Shorter chapter this time around, but I didn't want to lump it in with the next one, or it'd be insanely long! ;)

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read/review! :D

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own OCs/storyline...

She Will Be Loved

Chapter 50: Choices

By Love Ink

Angela glanced over at Jax who was slowly rocking back and forth in Skeeter's desk chair looking bored out of his mind. She didn't know why he was the one who had to shadow her. All she knew was she'd woken up that morning, and he'd been sitting in her living room. Not Juice. "Why isn't Juice my shadow again?" she asked as she went through the website to order more supplies.

" 'cause he has prospect shit to do," Jax said, flipping his phone open to check the time. "And the club wanted me outta there so they can talk behind my back."

She rolled her eyes at him. "Y'all gossip like girls," she muttered, shaking her head. "What are they talking about so much?"

"Now who's gossiping?" he teased with a smirk. "Since Piney can't ride an actual two wheeler, he's gotta step down. Trike doesn't cut it."

Angela frowned at the idea of Piney getting pushed out of his spot because he couldn't ride the right kind of motorcycle. "That's fucked up."

"He's still gonna sit at the table," Jax explained, unfazed. "Just looks bad to have the biggest MC's Vice President not riding a legit Harley."

"His trike isn't a Harley?"

"C'mon, Ang. You know that thing doesn't look as badass as the two-wheelers."

Angela rolled her eyes at him, shaking her head. "Still fucked up."

"Just the way things work," he said on shrug. "Anyways, they'll be a big party planned for him tonight actually. If things go smoothly, it'll be a retirement and a swear-in party."

"So am I being graced with the presence of the future Vice President of SAMCRO?"

Jax grinned proudly and shrugged. "Potentially. You think I'm ready for it?"

Angela furrowed her brows together in confusion. She definitely didn't know him well enough to judge that. Not to mention, she had no idea what a Vice President even did. "I dunno. Why are they choosing you and not...one of the older guys?"

"They want to modernize the club a bit. Make it younger. They think promoting me will help. New blood at the table. And I think I got good ideas that can help with it too."

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

He shrugged a shoulder. "Want to do more intelligence shit and less jumping into things blind. Maybe make an intelligence officer position."

She raised an eyebrow at that knowing exactly who the blonde would have in mind to fill that position. "For Juice?"

"If he gets his full rocker, yeah," he confirmed on a nod. "He's already been real helpful with the computer shit. Can only imagine the info he can get us when we let him in on club business."

Angela's stomach clenched at the thought of Juice getting deeper into club business. She hated that he had anything to do with the club, in all honesty. A part of her hoped he wouldn't get the full patch. "You think he'll make it?'

Jax narrowed his blue eyes at her, his head cocked to the side. "You don't want him to?"

"I never wanted him anywhere near the club to begin with," she answered honestly.

"Something I should worry about?"

She scowled at him, shaking her head. "No. He'll make a great club member, like you said. He's loyal and smart and would definitely modernize you guys..."

"But you're afraid the club's gonna change him."

Angela hung her head. "Yeah. He should be working at some comic book store, not doing illegal shit. It almost got him killed in New York, and he wasn't doin' anything near as dangerous as what you are."

Jax sat forward in his chair a bit, playing with his rings. "Y'know he was, right? He was neck deep in mob stuff. Real bad shit. I don't think you know the half of it. I mean, you know how he got his name, right? He's not some innocent kid. Treating him like one isn't doing you any favors."

She nodded. Juice had explained once how he'd got the name while helping to peddle steroids when he was in high school. It didn't reassure her, though. "Whatever," she muttered for lack of a better thing to say.

"You comin' to the big party then?"

"Don't really have a choice. If it's a big important party, then all my shadows will be there, so I will be too. I'll have a shot just for you, VP."

Jax smirked a bit, fidgeting a bit with one of his rings. "Like the sound of that."

Angela snorted, rolling her eyes again. "Careful, Teller. Your head gets any bigger, and you're gonna have trouble fittin' through doors."

He flipped her off, though his big grin took the sting out of it. "Shut up. Get back to work."

She mock saluted him. "Whatever you say, VP."

Juice could hear all of SAMCRO buzzing about Piney stepping down. About who would fill his vacant spot. Some people were pushing for Bobby, others wanted Jax. It seemed Clay in particular wanted Jax and was lobbying hard for him. Juice almost wondered if he wanted Jax because he was young and more easily swayed than steadfast, stubborn Bobby. Juice wasn't sure where he stood, though it didn't really matter anyway. A part of him wanted Jax to get the seat, knowing it meant he'd for sure get his full patch; Jax understood the tech stuff better, knew how vital it could be to have someone that could hack into a multitude of resources. Bobby kept mentioning how he didn't understand computers and didn't know how the hell they could be as reliable as a good ole pen and paper. With Bobby as VP, he wouldn't have the tech edge he would if it was Jax. Juice wasn't sure if he liked Jax having so much power; he didn't quite trust him, especially now that him and Angela seemed to be getting to know each other.

He'd been in disbelief when Jax had shown up on his doorstep earlier that morning, said he was taking over as her shadow for the day, and told him to get his ass to the clubhouse. He'd reluctantly agreed, dragging his feet while he got ready in hopes Angela would wake up early, and he'd at least get to see her before he left. She didn't, so, dejectedly, he'd left and gone to the clubhouse where he'd been doing bitch work since he got there, including cleaning the bar, which was his current task.

"What's got you so mopey, Juicer?" Kozik asked, breaking into his thoughts.

Juice frowned down at his own reflection in the shiny bar-top. He knew it wouldn't stay clean and shiny for long, which irked him a bit. What was the point in even cleaning it? "Nothin'," he muttered, slinging the rag over his shoulder. "Need somethin'?"

"Gimme a beer," he said on a nod. "How was your beach day? Kid said she had a good time."

"Yeah," he said on an awkward chuckle. "Was real fun. Her friends are...somethin' else."

Kozik chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah. They're good kids. She mention douche bag at all?"

Juice shook his head. "Just once when she said she didn't want to talk about him," he answered, opening the beer and handing it to Koz. He remembered what Lino had said about Angela going back to Esai if he didn't take a chance. "Why? You think they'll get back together?"

He considered it for a moment as he took a long pull of his beer. "Hope not. She says its over for good, but she's said that before so...who the fuck knows?"

"I fuckin' hate that guy," he muttered, re-stocking the small bar fridge with beer.

"Don't we all?"

Juice watched Clay and Piney talking in a corner. "Big vote tonight, huh?"

Kozik bobbed his head slowly, picking at the label on his beer. " 's not often we get a vacant seat at the table. Big moves happening. Piney leavin' is gonna give Clay a lot more power than before if the new VP don't keep him in check."

"That mean you want Bobby to take the spot?"

"You been listening to the gossip?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. Juice shrugged in response, which made Kozik sigh before he stated, "I dunno. Think they both would bring good things to the table. If Jax can hold his own against Clay, then I think he'd be good for it. Just haven't seen too much of that. I got faith in him, though. He's got a good head on his shoulders like his old man. If he brings good ideas to the table tonight, he'll get my vote."

Juice nodded slowly. "Kinda not fair that he's not here campaigning or whatever."

Kozik laughed, shaking his head. "You just want Jax to come back so you can go be the kid's shadow. What's wrong? You don't trust the guy?"

"N-no," he stammered in response. "No, I just...think he should be here...B-bobby's here. Shouldn't Jax be too?"

"Whatever you say, prospect," Kozik said, taking another swig of his beer as he pushed away from the table. "Relax. Kid's in good hands. Hap's on his way down to take over, anyway."

Juice frowned, wondering if they weren't purposefully trying to keep them apart. "I can do it. I don't mind."

"I know you don't, Juicer, but you got a lotta shit to do here. Big party tonight, remember?" he remarked, gesturing to the clubhouse. "You'll see her later. Don't worry. She ain't goin' anywhere."

He sighed heavily and nodded. "Guess you're right."

"Cheer up, buttercup! You got more cleanin' to do, and we both know how much you love cleaning!" he teased, laughing as he walked away from the table.

"Asshole," Juice muttered as he went back to cleaning. At least he had the party to look forward to. This time, he wasn't going to let a Croweater get between him and Angela. No way was he going to lose her again.

Happy checked the time on his little burner as he waited for his cousin to get ready for the big SAMCRO party. He didn't mind being her shadow in all honesty. It'd been awhile since he got to hang out with his cousin. He'd been able to watch her work and did so with pride. It was amazing to him to think the little girl in pigtails that used to follow him around begging for him to draw on her was all grown up and working on dead people.

But now, she was taking way too long getting ready for the party. It was ridiculous. He'd been sitting there for what felt like hours. "Kid! The fuck are you doing?" he called to the back. "I gotta be at the table in an hour!"

"Okay, okay," she said, appearing in the hallway.

Happy looked her over. She was wearing a dress that was way too tight, way too short, heels that were too high, and she had way too much make up on. He'd seen her get dolled up to go out before, but never like this. She looked like a damn sweetbutt. "What the fuck is that?"

She shifted awkwardly, pulling down the bottom of the dress. "A dress," she answered, looking uncomfortable. "Stole it from Rosa, actually."

That would be why it was so small on her. Rosa was a few inches shorter than she was, so while it might've been a regular dress on her, it was way too small for the kid. He scowled at her. "The fuck you wearin' it for? Who you tryin' to impress?"

"I dunno," she answered, her shoulders sagging as she frowned. He felt bad for making her feel insecure about it, but there was no way he was taking her anywhere near the clubhouse like that. He'd have to murder all the men in there. She raked a hand through her hair. "Maybe...maybe I just want to look good tonight."

"You always look good. Go change. It's my clubhouse, my brothers, and I ain't takin' you there like that."

"I like this look, though."

"Why? You look like a Croweater. That what you want?" he asked on a scowl. She hung her head a bit, and he knew this whole get up had something to do with Juice. She was trying to look good for him, and it was the stupidest thing Happy had ever seen her do. The idiot was already into her. Anyone with eyes could see it. "If this is some lame attempt to get the idiot's attention, it's stupid. You got his attention. You don't need to do that shit for him. He likes you. And this shit? It ain't you. Go put some fuckin' jeans on or some shit. Cover your ass."

Angela frowned guiltily. "What if this is what he likes, though?"

"Then he's a fuckin' idiot and doesn't deserve you," Happy muttered, shaking his head at her. "What's that thing Koz always tells you?"

"Don't doubt yourself, it's unattractive?" Angela asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

Happy nodded in agreement. "That. Don't. Go change into your own damn clothes. And fast."

She sighed as she headed back, muttering curses under her breath. He checked his phone again with a grimace; he was going to be late. "Hurry up, kid!"

"I'm comin', I'm comin'!" she called back. She appeared in the hallway a few minutes later in a tight, navy crop top shirt that was a little too low cut in the front, tight black jeans, and tall black, heeled boots. "This better?"

"Yeah. Actually look like yourself not some hooker."

She rolled her eyes at him, though he could tell she was pleased with his response by the smallest hint of a smile at the corner of her lips. "Whatever, Hap. Only did it to prevent a murder," she replied as she put some hoops earrings in her ears. She seemed happier, though. More confident than she had in the clothes that weren't hers. "Big vote tonight, huh?"

He was surprised she knew about it. Then again, she had spent a lot of the day with Jax. Maybe the two of them were closer than he'd thought. He wasn't sure he liked that. He didn't want have to bash the Vice President's face in if he hurt her. Happy got up with a grunt and nodded. "Jax talk to you about it?"

"Uh-huh," she answered, grabbing her purse and keys. "Which way you going?"

He shrugged a shoulder. "I'll vote with our Pres. Don't really care either way. Both'll be good for the club," he explained honestly. "You got an opinion?"

"I don't know Bobby. Never talked to the guy. But I kinda know Jax, and he's got some good ideas, I think," she said on a shrug. "Maybe pull the club into the modern era for once."

"Yeah, if Clay lets him."

Angela shrugged nonchalantly. "I think he'll find his voice once he gets confident in the position. He's not as dumb as he looks."

He wondered just how much Jax had told her about the club and what he wanted for it. He hoped it wasn't a lot. What Angela didn't know wouldn't hurt her, and Happy had been protecting her and keeping her away from club business for far too long to have it fucked up because the new VP needed a buddy since Ope was in jail. It was bad enough she'd been caught in the crosshairs with the Mayan and needed constant protection; he didn't need her getting herself in any deeper. "Stay outta club shit, kid. Only gonna get you in trouble."

She held up her hand as she opened her car door. "I'm out, I'm out. I swear."

"Good. Let's go 'fore I miss the damn vote," he said, putting his helmet on. "Keep me in your mirrors."

She smiled at him as she nodded. "Always."

Angela followed Happy into the packed clubhouse. Croweaters and club members from different charters were all laughing and talking over the loud music. Looking around at all of the sweetbutts, she was glad Happy had made her change. She didn't know what she'd been thinking trying to dress all sexy for no reason. That wasn't her. If that was what Juice wanted, he wasn't the guy she remembered. She was much more comfortable in her jeans, whether she looked sexy or not. At least she looked and felt like herself. Happy nodded to someone, shoved her towards the bar, and then disappeared into the chapel where she assumed the rest of SAMCRO was waiting. "There's my favorite troublemaker!" a loud voice shouted behind her.

She turned to find Quinn making his way through the crowd towards her, a huge grin on his face. He swooped her off her feet into a crushing hug. She laughed, squeezing him back as she kissed his cheek. "How you doin', Q?" she asked when he finally set her down on her feet. "Why aren't you in there with the rest of them?"

"SAMCRO only for this vote," he told her with a wink. "They let your boy go in, though. Big step for him."

Angela wrinkled her nose, not at all a fan of what that could mean. Little by little they were letting Juice in more, giving him more responsibility. She didn't like that at all. "Lucky him," she said dryly.

"Better start likin' the idea of it more, kiddo. He'd have to do somethin' big to lose that top rocker now," Quinn advised, setting an arm around her shoulder. She knew it was a secret sign to let the visiting brothers to stay away, and she appreciated it. "You good? Heard you did a little...sliding back."

"Teenage girls! All of you! The way you gossip is ridiculous," she said, shaking her head at him. "Yeah, I regressed a bit, but that was a mistake. A big one. And I won't be going there again. Moving forward now. Full speed ahead."

He chuckled in response. "Good. Like hearing that. 's almost been a year now."

Angela frowned a little, reaching up to mess with the lotus necklace around her neck. The anniversary of Raj's death was coming up fast, and she wasn't sure how she was going to handle it. She'd been doing her best to avoid even thinking about it. "I know," she murmured, sliding the little lotus charm back and forth on its chain. "I'll be all right."

"I know you will," he said, squeezing her shoulder lovingly. He shoved her towards the bar much like Happy had before. "Go get a drink. Let loose. Have some fun."

Thankfully, Wendy was sitting at the bar, looking bored as hell as she stared at her beer bottle. She leaned against the bar beside her. "Hey Wendy. How's it goin?"

"Oh hey, Angie. I'm good," she answered on a tired sigh. "Just waiting on Jax."

Angela noticed Wendy was fidgeting with the long sleeves of her low cut top, pulling them down over her hands in a way she'd seen Kozik do many times before. It was a nervous tick he did when he was jonesing for a hit. She wondered if Wendy was feeling the same way. "You ready to be Mrs. VP? Does that make you second lady to Gemma?"

Wendy smirked, rolling her eyes a bit. "Not somethin' I'm lookin' forward to. If it was like five years ago, when I was still one of them," she nodded towards the scantily clad sweetbutts, "I would've been thrilled. Now? Not so much. Just means he's gonna be gone more, and I'll have Gemma on my ass even more. Not that I see him a lot now anyway."

"Yeah. That might be my fault," she said, hanging her head a little guiltily. "I got into some shit, and he's been shadowing me."

"Got no problem with that," Wendy said on a shrug. "I'd much rather know he's with you than here with the sweetbutts. You don't seem like the type to go after someone you know is taken."

"No, I definitely wouldn't," she replied, remembering how shitty it felt when Esai had cheated on her. She'd never ever want to put someone else in that place. Make them feel the way she had.

"That, and you're not his type," she added, lessening her initial statement a bit. "He doesn't go for brunettes. Not after Tara."

"Ah. Tara's the mysterious high school sweetheart?"

Wendy snorted, nodding emphatically. "Dumb bitch thought she was better than everyone. Leaving to go to college or whatever."

Angela grimaced, thinking about the way she'd left Esai and Oakland to go to New York to seek a higher education. She wondered if that's what people thought of her when she'd gone. Rosa and Lino never mentioned anything like that. They'd both been super supportive of her getting out of there, but she wondered if that was why some of the Mayans had been so cold to her when she got back together with Esai. "I dunno. Sometimes you just gotta...put yourself first. Get out of town to grow a little."

"Yeah, well she sure as hell left a shit storm in her wake," she muttered, finishing off her beer. "I need a smoke. I'll see you later."

She watched her go with a frown; there went her friend for the night. "Hey Half-Sack!" she called, earning his attention. "Can I get a drink?"

Half-Sack nodded, and she watched as he made her a glass of tequila on ice with a small splash of lime. He set it down in front of her with a proud smile. "Here you go."

"Aww, you remembered," she teased, grinning at him. She took a small sip, fighting the urge to cough as the cheap tequila burned her throat. "Thanks. Nice Flash shirt, by the way."

"Like that?" he asked, puffing out his chest a bit to show off the faded lightning bolt on the front of it. "Always been my favorite DC superhero."

Angela rolled her eyes at him. " 'course he was."

"You think there's someone better?"

"Umm yeah. Wonder Woman, obviously. Regardless, Marvel is way better than DC," she said with a roll of her eyes. And just like that, it was on. She listened to him go on and on about comic superheroes and relished being able to go toe to toe with him. It was nice to talk to someone about something that wasn't club related, and Half-Sack was surprisingly knowledgeable about it. More so than her, though she'd never admit it to him. Her comic knowledge mostly came from Juice, and what he'd recommended to her. That and all the Marvel movies they'd gone to watch together. Apparently, she'd been the only one willing to go at midnight opening night with him. She'd loved those moments. Watching how excited he got. Like a goofy kid on Christmas Day. Without Juice, she wouldn't be that much of a comic book fan. She paid attention to them for him, and she was happy to put that knowledge to the test with Half Sack. At least she'd have someone of entertaining herself that night.

BIG things coming in that chapter... ;)

As always let me know what you all think!

~Love Ink