You guys make me smile! :)


It's been a few weeks since the awful event that took place at the Funtown Carnival and things are just now starting to settle down in Charming - not for SAMCRO though; nothing ever seems to settle down for them. Abel has definitely grown stronger and is able to be held by family and friends now. His doctors, including Tara, are hoping he will be well enough to go home soon.

Sydney and Tara have been getting along nicely each time they see each other at the hospital much to Gemma's dismay. Sydney doesn't really understand why her grandma despises Tara so much but she doesn't push her for information - she definitely knows better. Gemma would never admit it, but she's jealous of how well they bond and it makes her think of when she and Tara used to get along so well. She's been trying to come around for the sake of her son who is still hopelessly in love with the woman.

Things have been a little crazy within the club lately which is obviously normal. The Sons have been on their toes since the ATF was in town and they had to dangerously go out of their way to store their guns in the Clubhouse as well as make a trip to Nevada to propose a deal with the charter there.

The club was lucky enough to have their guns out of the Clubhouse when the ATF showed up with a warrant and tore the place apart. Sydney happened to be at the Clubhouse that day and was terrified when a bunch of agents came barging in and forced her to get on the ground. "She's a little girl, what the fuck is wrong with you guys?!" Clay had shouted angrily. Jax felt horrible seeing how scared she was and is having a hard time forgiving himself even though it wasn't his fault Sydney keeps telling him.

Gemma went to jail for assaulting a young girl and she and Clay ended up in a huge fight which made things awkward at the house for Sydney and Jax when they started to yell at each other. Gemma had locked herself the bedroom while Clay continued to sit at the head of the dining room table.

Things eventually blew over though. Family is the most important thing and they know they need to stick together.


Jax sits at the bar of the Clubhouse trying to nurse a minor hangover. He didn't feel comfortable laying next the woman he fucked last night. He knows he should stop doing this so much but it's an attempt at filling the void. He and Tara have been on good terms since the carnival but he isn't sure if he will be able to convince her to give him another chance.

Sydney and Gemma push through the doors of St. Thomas and head upstairs to see Abel. Tara is feeding him at the moment and she smiles at the two of them. "Would either of you like to take over?" She asks. Gemma smiles at Sydney. "Go on, baby. Feel your little brother." Sydney's eyes light up as she sits in the rocking chair so Tara can hand him over.
"How's he doing?" Gemma asks. "He's doing good. He's a miracle baby. He is going to need some special care for the first year or so of his life." Gemma sighs. "Jax needs to get his act together then." Tara frowns. "I'm sure he'll do fine.. he has you. Super Mom, remember?" Gemma tries her best not to smile at the memory of Tara always calling her that but can't help it. Gemma always made sure Jax and his brother never went without and treated Tara and Jax's friends like her own, often feeding them and giving them a place to sleep when necessary. "I am Super Mom, aren't I?"

"Super Grandma, too." Sydney smiles, happy to see the two of them together like that. "Thanks, baby." Gemma smiles.
Just then Jax walks up to the window and smiles at the sight of his two children. Gemma pulls out her phone and snaps a picture before telling Jax to stand behind the chair so she can take one of the three of them. "What a cute, little family." Gemma smiles proudly. "Hop in there, doc." She says to Tara who hesitates and gives her a confused look. "I-I don't kn-" Gemma cuts her off. "You saved a son, a brother, and a grandson." Tara stands next to Jax behind Sydney for the picture.

Sydney hands Abel to Jax before standing up to look at the pictures Gemma took. "Aww, these are all so cute.. except the second one! Look at my face." Sydney scrunches up her nose. Gemma shows Jax and Tara the pictures.
"You look fine! I don't think you could ever look bad honestly. You're a beautiful girl, Sydney." Sydney smiles big and thanks her.
"You should see her when she wakes up in the morning..." Jax jokes and cracks a playful smile that makes Tara's knees weak. Goddamn, he's so nice to look at it. "When does grandma get to hold Abel?" Gemma persists.

Sydney stays behind with Gemma while Jax and Tara go for a short walk through the hallways. "Gemma surprised me.. she must not hate you as much as we thought, huh?" Tara smiles gratefully. "We've been getting better.. no where near where it used to be, obviously. But I don't expect it to ever be. Things are different now. Just as long as she doesn't want me dead... that's definitely a start." Jax nods in agreement. "I wanted to thank you for being so good to Sydney.. I know Gemma is always there for her and everything, but it's nice that she has another female to bond with.. she never had an actual mother growing up."

"You don't have to thank me - I've truly enjoyed her company these last few weeks. She's funny, witty, intelligent, beautiful, and even seems to be stubborn.. She reminds me of you, especially when she smiles." Jax raises his eyebrows and gives her a look. "So I'm beautiful?" He asks. Tara giggles and nudges him. "Something like that." Jax is quick to respond, looking her right in the eyes. "Yeah, well so are you." She feels butterflies in her stomach and tries her best not to show how he truly makes her feel but can't hold back a smile. "Thanks, Teller."


"Check out that mamacita." Tig grins while nodding his head in the direction of the woman approaching the garage. "You and your undying love for the latinas." Bobby says, making Opie, Juice, Happy, and Half-Sack laugh. "How can we help you, miss?" Tig purrs. She flashes them all a sexy smile. "My car is doing some weird shit. Like making noises it never used to.. not too sure what's wrong with it." She says twirling her hair. Opie motions for her to give him the keys. "We'll take a look at it." Tig steps closer. "What's your name doll?" "Mercedes." Tig's eyes widen. She's probably a stripper... hell yes.

They talk for a little bit while Opie and Happy look at her car. "Tig's in Heaven right now.." Half-sack says to Juice who nods his head. "You got that right." Tig slips away from Mercedes. "Think you guys can hold this place down while I show Mercedes something real quick?" Tig asks them in a hushed voice. Juice stares at him. "Define something." Half-sack nods. "And real quick." Tig flashes them a knowing smile. "I'll be back, boys."

Tig makes sure Clay isn't lurking around somewhere before he and Mercedes walk to the Clubhouse. "How come he gets all the ass?" Half-sack scratches his head. "Because he has both his nuts." Juice says, dodging Half-sack's swing and laughing.

Gemma and Sydney pull up to the garage and get out of the Cadillac. "Hello, boys.. how's it goin'?" Gemma asks. "Good, Mrs. Morrow." Half-sack nods avoiding eye contact. "Hey, kid. How have you been?" Juice asks while returning Sydney's hug. "I've been good! You?" Juice smiles. "I've been all right." Sydney even hugs Half-sack (she thinks he's so dorky and adorable but she's only ever admitted that to Gemma).

"Where's that girl?" Opie returns. "Tig went to show her something." Juice informs him. "Oh, brother.." Gemma says heading to her office. Sydney giggles, catching on. "Hey, babe." Opie says nodding to her. "Hey, Uncle Ope. I've missed you." Opie smiles and takes her into his strong arms, lifting her a few feet off the ground.

Jax pulls up on his bike wearing his gray Teller-Morrow Automotive Repair button-up under his kutte. He's working the rest of the day and relieving Opie. "Hey, boys.. what do we have here?"
Opie replies before leaving. "Worn spark plugs.. I was going to ask her if she wants us to go ahead and replace them put Tig is taking her to pound-town right now." Jax rolls his eyes. "All right, thanks bro."

Happy curses. "Lucky son of a bitch."


Tara pulls up to Teller-Morrow and gets out to find Sydney - they're going shopping. Sydney hugs Gemma goodbye and exits the office. "Hey!" She smiles. "Ready for this?" Tara returns the smiles before responding. "Yes, indeed. It's been a long time since I've gone shopping like this so I'm pretty excited!"
Just then Jax walks up. "I'll see you later, daddy." Sydney says with a grin. "Where are you going?" Sydney squints her eyes at him. "Grandma didn't tell you? Tara and I are going shopping. Grandma gave me some money.." She says with doe eyes. Jax sighs and pulls out his wallet. "You're killing me, Smalls.. here, take this. Don't buy anything stupid or I'll whoop your ass." He says in a joking manner. Sydney gasps. "Oh my god, thanks daddy!" She says hugging him and taking the $100. "Yeah, yeah. You're welcome. You knew what you were doing when you looked up at me through those damn eyelashes."

Tara giggles. "Where do you want me to drop her off at?" Jax thinks for a few seconds. "Depends on what time you'll be back." Tara checks her phone. "Well, it's 3:00 now... I'm not sure. I'll have her call you." Jax nods. "Thanks, Tara. This is really nice of you. I don't enjoy taking her shopping." Sydney rolls her eyes. "Not as much as I don't enjoy it, dad. He's so picky and acts like.. like.." Sydney struggles with that to say. "Like a dad." Jax finishes her sentence for her while raising his eyebrows.

"Wait, I need to grab my bag." Sydney says before jogging back to the office. "What are you guys shopping for?" He asks Tara. "Clothes.. Anything other than scrubs." She jokes. Sydney returns with a goofy grin. "What?" Tara asks laughing. "Papa gave me money because grandma told him we are going shopping." Jax holds his hand out. "I want mine back then!" Sydney just hugs him goodbye. "Thanks again, daddy! I love you."


Tara and Sydney get to the mall after about 35-40 minutes in the car - there aren't any malls in or very close to Charming. They're now in American Eagle scoping out jeans. "Oh, man. It's been a while since I have bought jeans from this place.." Tara admits. "I can help - what's your size?" Sydney asks. "Either a four or a six.. Not really sure though." Sydney has Tara pick out three pairs of jeans she likes and grabs them in both sizes. "Try these on and see if which size fits better." Tara nods at her with a smile. "Yes, m'am."

Tara ended up purchasing three new pairs of jeans that fit her just right and she is overjoyed. "Thanks for helping me in there." Tara says as they exit the store. "I can't remember the last time I felt so good and confident while shopping."
Sydney nudges her. "You're so pretty, Tara and have a great figure! Nothing to be ashamed of." Tara grins thankfully. "Wow, thanks so much! That really makes me feel great! What did you end up getting?"
"You're always welcome! And I just hit up the sale racks - found a cute, dark green knit cardigan and a pair of jean shorts! Hey, can we go in here?" Sydney stops walking as they pass Forever 21. "Yes, of course. You don't have to ask!"

"Wow, this place is really cheap.." Tara says after checking a few price tags. "Maybe I should look around.." Sydney pops up from digging through the bottom of a shelf with a pair of jeans in hand. "Yes, look around! I love this place. Some of their clothes are totally not my style but they have so many different options to work with.. I know you'll find something!"

Sydney left Forever 21 with two pairs of jeans, a cute, floral sundress, earrings, two necklaces, some socks, and a big, brown faux leather purse. Tara managed to find a cheap pair of dark wash skinny jeans that Sydney talked her into buying. "They look so good on you! They hug your body just right. It's one pair and they are only $17, so why not?" Tara looks at herself in the mirror before deciding she would get them along with a few shirts and two dressy/casual tank tops.

The girls walk through the mall and decide where to go next. Tara really wants to buy some underwear and bras but isn't sure how Sydney would feel about it. "Hey, are you okay with going into Victoria's Secret so I can buy some unmentionables?" Tara asks. Sydney laughs at 'unmentionables' and nods her head. "Totally. Let's go."
"Do you ever shop here?" Tara asks as they walk inside and start browsing around. "Yeah, but not for bras and underwear. Not yet at least. Even my laid back grandmother won't let me. I normally just buy things like perfume, lotion, and sweats. What's your size, I can help you look?"

"Well, this place runs pretty small so I think I'm gonna go with a large on the underwear.. probably medium, actually - I haven't shopped here in a long time. My bra size is a 34B though." Sydney nods, now picking through the underwear. She helps her pick out four cute, comfortable pairs and one sexy pair; Sydney called them scandalous which made them both giggle uncontrollably. "I like shopping with you." Tara tells her.

Tara was lucky enough to find three cute bras her size in the sales bin which saved her a lot of money because of how ridiculously expensive that store can be. "Ever been fitted?" Tara asks Sydney while they wait in line to pay. Sydney's eyes widen at the question. "Oh, no. Not a whole lot to measure.. but they're growing. Even grandma noticed. I'll get fitted in a few months when they have hopefully grown even more." Tara smiles. "Well, if you need someone to tag along let me know!"

They go into a few other stores like H&M and Charlotte Russe before deciding to get some dinner - Tara's treat. They're now seated in the Ruby Tuesday in the mall. "So what do you and your dad do to bond?" Tara asks Sydney before taking a sip of her iced tea. "Well... that's a hard one actually. Definitely ride on his bike, we used to go for walks sometimes but things have changed ever since Wendy got pregnant. We watch scary movies together sometimes and we occasionally talk bad about my mother to make me feel better."
Ever so pleased to hear that Tara grins but also feels sorry for her. "I don't want to pry or anything.. but do you see her often?"
"You're not prying! No, we really don't.. she comes around a few times a year; she even manages to send me a birthday card." Sydney rolls her eyes. "She's just not interested in seeing me often. I've learned to accept that. If she doesn't need me then I don't need her.." Sydney replies while looking down at her hands.

"I'm sorry, honey. I know that must be tough. You have so many people who love and care about you though, you know? An entire club that would do anything to make you happy and keep you safe." Tara says while leaning closer to her over the table. Sydney smiles sadly. "Yes, you're right.. thanks so much. Grandma has been amazing my entire life and like a mother to me but it's hard sometimes. Dad does his best and is the greatest father I could ask for. I know how much he cares about me and I'm truly lucky to have such a great relationship with him."

They eat and talk for about and hour and a half before grabbing all their bags and leaving the mall. Tara pops the trunk of her Cutlass so they can throw all their stuff in it. "I'm going to call dad." Sydney says pulling her phone out of her bag. "Hey, dad. Yeah, a lot of fun! What do you mean 'things I don't need?!' I need everything that I bought!" Sydney says while glancing at Tara to grin at her. "The shop? Yeah, okay. Mhm, yep. I love you too. Bye!"
"Take you to Teller-Morrow?" Tara assumes. "Yup."

They arrive at the shop thirty minutes later and Sydney glances at her father's bike to see if she can fit all her things in his saddle bags. "What's wrong?" Jax yells from inside the shop after noticing Sydney standing by his bike. "Nothing." She shouts walking toward him. "I need to organize my things so I can fit them in your bags."
"How much did you get?" He sighs while continuing to fill out some paperwork on the hightop counter. "Not a lot." Sydney fibs and makes Tara giggle - a sound that is like music to Jax's ears. "What about you?" He looks up from the papers to catch Tara's eye. "I bought a lot of stuff I guess.. it was nice. She's a great shopper." Tara says wrapping an arm around Sydney. "She checks out all the sales and goes from there and, in turn, spends less money while getting more things.. you should be proud. I'm super impressed."
"Aw, thank you! Shopping is my sport... and dance of course." Sydney jokes.

Sydney hugs Tara goodbye and thanks her before she grabs her bags from the trunk. "Thanks again for this.. is was a blast and I'd love to do it again sometime.. I really enjoy spending time with you." Sydney says. "I had fun too.. you're an awesome girl, Sydney. And remember what I told you!"

Jax takes Sydney's bags from her hands and carries them for her. "Hold on." He tells Tara. "I'll be right back."
"Hey." Tara smiles when he returns. "Thanks for letting me take her.. even though you didn't know about it until last minute.. I really enjoyed myself. She blows me away, honestly. She's so smart and strong through everything. She must get that from you. And Abel being such a fighter and doing so well when his chances to live at first were slim to none... it must be in the blood, Teller."

Jax grins. "Well, thanks. I do take pride in my babies. Listen, thanks again for being so good to her. I really appreciate it. I know she can be hand full while shopping. You know that expression shop 'til you drop? I think she would literally do that if she had the money to." Jax replies. Tara shakes her head with a smile. "Oh, I know it. She's great though.. she really helped me out. It was nice to get to know her a little more."


Tara gets home and removes the tags and stickers from all her clothes before throwing the underwear in the wash. She hears a noise coming from the back of her house and instantly freezes. After listening closely but hearing nothing she shakes it off.

She goes over in hear head whether or not she wants to shower tonight before bed or just do it in the morning. She steps foot in her room while flipping the switch and lets out a loud shriek.