Jax and Sydney pull up next to the other Sons' bikes parked at the carnival. "Come find me when you want that funnel cake. Oh, and turn your volume on high and make sure you answer if I call you, okay?"

"Okay, Dad," she says rolling her eyes. "Hey, I mean it, Sydney. I don't trust carnies. They're fuckin' creepy. Just do as I ask, alright?" Sydney sighs. "Yeah, I know. I will, I promise.. Soooo... Game money?" Jax rolls his eyes as he pulls out his wallet. "That's all I'm giving you, you little shit," he grins.

Sydney sees friends from school and runs over to them while Jax looks for Clay and the guys. "Your dad is so hot," says a girl who will be a freshman in the fall. All the other girls nod in agreement and giggle, including Sydney's closest friend from school, Rachael. Her best friends are always going to be Ellie and Kenny because they've known each other their entire lives and actually understand what it's like to be part of a huge biker family. They know they can't expect other kids to understand what it really means to a Son. Hell, they don't even know what it really means.
Sydney grimaces. "Eww, don't say that!"

Jax spots Tig and Opie by the Dunk The Carnie game. "Let's see what you've got, you big, baaad biker," the carnie taunts. Tig laughs at him. "I usually have good aim," he says referring to something else with a smirk, "but you're not my type."
Jax and Opie laugh.

Tig almost hits the lever with his second throw. "Close but no cigar. You gotta be better than that!" Bobby then appears out of nowhere and simply presses the lever and then points and laughs. The guys all laugh along with him as the carnie emerges from the tank in a fit of anger. "You looked sweaty, I was doing you a favor!"

Jax and the guys meet up with Clay, Gemma, and the rest of the Sons. Gemma speaks to them all. "Why exactly are we here?" Jax gives her a look. "You're the one who told me I had to be here." Gemma shrugs. "Only because I have to be here."

Clay clarifies for them. "Oswald has been avoiding us when it comes to talking about what he shouldn't do with his land. I know we can catch him here without him making a seen in the eye of the public."
They all nod but Jax is annoyed they didn't discuss it further beforehand. The Sons go off and get tickets for rides like a bunch of kids while Clay and Gemma head in the opposite direction towards the Photo Booth.

"There's the huge stuffed unicorn from last year! I can't believe they still have them!" Rachael shouts while pointing at the ring toss game before pulling Sydney over to it.
"Tell ya' what - I'll let you try one ring for free if you agree to pay for a set afterwards?" Sydney considers his deal before shrugging. "Sure.. not that I will, but what if I win for free the first time on the free game? Will you still make me pay?"
"Nope, I wouldn't do that to you," he says with a wink and handing her the ring. Was that a friendly wink? She takes the ring and tosses it with no such luck. She pulls out two dollars and he hands her a full set and she actually manages to get one to hook around a bottle. She looks at Rachael before pulling out two more dollars.
"This is a scam," she says after paying for four games. She was so close on her last try but the third ring barely missed the bottle. "Ugh! I suck!" The carnie gives her a creepy grin that she tries to ignore. He unhooks one of the large, pink and purple, sparkly unicorns and hands it to her. "Only because you're both purty," he says with another wink, making the girls uncomfortable. Sydney, not wanting to be rude and really wanting to keep the unicorn thanks him with a tiny, forced smile before they walk away. "Ew, what a fucking creep.. but at least you got your unicorn!"

Rachael phone vibrates. "Ugh, my mom is here to pick me up. Walk with me?" They walk out into the parking lot and just as Sydney is waving goodbye to Rachael and her mom, she spots Tara, Donna, Ellie, and Kenny walking in. "Hey guys!"
Sydney says as she walks up to them. "I'm glad you're here!"
"Hey, Syd. Where is everyone?" Donna asks her.
"Well, last I knew they were at the Dunk The Carnie game.. but that was an hour ago," Sydney shrugs.

"Looks like you managed to get some game money after all," Tara says, nodding to the unicorn and making Sydney laugh. "I batted my eyelashes the entire walk to his bike after we left the hospital." They both laugh.
"They're all over there," Ellie says pointing towards the french fry stand.
"Well, let's go see what's up," Donna says before turning to look at Tara. She doesn't want to say anything out loud in front of the kids but Tara can tell by the look on her face. She gives Donna a nod to let her know it's okay if they go see the guys. She knows the kids want to see their dad.

"So do you live with Wendy?" Tara asks Sydney once Donna walks away to buy the kids ice cream before meeting up with the guys. "No, my dad and I are temporarily living with Clay and Gemma. Dad is hoping to move back into the house we lived in with Wendy when she goes to rehab. I started staying with them first because my dad didn't want me to be around Wendy while she's on drugs. And he was worried about who might be hanging around the house because of it." Tara nods, once again feeling sorry for the young girl. She's surprised at how open she's being with her... she thought for sure that Gemma would have made her out to be some selfish, stuck up bitch. She wants to ask about Ashton but thinks better of it. After all, they don't even know each other.

They sit down at at picnic table so the kids can eat their ice cream after having talked to Opie and Piney. A clown approaches them and starts juggling and doing tricks. Sydney recognizes the clown as the carnie from the ring toss but avoids looking up until he finally walks away. Sydney jumps when someone sets a hand on her shoulder. She whips her head around with wide eyes and stares up at the person behind her who is blocking the sun and is happy to see Jax. "Woah, did I scare you?" Sydney exhales. "Yeah, I thought you were that clown. What's up?"
Jax frowns as he motions for her to move over so he has room to sit and then turns his head to look at the clown. "Why, what's wrong with him?" Jax asks her. Sydney shrugs, not wanting her dad to cause a scene because she knows damn well he definitely would. "Nothing, I just don't like him."
Jax cocks an eyebrow but lets it go.

"Mom, can we please play a game or get tickets to ride something?" Kenny asks hopefully, even though he and his sister already know the answer.
"Honey, I just bought you guys ice cream," Donna tells her sadly. "It was difficult to even pay for us to get in," she flushes, obviously embarrassed. Sydney stands up and pulls out all the tickets she won playing pinball that she was going to use to eventually ride something. "Here, guys. You can have mine." Ellie and Kenny's faces light up as they thank her.
"You don't have to do that, Sydney," Donna tells her. "I know, but I want to. I already have this unicorn. Besides, they would do the same for me."
Donna smiles gratefully while thanking her. "I'm gonna go find them a game to play real quick.. I'll be back," she tells the three left sitting at the table.

"That was nice of you," Tara says. Sydney smiles sadly and looks down at the top of the picnic table. "They deserve it."
Jax smiles proudly at his daughter before kissing the side of her head. "I knew I did at least one thing right raising you," he says before focusing on Tara. "Didn't expect to see you here, Doc," he jokes, trying to strike up conversation that isn't strictly about Abel or their past. Tara smirks. "Yeah, me either. Donna got ahold of me and asked if I wanted to go so I thought 'why not?'"
Jax nods. "You look more like the Tara I remember.. not wearing scrubs."
Sydney, clearly feeling out of place, stands up. "I have to pee.. will you hold my unicorn?" Jax sighs. "Only when you're in the bathroom.. I'm not going to carry this thing around with me." Sydney rolls her eyes. "Personally, I think it will make you look tougher.. intimidating biker carrying around a sparkly unicorn? C'mon, Daddy. Look at the bigger picture."

"She's funny," Tara laughs after she's out of earshot. "She gets it honestly," Jax grins, referring to himself. Tara snorts. "I don't know about that." Jax raises his eyebrows but can't hold in his laugh. "So, how have you been? I mean, really? Everything else aside," Jax asks her curiously. "Uhh.. I've been okay.. lonely but busy. It took a lot out of me to be where I am now but I'm thankful. I love what I do. How about you? Everything else aside." Jax doesn't respond right away - he wasn't expecting to answer the question. "Well... I've been busy too. Being a dad and club business.. Not much else I can say." Tara nods, trying to come up with what to say next but her phone saves her. "Sorry," she apologizes before answering. "Hello? ... Who is this? What do you want?" She asks fearfully, forgetting her surroundings. Josh Kohn called to let Tara know he's in town and that she looks beautiful is that navy blue tank top. Josh hangs up and Tara tries to brush it off and not let Jax know she's freaking out but he's not stupid. "Everything okay?" He asks with concern. "Yeah, it's all good," she say trying to smile and looks around her but doesn't see him.

By now the sun has gone down. It's been twenty-five minutes of casual conversation before Jax and Tara notice that neither Sydney nor Donna and her kids have returned. "Hmm.. maybe they are still playing a game? Wanna go look for them?" Jax nods, standing up. He stares at the unicorn and groans before picking it up, knowing Sydney would be peeved if someone stole it. "I was going to offer to carry it but you just look too adorable," Tara teases. "Ha-ha," Jax replies but he can't deny that it felt like his heart skipped a beat when she called him adorable. Holy fuck, I need to get a grip.
They continue walking and see Clay on the phone looking pissed. He waves Jax over and Tara follows. "Unser just called me.. Elliott Oswald's daughter has been beaten and raped. She's only thirteen. I want to get all our women and children out of here right now - we don't know who we're dealing with." Jax's eyes grow dark as he curses under his breath before responding. "Jesus Christ. That fucker deserves to rot in hell."
Tara feels stick to her stomach and nods in agreement.

Jax and Tara search for Sydney while Opie goes to find his wife and kids. "Do you know the girl?" Tara asks trying to keep up with how fast Jax is walking. "She won't answer her phone, dammit! I told her to make sure she answers if I call.. I don't pay a phone bill for this bullshit," he spits angrily and he starts to worry himself by thinking the worst before answering her question.
"Not really. I've seen her a few times around town. Sydney knows her but not well. Oswald's wife put her in some fancy Catholic girls only school for rich kids."

Jax spots Sydney and Ellie with a group of kids their age and older and though he's angry she didn't answer her phone he's relieved to see that they're both okay. "Don't embarrass them," Tara nudges him as they walk towards the flock of teenagers. Jax shoots Tara a grin. "Sydney, Ellie? Come on, we gotta go." They wave goodbye to their friends and walk away with Jax and Tara. Tara laughs after seeing the flock of teenage girls with their jaws on the ground staring wide-eyed at Jax. "What?" Jax asks obliviously. "Mine and Ellie's friends, Dad. They're weird.." Sydney trails off. "They were practically drooling over you," Tara informs him and Sydney scrunches up her face. Ellie laughs along with Tara. "Hey, now! Don't act like you can't relate! They feel the same way about Uncle Opie," Sydney reminds Ellie who sticks her tongue out at her in response.
"Those little girls? I don't think so," Jax says uncomfortably. Sydney snorts. "They talk about you all the time.. now what's going on? Why are you walking so fast?" She asks while jogging to catch up with him. "You'd know that if you would have answered your phone like I told you to," he snaps. "The cops are going to be here any minute now and make everyone leave. Tristen Oswald was raped and beaten." Sydney and Ellie both gasp and stop dead in their tracks to look at each other. They remember seeing her with her parents when Ellie got here. "Oh my God! Who would do that?!" Ellie asks her uncle.
Jax stops walking and backtracks. He can tell they're terrified. "A sick piece of shit. That's why I need to get you guys out of here. Come on, let's keep walking."
Ellie hugs both Sydney and Jax goodbye before leaving with Donna and Kenny.

Clay informs Jax that Gemma went to a house owned by someone of a different charter about thirty minutes away because a fight broke out between a few crow eaters and his old lady. The last thing they want is for the cops to be involved - instead they will fear the wrath of Gemma; Queen of SAMCRO.
"Shit.. where should I take Syd then? I don't want her at home alone right now... hey, don't give me that look, little girl. You know I just want you to be safe," Jax scolds her. "I know, Dad. I'm sorry. I feel bad when people have to go out of their way just to worry about me," she admits. Jax rolls his eyes but tucks her hair behind her ear. "What kind of dad would I be if I didn't go out of my way to protect you?"
Tara pipes in. "She can come back to my place if you don't want her alone," she suggests. Jax smiles gratefully. "Yeah, if you don't mind? That would make me feel a lot better. Thanks."
Jax hugs Sydney while kissing her head. "Be good, kid. I'm sorry I snapped at you for not answering your phone... but when I tell you to do something I expect you to listen. After hearing about Tristen I was starting to freak out, baby... I don't even want to think about it. I'm just trying to look out for you. You know that, right? I love you."
Sydney nods before hugging him, "yes, Dad. I know. I'm sorry I worried you. I love you, too." Jax hugs her back before looking at Tara. "Thanks again," he says as he takes her hand and kisses it affectionately, showing her that he truly is thankful. She knows it's an act of kindness but it still sends an electric shot to her heart.. and a tingling sensation between her thighs. Woah, I've definitely missed that.

The cops show up after Jax walks them to Tara's car. SAMCRO stays behind to talk to Unser. "Who did it?" Happy asks, literally ready to kill someone. "We aren't sure.. we will need to talk to the girl. I'm sorry boys.. but don't do anything stupid, you hear me?" Unser says before walking away. "Clay?" Oswald approaches, eyes red from crying. "I know I don't always see eye-to-eye with you and your club, but I want to ask a favor. Will you find this bastard for me? I won't be able to sleep ever again knowing he's alive and well, getting away with raping my baby." Clay looks at his club, especially Jax, Opie, Tig, and Chibs - the ones who have daughters of their own - and knows by the looks on their faces that they agree to help Elliott.

"Do you want anything to drink? I have water, juice, coffee, tea?" Sydney nods. "I'll have some juice, thank you." Tara pours her a glass before sitting down across from her. "So, what do you like to do for fun?" Tara asks her ever so curiously. "I love to dance and am on a dance team and attend dance classes. I like to go shopping, read, go to the beach, hang out with my friends and family, and ride on my dad's motorcycle. What about you?"
Tara smiles. "Well.. I love reading and shopping as well. I like to help people which is why I chose to become a neonatal surgeon. I also used to love riding on your dad's motorcycle believe it or not." Sydney's eyes light up. "He would take you for a ride if you ask him."
Tara forces a smile even though the words tug on her heartstrings.

"Are you hungry? Your dad just texted me saying it's going to be a little while. I know it's kinda late for dinner but I was going to make some pasta if you want any?" Sydney nods. "That sounds good.. can I help make it?" Tara flashes her a pretty smile. "Of course you can.. that is, if you didn't get your cooking skills from your father." She jokes making Sydney laugh. "Yeah, Dad definitely doesn't cook much. Except he's really good at grilling. Wendy was a good cook though... she used to cook every night. But it didn't last long," she admits, referring to her relapse.

Tara puts a pot of water on the stove to boil while having Sydney cut up the chicken. She then gets out peas and the portabella mushrooms she cut earlier. "I suppose I should ask if you like mushrooms? I don't think many kids your age do." Sydney nods her head. "I actually do like them... just don't tell my friends," she grins.

After the noodles are cooked and drained and the sauce, mushrooms, and peas have been warmed up, they mix it all together in a big bowl. They are just waiting on the chicken to be done. "Wow, this smells and looks really good.. I'm excited to eat it. I'm starving!" Tara smiles happily. "Good, I'm glad! Do you normally cook?" Sydney shakes her hand as if to say she does a little. "Nothing really fancy.. but since I've been staying with my grandparents I've been learning new things," she says with a smile. Tara nods, "does Gemma still cook often? Everything she made was absolutely delicious."
Sydney beams. "Oh, yeah. She's the best. She goes all out for birthdays, holidays, parties, fundraisers. All that stuff."

They eat and have casual conversation. "You definitely seem wise beyond your years.. You'll be thirteen on Halloween right?" Sydney looks at her with a surprised expression, "you remember my birthday?"
Tara nods. "Yes, I do.. your dad was so nervous. That's what I remember most."
Sydney looks down at her food and remembers the conversation she had with her dad the day Abel was born. When she cried to him about probably being the reason Tara left. "I bet he was..."
"He loves you so much, honey. That's obvious."
Sydney looks up and can't help but smile.

There is a knock on the door. "Speaking of the devil." Tara answers the door but no one is there. She looks around for a few seconds before closing the door and locking it. Confused, she retreats back to the dining room. "That was weird.. no one was there," Tara tells her. Sydney frowns and looks around her. She feels uneasy.. like she's being watched. "That's creepy.. should we call my dad?"
Tara grabs her phone off the table and calls Jax. "Hey. I'm walking up to your house right now. Did you hear the bike?" Tara sighs in relief. "No, we didn't actually but we are glad you're here."
Tara unlocks the door for him and then locks it behind him. "What's going on?" He asks them. "There was a knock at the door a minute ago but no one was there.. maybe they saw you and were scared away."
"Well, I'll take a look," he says reaching for the door knob but Sydney grabs his arm to stop him. He smiles at his sweet kid. "Baby, I'll be fine. Just wait here and don't open the door unless I tell you to."

"Well, whoever it was is gone now.." Jax says entering the house again. Tara bites her lip nervously. "Well, how did it go at the fairgrounds?" Running a hand through his hair, Jax sighs. "Well... I can't go into details but I'll just say that things were handled. Tristen was admitted to St. Thomas." Sydney feels her stomach churn. "Who did it? Was it a carnie?" Jax tucks her hair behind her ear. "Yes.. he left an easy trail.. fucking idiot." Tara shakes her head. "Sick bastard.. but are you hungry? Please eat some of the pasta we made so I don't have so much left over." Jax smiles. "Well, when you put it that way."

Another hour manages to pass as they all just sit around and talk. Sydney checks her phone. One AM already? She tries to stifle a yawn but is unsuccessful. She rests her head on her forearms the same way you do in class and dozes off. Tara and Jax continue to bullshit until she notices Sydney and nods at her. "I think someone needs to be put to bed." Jax smiles but wishes he didn't have to leave. He's enjoyed catching up with her a little. He gently shakes Sydney and she sits up but her head is nodding. "I'm awake."

"You're not getting on the back of my bike if I have to worry about you falling asleep," he tells her. She gets up and walks around in order to stay moving and awake, "thanks so much for this, Tara. It was fun and I enjoyed myself." Tara smiles gratefully. "It was my pleasure." She walks them to the door and remembers the knocking earlier and doesn't want to be alone tonight. "Are you okay?" Jax asks her. "Yeah, I'm fine. See you at the hospital?" She asks. "Of course.. listen, thanks again for letting her stay with you for a few hours. I and the club appreciate it," he gives her upper arm a squeeze, wishing it wouldn't be awkward to wrap his arms around her and maybe kiss her like he used to.


I'm sorry it's been longer than usual guys; I was wrapped up in school and work. Thanks again for following, favoriting, and reviewing! You're amazing.