Its been 3 days since Jax has read his fathers letters. Jax, Opie, and Happy have decided to keep the new information to themselves until they come up with the right plan to reveal the truth. Pretending everything is "Ok" has been one of the hardest things they have had to do. Especially at Church.
"Ok guys, we ok for the next shipment?" Clay begins.
"Yep, we got the coke and guns packed and ready to move" Bobby explains.
Clay turns to Jax. "Jax, I know your head is elsewhere lately and we all understand, but we need you to keep your head in the game. We need to have meet to talk about what we are going to do about the irish."
"Yep, I know. I got it covered" Jax said. Little did Clay know Jax had an end game planned for all of it. The guns, and the coke.
"Care to elaborate?" Clay asked
Jax went on to explain a bullshit story about meeting up with the cartel and having them help with the retaliation when in all actuality he decided to make a deal with them that they couldn't refuse. One that would allow them to exit the coke game with no retribution.
"Ok, sounds good. Now on to the porn business..." Clay went on
As Clay went on about expanding Diosa Jax looked at Opie and Happy and smirked. All 3 of them were ready for the change that was coming.
After Church was dismissed they all went outside to start a party. Since the bar or kitchen wasn't finished being rebuilt yet they had to have crow eaters shop for big coolers, beer and the men just grilled some food. Jax was sitting on a picnic table talking to Happy when Gemma approached him.
"Hey baby"
"Hey ma"
"Still nothing from Tara?" She asked
"No and there isn't going to be. Shes gone" he said
"I just don't understand why your not trying to find them?"
Jax began to get frustrated. "Because, she doesn't want to be found mom! Look, I know you miss the boys. I do too but look at this chaos, look around you! Your telling me that this place is safe for the boys? She wasn't exactly wrong to want to take them out of this shit hole. Now im done talking about it!".
Jax got up and began to walk to his bike. Gemma tried to go after him.
"JAX IM SORRY WAIT.."
"Just let him go Gemma" clay came up.
"She has destroyed my son Clay. I hope she knows im coming for her." She says
"I know babe come here. Have a drink with me" clay says.
Jax gets to his house and grabs a beer from the fridge. The silence is deafening. He decides to write.
"Tara
I know why you did what you did. You were right. Im sorry I didn't listen to you sooner. Maybe you would still be here or maybe I would be with you. Look babe I got the letters and I want you to know that Im taking club. Im making the club legit. It wont be easy I know but I will do it and then Im going to fight the MOST important fight of all. Fight for my family. I love you Tara. I love you Abel, I love you Thomas, I love you little one. I hope to meet you one day.
Jax
The next day Jax gave Lowen the letter. She smiled took the letter and handed Jax a letter of his own.
"Good timing, this just came in from Tara" she says
Jax couldn't wait. He rips open the envelope and inside was a few colorings from his sons. The bottom of the page saying "love you daddy" then he pulled out a small black and white image. At first it confused him until he read the corner which said. "Im a girl!"
He couldn't believe it. "I have a daughter!" He says. He looks over at Lowen smiling.
"Congratulations Jax" she says.
Before Jax turns to leave. He turns to Lowen.
"Oh I almost forgot. There is $1000 in that envelope. Can you maybe wire the money instead"
Lowen smiled and nodded. "I will figure it out."
Jax nodded and left not being able to wipe the smile off his face. He was now more determined then ever.
He got home and Opie and Happy were in the drive way waiting.
"Whats up guys?" Jax asked
"You seem happy brother" Happy said.
Jax pulled out the ultrasound picture and handed it to the guys.
"If it didnt say it right on the picture I would have never knew what I was looking at" Happy joked "Congrats man"
"Ya congrats, thats awesome" Opie said. "Tara write you?"
"Not exactly" Jax explained "Just sent a few pictures the kids colored and that ultrasound picture, I think its time we bring Bobby, Piney, and Chibs in on the plan."
"Ya about that" Opie started. "I kind of told Lyla."
"Its all good" Jax said. "I would have told Tara too, lets call the other guys and have them meet us at the cabin, remember to make sure no-one else is around, and Ope, why dont you bring Lyla and the kids. I would enjoy seeing the kids."
Opie smiled. "You got it"
Later that day as planned they all met up at the cabin. Opie, Lyla, the kids, Happy, Piney, Chibs, and Bobby. They all sat outside on the porch watching the kids play.
"Wanna tell is why the hell we are here?" Piney asks.
"And why was it a secret?" Bobby added.
Jax reached in his cut and pulled out the manilla envelope. "What I have in this envelope will hopfully motivate each of you to help me change SAMCRO for the better. But, I have to warn you the truth your about to learn will hurt and anger each of you to no end."
"Ah just hand the shit over" Piney says
Jax handed the envelope to Piney. While the guys were taking their time reading the letters Ellie came up to Jax.
"Uncle Jax, will Abel and Thomas be here to play?"
"Ellie, I told you Aunt Tara took the boys on a family vacation" Lyla reminded.
Jax looked at Lyla and smiled. He went up to Ellie. "Ya, they are on a vacation right now, but you know what? I bet they miss you a whole bunch and would love a letter from you and your brothers."
"Ok!" She said excitedly.
With that she ran off. Jax turned to Lyla. "Thank you."
Lyla smiled "Of course, so I heard the good news, a girl huh?"
Jax chuckled but looked down. "Ya I cant believe it, I just hope I get to meet her"
Lyla looked at Jax sympathetically. "You will Jax. Tara I think just needed a break you know. Not only was she an old lady but she was also the club Dr. who was expected to heal and save the club members everyday. Shes right there in the front lines and seeing all the danger happening first hand. I mean I know you guys are in dangerous situations but Opie does a good job making sure to shelter me and kids from it. Tara didn't have that luxury."
Jax just stared at her. He had never thought of it like that. She was right.
"I was so blind, I wasn't a good husband to her. I shouldn't have allowed that line to be crossed." Jax exclaimed.
"No Jax, your a loving husband and father, I think you just got lost in the chaos of life and we all do. You will make it right. I know you will" Lyla explained.
"Ya I hope so." He said. "Cause I miss them so much"
"I FUCKING KNEW IT!" Piney yelled
Chibs, and Bobby were reading over Pineys shoulder. Bobby stomped away in anger. Chibs sat and lit a cigarette.
"What do we do now Jackie?" Chibs asked
"Thats why we asked you guys here, we need your help" Jax explained.
"Clay has to pay the price for what he did" Happy says.
"And Gemma?" Bobby asked
Jax shrugged and wiped his hand down his goatee. "Im not sure about Gemma, but she was just as much a part of it as Clay."
"A boy cant kill his mother Jackie" Chibs says.
"We banish her" Opie began "I think for Gemma that would be worse than death.
"Then you will take over as president" Piney stated looking at Jax
"Honestly I don't know" Jax said
"What do you mean you don't know!" Piney stood frustrated. " My best friend didn't die and leave you a legacy for nothing!"
"All I want is to save SAMCRO and then get my family back. Even if it means I leave Charming. Im sorry but Tara and my kids are more important. I think JT would understand that."
"Look, at least he's thinking about SAMCRO's future. That's all we can ask for" Bobby says.
"Aye" Chibs agreed.
"So what's the plan Jax?" Bobby asked.
Jax explained about the deal he was making with the cartel. He offered all SAMCRO's ties to their guns, their ties to their ammo, and $300,000 to be able to walk with no retribution. It took some coaxing but in the end the cartel agreed. He had a meet sat already with Laroys crew and The Mayans so they were aware. The guys listened intently only interjecting with a small idea they had on how to handel the ending of ties and giving ideas to legit income options.
Jax was so relieved to hear they were all ready to get out of the outlaw life. They all offered to help pay the debt to the cartel as well which definitely lifted some weight from Jax's shoulders.
"Sounds good guys. I think keeping Diosa is smart, we definitely need to expand the auto shop and open a few other shops. Maybe something for the kids."
"We need to get the rest of the club in on this first then take care of Clay and Gemma." Piney said.
"Well lets do it like this. Ill call the other charters and invite the Presidents and VP's for church. Let everyone know at the same time. That way when the mayhem vote is made its unanimous across the board." Jax said.
They all nodded in agreement. Jax gathered the letters back up. They all said their goodbyes and left.
Jax went back road cruising to try and clear his head. It didn't work. He ended up at the park. His and Tara's park. He laid in the grass by the tree and thought about Tara and the baby, and about his boys. He decided he wanted to go home and write Tara another letter.
"Tara,
I hope you are feeling ok. I miss you and the boys so much. Please tell them I love them. Me and the guys all came up with a plan to take care of Gemma and Clay and get the club making legit legal income and out of the game. The end game is in sight babe. Everything is coming together. The only thing missing is you.
I love you so much.
Jax
He dropped the letter off to Lowen the next day. Coming out of her office he was met by Gemma.
"Hey baby, what are doin?" She asked.
"Just paying her court fees ma, are you following me?" He asked
"What? Im not allowed to worry about my only son?" She asked with her hands on her hips.
"I don't have time for this mom" he walked away towards his bike.
"Let me come over and cook you dinner baby"
"Mom, no Im fine"
"Oh come on Jaxon, Clay will be on a run the next couple days making the delivery. He told me he was letting you stay here to clear your head. Please? You know your not the only one she left. Those were MY GODDAMN GRANDKIDS TOO!"
Jax seen his mothers tears and sighed. "Ok ma lll be home tonight"
He started his bike and took off. Later that evening as promised Gemma showed up but she wasn't alone.
"Hey baby, I hope you don't mind I brought...a friend. Gemma said
"Hi Jaxon, my name is Collette"
Jax just looked at his mom confused. Then back at collette.
"Um..hey, come on in. You can have a seat." He said
Collette walked over to the couch and sat. Gemma went into the kitchen to start dinner. Jax approached her.
"What the fuck is this mom?" He asked
"What do you mean? I was at Diosa and mentioned I was coming over here and she asked to come meet you" she explained.
Jax chuckled "ok mom"
Jax walked back to the livingroom. "Collette right? Wanna beer?"
She stood and smiled. "Ya beer sounds good."
She had on a tight red mini skirt strapless dress with stiletto heals. Jax brought her the beer and she took a drink sat back down. Jax sat in the chair across from her.
"You know you come sit next to me, I dont bite you know. I mean, unless you want me too." Collette giggled.
Jax took a sip of his beer. "Im ok"
Collette stood up and walked over to him. " Oh, but I think I can keep you good company. I can make you feel REALLY good." She tried to bend down when Jax jumped up.
"Look, I don't know what my mom told you but Im married"
Collette kept smiling. "So? Shes not here."
Jax got angry. "MOM!"
Gemma came from around the corner. "What?"
"I told you to STAY THE FUCK OUT OF IT!" Jax yelled.
Gemma was wide eyed. "Baby I..."
Jax grabbed his cut and keys and went the door. "Get this nasty bitch out of my fucking house and lock the door when you leave!"
**SLAM!***
Gemma and Collette were startled by the slam of the door.
"What the hell Collette? That is NOT what I paid you for! I thought you were the "Best"? Gemma asked her in frustration
Collette shrugged. "I am! That Dr. Bitch has him pussy whipped." She crossed her arms in frustration as well.
Gemma sighed. "Shes always had her claws in him since he was 16. Fucking bitch needs to be 6 feet under is what she needs. Come on Collette Im taking you back"
"Um... What about dinner?" She asks
"Are you fucking kidding me!" Gemma asked. "Come on!"
Jax ended up going to Opie's house. He explained what happened to Opie and Lyla.
Lyla laughed. "Im sorry Jax, I don't mean to laugh but knowing Collette im sure shes pissed. Shes not used to being turned down or being told no.
"Well she was today" Jax explained.
They sat out back watching the kids play. Jax sat there and smiled.
"Wanna stay here tonight?" Opie asked.
Jax shrugged. "If you don't mind. I like being here. Around the kids, the noise you know. My house is so quite. It drives me crazy."
Opie nodded. " No problem brother." Just then Opie's cell rang. "Its Bobby" Opie nodded a few times. "Ok thanks brother" He hung up looked at Jax. "3 weeks, and all the other charters Presidents can be here together."
Jax sat back. "Fuck, 3 weeks feels like forever"
"It will come before you know it." Opie said.
Jax nodded and smiled. He just wanted it to be over so he could tell Tara that the club was safe. He didn't know what to expect. He didn't expect her to come home. He just hoped it would be enough for her to let him come to her.
A week later Jax got a text from Lowen telling him he had a letter. He went straight home to read it. This time it not only had colorings from the boys but a couple of pictures too. They seemed to have grown so much in just the couple of weeks since they left. Tara also had written him a letter.
Jax,
I am so happy about the changes you plan to make. I hope it works out. I miss you so much Jax. More than I can begin to explain. I don't know of its the pregnancy hormones but I dream about you every night and cry for you every morning. I wish I could trust your words enough to tell you where we are but I cant. Not yet. Please just stay safe Jax.
I love you always
Tara
Jax wrote back.
Tara,
. I get it. I have a lot to make up for and building your trust and respect is something I plan to do. In the mean time could the kids call me? Please. Only if your comfortable with it.
Love your husband forever
Jax
A few days went by. Jax had fallen asleep in Abel's bed when he was awaken by his cell. He looked and seen it was an unknown number. He almost declined it but thought it might be one of the guys new burners.
"Hello" he answered.
It was silent for a moment..."Jax?"
He then heard the most beautiful voice in the world and sat up.
"Tara? Baby is that you?!"
"Hey Jax. Yes its me"
"Oh my god Tara"
"Im sorry its so late, i just got out of work"
"No, don't be sorry, im just so happy to hear your voice" he said smiling from ear to ear.
He then heard her begin to cry.
"Tara baby don't cry please. Your making me cry. Look babe, im so sorry ok. For everything. I know it doesn't make up for everything and I don't expect you to forgive me but.."
"Jax, I just...wanted to tell you I love you so much. I wanted to give you my number so you can text and call whenever you want just please don't tell Gemma."
"Hell no, Gemma wont know anything. Did you get the money?"
"Yes Jax but please you don't have to do that."
"I still want to take care of my family. My kids...my wife."
There was silence.
"Ok Jax I have to go. But, you can call whenever you want to talk to the boys but I have to get to sleep. This little girl keeps me up as it is." She laughed.
Jax closed his eyes. Hearing that laugh was a sound he never even realized he missed so much. " I love you Tara"
..."I love you Jax." *CLICK*
Jax stared at the screen still in shock. He was afraid to go back asleep afraid it was all a dream.
"Just a couple more weeks Tara and Ill prove to you my words are true. You will see".