess?" Tara took a deep breath and walked back out to the living room knowing Jax was going to be pissed she was home and not answering.
"Well hello." Tara greeted as she entered the room.
"Well hello to you miss I can't answer my phone when I'm home." Jax spat out with a snotty voice.
"We don't need to do this in front of everyone." Tara said as she grabbed her pillow to take it back to her room.
"Oh ok then let's go in the other room." Jax said following closely behind Tara.
Before the couple was even in the room Jax asked. "What are you doing home?"
"Not that it is your business but I didn't feel well when I woke this morning." Tara answered trying to hold herself back for yelling.
"If you were home why didn't you call me back then?" Jax asked as the fight was slipping out of him.
"Maybe because I wanted you to know how it felt to have your wife not answer or return your calls like you do to me all the time." Tara said as she crossed her arms and looked Jax in his eyes.
So because I am too busy to answer the phone working you are too busy when your home sitting on your ass." Jax yelled as Opie knocked on their closed door.
Tara opened the door and asked. "What's up Opie?"
"Nathanael is crying so I thought maybe one of you could come out." Opie said looking at his sister.
"Not a problem Opie we are done her." Tara said as she walked past him.
"What's wrong with mommy's little man?" Tara asked as she picked up Nathanael who stopped crying as soon as she walked in the room.
Nathanael snuggled in to his mother's shoulder and started playing with her hair like he did every night before bed. "Are you ready for your nap?" Tara asked not expecting a response so when Nathanael nodded his head she was shocked.
"Ok Baby." Tara said as she carried him in and changed him before she started to hum him a lullaby. It only took a few minutes for Nathanael to be asleep. Tara knowing both children were on the same routine when out to get Izabella.
"Hey Opie do you want me to put her down for her nap?" Tara asked not looking at Jax.
"Yeah you know what she likes more than I do." Opie answered with a frown on his face.
"Come on Princess let's let Aunt Tate. Put you down Daddy will be here when you get up." Opie said as he handed his Daughter to Tara.
Tara did the same thing as she did with Nathanael and within minutes the baby was sleeping peacefully in her crib.
Tara walked out to the kitchen to start dinner when she found Jax already doing so with stuff she didn't have in the house. Tara got a new bottle of water from the refrigerator and left the room. Tara sat on the couch next to her brother and said. "You know you are in the same boat at your best friend."
"How do I fix it so she can at least be in the same room as me?" Opie asked knowing he was going to have to deal with a huge fight if he didn't.
"Opie I can't help you other than don't do what he did. Send her a text telling her you love her. I don't think she will answer it but it's a start." Tara said before finishing with what she thought was her best piece of advice to him. "When she gets here don't be an ass you know she is pissed so follow her lead."
"Tara are you feeling well enough to watch Izabella for me I want to go get a few things." Opie asked as his plan was forming in his head.
"Yeah I can but take your friend with you." Tara said as turned on the TV.
Opie got up and walk to the kitchen and asked. "Are you almost done in here?"
"Yeah why what do you need?" Jax asked knowing the look in Opie's eyes
Well I'm going out to get Donna a gift as a piece offering. I was told in order from my sister to watch Izabella you need to go with me." Opie said.
"Is that so?" Jax asked as he left the kitchen.
"Oh fuck." Opie said as he tried to stop Jax from making more of an ass of himself.
"So you want me to leave." Jax yelled as her swung opened the bedroom door.
"Jax please keep your voice down." Tara said not wanting him to wake the children.
Opie stood behind Jax and said. "Brother let's take a ride clear your head."
"Fine but I am not coming back to this house until she asks me to." Jax said as he stormed out of the room.
"I'm sorry Opie that you have to be in the middle but you better talk some kind of sense in to your Brother in leather." Tara said knowing Opie understood what she was saying before even if Jax didn't.
"I will do my best but no promises." Opie said as he turned to leave. Opie walk to his bike not saying anything to Jax at first. But before he started his bike he asked. "Talk first of shop?"
Jax answered. "Rid then Talk."
Opie nodded and started his bike waiting for JA to follow suit.
Tara waited till the sound of the bike we gone before texting Donna.
They showed up and are going to cook us dinner… Please don't be too hard on Opie.
Donna texted right back
I will play nice as long as he is not an ass. Oh and I will be home in by 6
Tara didn't reply she walked to the kitchen to see what they had planned for dinner. She was pleasantly surprised to see and asparagus and salad stuff along with the pork tenderloin in a yellow marinade. Tara finished cleaning the kitchen. As she waited for the children to wake from their nap.
Opie and Jax had been riding for close to an hour before they pulled over to talk.
"Brother why doesn't she want me there?" Jax as they took a seat on the swings.
"Jax it's not that Tara don't want you there brother. She is pissed that you ignore her then when she does it back you get pissed." Opie answered.
"So what you're saying is that I like you really need to go shopping and take my head out of my ass?" Jax asked with a hint of guilt on his face.
"Maybe text your wife and tell her your sorry and you love her." Opie give him the only piece of advice Tara gave him.
"So what do two Ass Hats get their wife when they ignore them for a week?" Jax asked knowing her has to go about that because then he acted like an ass.
"I was thinking jewelry and flowers brother I don't really know Tara wouldn't tell me." Opie answered.
"So we need to find a good Jeweler and maybe a florist. But then I need to get back to the house and cook dinner I could us your help with that Opie."
"What can I help with?" Opie asked knowing it wasn't the cooking.
"We need to get a white Table cloth, candles with nice candle stick holders and a bottle of red wine." Jax said knowing he would only have one shot to have this nice dinner.
"Let's go we have work to do and I don't know when Donna will be home." Opie said not wanting to get in any more trouble with his wife.
They went to a something to remember store and got the candle stick holders before heading to Target to get the candles and table cloth. The Florist said they could drop off the 4 dozen Red and white Roses before 5. So the only thing left was to find a great piece of jewelry to say forgive me. Opie found a simple gold chain with Izabella's birthstone on a baby foot that said Mommy's first baby. Jax found a necklace that had a key with the e infinity symbol at the top and had them in grave on the back you will always have. Then her decided Tara needed a charm bracelet with His and Nathanael's birthstones. He picked out a few other charms as well not wanting it to be empty when he gave it to her.
"Opie we don't give them this stuff until we have had dinner and started to Talk." Jax said wishing he had a female to call about this other than his mother.
"Agreed but you can't give Tara both of them in front of Donna save one fore if it's not going well?" Opie said wishing he wasn't in this mess.
"I can do that we need to get back now Tara didn't feel well and she has both our kids because we sent Neeta home." Jax said just now remember yet again he fucked up.
Both headed to their bikes without another word spoken to get back to the house. The drive back from the jewelers was short thank god because someone needed to help with the kids. Which would be Opie Jax had some harder things to do.
Opie walked in the door first and said. "Hi Tara are you feeling any better?"
"Hi Opie. I was feeling better before you left." Tara answered with a small smile.
"Good well you get to relax." Opie said and before Tara could protest added. "I am taking care of the monsters now."
"Hi Babe." Jax greeted and quickly asked. "Can I have a minute to talk to you?"
"Sure." Tara said as she followed Jax to the kitchen.
"Look I know I messed up and I am sorry." Jax started to say but Tara cut him off right there.
"Jax I don't want your apology." Tara said and started to turn before asking. "Is there something else you want to talk to me about?"
"Just wanted to know what Time Donna will be home so I can have dinner done." Jax replied with a look of disappointment.
"Donna will be home about 6." Tara answered before asking. Do you need any help?"
Jax seeing this as his one change to try and spend time with his wife and explain what had been going on said. "I was planning on grilling the whole meal but I think I could uses some help."
"Ok ill start by washing the asparagus and you tell me what else you have that needs done." Tara said as she pick the job that would put her the farthest away from Jax at the time.
"That is a great place to start." Jax said knowing what her plan was and countered by asking. "When you get done can you how me how to inject some of this marinate in to the meat?"
"Yeah I can do that." Tara said before asking. "You're really going to grill everything?"
"Yup and then I am going to clean the kitchen." Jax answered.
"I Think I like trying to get out of the dog house teller." Tara said showing no sign that it was working.
"I really don't like being here can I at least explain what has been going on all week?" Jax asking needing to clear the air with his wife.
"I guess you can." Tara said already knowing it was something to do with the club.
"Clay has had me running from sun up till almost sun up all week. I have had 2 hour to be able to sleep a day. I know I could have sent you a text but I didn't want to bother you when you were at school." Jax said calmly hopping Tara would understand and quickly added. "So when I had a few minutes I would call Neeta to check on things her. I really am sorry."
"You should have contacted me somehow Jax." Tara said and took a deep breath before finishing. "That is only half of the reason you are in the dog house."
"I know Babe I never should expect anything from you I wouldn't do for you like answer or return a phone call." Jax said trying to show Tara her has learned something. "Can I ask you something?" Jax asked and waited for an answer so when Tara nodded her head for him to continue he did. "Were you even going to come to Charming this weekend?"
"No." Tara answered simply and fast.
"Were you going to call?" Jax asked hopping the answer wasn't going to be a no.
"NO." Tara said but though she would explain this time so she did. "I didn't think you would answer so didn't feel the need to."
"I guess I had that coming." Jax said as Nathanael started to cry.
"I'll be back if you still need my help?" Tara said as she washed her hand to go get her son.
Jax yelled so Tara could hear him. "I'll be out back have to get the meat on."
Tara didn't answer jax she picked up Nathanael and asked. "Oh little man what's wrong?"
"Donna and I were having a heated discussion before she left the room." Opie answered.
"Ok I got him I'll take him out and finish helping Jax." Tara said as she walked to the kitchen with Nathanael.
"Well little man would you like some Dinner?" Tara asked and she waited till he gave her a small nod.
Ok let's see we have chicken fingers and French fries would you like that?" Tara said as she pulled the TV dinner out of the freezer.
When Nathanael nodded once again she laughed as Tara place it in the microwave.
"Do you think Mommy should make Izabella one too?" Tara asked just to see what he would say. When Nathanael nodded yes again she went to get Izabella for her dinner as well.
Tara knocked on Opie and Donna's door before she asked through the door. "Can I take Izabella so she can have dinner with Nathanael?"
"Yeah go ahead." Donna answered as she opened the door and handed Izabella over.
Once Tara turned to walk back to the kitchen she thought to herself. This is going to be a long dinner. Tara place Izabella in her high chair and asked. "Are you hungry Princess?"
Tara placed two chicken fingers and some French fries on each plate before placing both plates on the tray. Tara pored two Sippy cups of milk to help wash down their food. Once both children were eating and had everything they needed. Tara finished making the salad for their dinner before walking over to the sliding glass door and asked. "I hope you really don't need my help. I did make the salad, But I can't come out there I'm feeding the kids."
"Nope Babe I got this." As Jax watched Tara walk back in the Kitchen. Before he checked the meat on the grill with the meat thermometer finding it was done. Jax took it off the heat to rest as he grilled the asparagus witch would only take a few minutes.
"Babe can you please let Opie and Donna know dinner is almost done?" Jax asked as he carried the meat in and placed it on the counter.
"Yeah I will as soon as they are done eating or you can stand and watch them." Tara answered not wanting to leave them to long when they were eating.
"That will work thank you." Jax said knowing Tara could be acting a lot meaner thank she was.
"You're welcome Teller. Now finish cooking so I can go get them." Tara said.
Once Jax was back in the house Tara moved down the hall to get Opie and Donna knocking on their door.
"Dinner is ready. Will you both please come join us?" Tara asked knowing they would but unsure of their moods.
"Yes we will and thank you for taking care of Izabella." Dona said as she opened the door.
"Anytime." Tara replied as she turned to walk back to the kitchen. Tara had already taken out four plates with the silver weir they would need for dinner.
As they sat done Tara noticed a box in front of her seat but that isn't what had her asking. "When did the flowers get here?"
"About 5." Jax answered in a matter –of –factually tone
"So you really want out of the dog house Teller?" Tara asked not remembering a time he has ever gotten her flowers.
"Well one of the vases is yours so I would have to say yes." Opie answered knowing he felt the same way.
"I see." Tara said.
Jax pored a glass of wine for everyone, then cut the meat knowing it should be able to hold the juicy ness after resting so long. "I hope you all like dinner." Jax said as he took his seat.
They sat and ate in silence until Jax asked. "What's in the box Babe?"
"Well I'm thinking it's your idea of a get out of the dog house gift." Tara said as she opened the box to find a beautiful necklace that was a key.
"Does it help?" Jax asked as he watches Tara turned the charm over to find the in graving.
"It's a start." Was all Tara said.
"I guess I deserve that for the way I acted when I got the same treatment." Jax said with a level of understanding Tara didn't expect.
"Can we just enjoy our first meal together in over a week?" Tara asked not wanting to ruin the wonderful meal Jax had cooked.
"Yeah we can." Jax answered already knowing that Tara was starting to forgive him.
Opie and Donna must have already made up because she had on her new necklace and was sitting close to Opie.
Jax had finally found a moment to excuse himself from the table to place the other box on Tara's pill know knowing her would need that gift as will to maybe help with the cold shoulder he was still receiving. He completely understood why she was doing it but he just wanted to touch his wife and not in a sexual way. He missed the feel of her arms around him in a simple Hug or her lips lightly brushing his lips or check in passing. Knowing Tara was going to make him work for it only made him love her more she was a true Ol' lady. Tara even knew how to teach him and guide him in the right direction. He was going to show her that he was willing to fight for it.