AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you all for the feedback of this story! I hope you enjoy this new chapter.
Alma tries her best to keep the more traumatic events that surround the club from her kids. She knows in the long run it may bite her in the ass, but they are under 6. There are some things that they just don't need to know. Their minds don't need to be tainted with the harsh cold reality of their world yet.
Yet, there are times it can't be avoided when they need to go to the hospital to visit members. Nathan never really questioned things. He took it at face value, or she believes he saves the hard questions for his father or even Opie.
Kaylee always asks more questions. Alma thinks she would make a good lawyer or journalist when she is older. Kaylee's brows furrow as Alma kneels down in front of her and tries to explain Chibs booboo.
Kaylee had drawn him a lovely picture to keep in his room and even "donated" one of her stuffed animals to keep him company.
"But how did he get hurt, Mommy?" Kaylee asks again.
"You know how cars have wires," Alma starts and pauses to see Kaylee nod her head. "Well, Chibs accidentally put two wires together and it caused him to get a booboo on his head."
Kaylee purses her lips and Alma thinks she is going to ask the question again. Instead her little girl takes her hand and leads her inside the hospital room.
Chibs is laying in bed. His eyes are closed and Alma thinks he is sleeping. However, his eyes open slowly and a smile comes across his face.
"Chibby!" Kaylee exclaims, but then slams her hands over her mouth.
Alma chuckles lowly.
"It's my favorite lassie." Chibs comments as he moves the bed to recline higher.
Alma places Kaylee on the bed where her little girl gives Chibs a gentle kiss on his bandage that is wrapped around his head.
"A kiss to make you feel better." Kaylee says as she settles in Chibs lap.
"I already feel better, lassie." Chibs says.
"I hope so. The only boy I kiss is Daddy and sometimes Grandpa."
Alma snorts while Chibs chuckles. "Good. You shouldn't be kissing any boys."
"Boys are gross. Besides, you and Daddy are man." Kaylee points out. "Besides, I brought you Rummy."
Kayle hands over her blue monkey to Chibs. "It is so you have a friend since I'm not allowed to spend the night."
"That's sweet of you luvie." Chibs tells her as he accepts the soft stuffed animal.
"Any idea of how long you'll be here?" Alma asks softly.
"I'll say a couple weeks if I don't have any complications. So hopefully my brain doesn't act funny."
"Are you going to be able to come to my birthday!" Kaylee cries out.
"Oh, luvie, I don't know."
Alma is surprised when the tear line Kaylee's eyes. She is immediately grabbing her daughter and holding her clothes. "Baby, what's wrong?"
"I want Chibs there and Daddy," she wails.
"Honey, Daddy is going to be at your party. Why wouldn't he?"
Kaylee hides her face with her small hands. "Daddy isn't home like he used to be. You and Daddy mad at each other."
Alma frowns as she cuddles Kaylee closer to her. She presses a kiss to her forehead. "Daddy will be at your party, sweetie. You'll probably get mad because he won't let you play with your friends. And Chibs booboo needs to be watched by the doctors. We'll save him some cake and you never know maybe Chibs can come over and have a tea party just you two."
Alma looks over at Chibs who is watching her with a serious face. Her troubles with Jax officially leaving the walls of her home.
Kaylee nods her head and looks back at Chibs. "I'll save you a piece of cake, Chibby."
"A lass after my own heart." He tells her.
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Alma will feel awful if she ends up lying to Kaylee. It seemed Jax may end up missing his daughter's birthday as he and the club ended up in jail. They had apparently thought it would be a good idea to attack some church meeting.
From what little she gathered or cared to listen to, Gemma told her it was a set up. Alma knows it probably was, but they should've been smarter trying to get retribution for Chibs. Alma can't find it in her to feel sad or mad. She simply does not even care at this point. The only thing that matters is her childrens' happiness and safety.
She knows any happiness she has managed to conserve is going to be sucked up by her mother's upcoming visit.
She is currently at the Stockton Metropolitan Airport waiting for her mother. Apparently she is coming back from a trip from Paris with her current sugar daddy. Her mother had gladly informed her she was cutting her trip short to come to her own granddaughter's birthday party. Alma can already feel a headache forming as she looks at her mother strolling out of the airport with her designer suitcase and carry on. Her mom's eyes are hidden by the Gucci sunglasses, but by the frown on her face Alma knows her mom is about to lash at her for something.
Alma waits as her mom strolls over to the car and places her luggage in. Ana gets into the passenger side and slams the door. "You could've helped me with my bags." She snaps.
Alma sighs and just pulls out of her parking spot. "Sorry," she mumbles.
"Don't mumble," Ana tells her. "And don't be moody because your husband is locked up."
Alma looks over at her mother. "How'd you know about that?"
"Google alerts since my daughter doesn't tell me anything."
"It really isn't -" Alma begins to say, but is cut off.
"It is my business! My grandbabies are affected by this shit." Her mom practically screams. "And a fucking explosion at the garage. Those babies could've gotten hurt if they wanted to help out."
Alma purses her lips. She loves her mom. She really does, but she has never been there. Sure Alma had food, clothes, and shelter, but it seemed the moment Alma didn't conform to what Ana wanted her mother gave up instead of listening. Her mom reminds her of those pageant and dance moms she sees occasionally on TV. Her mom only wanted a good image.
After all, despite her mom's bitching, she didn't care about the criminal aspect of life. Her mom's sugar daddy has connections to the Russian Mafia. To her the mafia was cleaner than that of a motorcycle club. Alma doesn't bother pointing out her mother's hypocrisy.
"Is he even gonna be home for Kaylee's party?"
"I hope so, but it's not like this is going to be the only one he misses right." Alma remarks bitterly.
Ana chuckles. "I warned you about this. I told you what you should've done when you got pregnant."
Alma whips her head at her mother. "How can you say that! How can you look at me and tell me I should have gotten rid of Nathan."
Ana sighs. "You know I love Nathan. You were just a kid, Al. Jax knew fucking better than to mess with you. I'm still fucking confused why you spreaded your legs for him knowing how he fucked anything. You could've gotten out of this town. Out of this life."
"You can't change the past, Mom."
"Just repeat it as it seems." Ana remarks sadly.
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"Grandma, why are we at a church?" Nathan asks as he licks his ice cream.
Gemma looks down at her grandchildren. Nathan is looking up at her with Jax's blue eyes. Does Gemma feel some guilt for what she is about to do. Maybe, but her boys are locked up and if Oswald can't be swayed by a pair of doe eye kids missing their daddy then the man is heartless. She just didn't want her granddaughter's birthday to be ruined by her father's absence. She knows with the charges the men have they might be going away for a while.
"We're going to visit a friend." Gemma tells him.
"Why?" Kaylee asks.
"Because I haven't seen him in a while." Gemma replies as she digs in her bag for a wipe. Somehow they always manage to get ice cream everywhere.
Kaylee tries to fight her when she is wiping her face.
"Grandma!"
"Well if you didn't get the ice cream everywhere I wouldn't have to do that." Gemma replies.
"I'm not a baby. I can wipe me face." Kaylee replies sternly.
Gemma looks at her with a raised eyebrow. She knows Kaylee is going to be trouble as a teenager for the whole family.
"Just be nice and quiet when we go in, alright?"
Both kids nod their heads and they make their way inside the church. The choir is singing beautifully and Gemma can spot Oswald's daughter in the front. She is the same age as Nathan. Oswald turns around from the side of their arrival, Gemma waves before ushering her grandchildren in the pews.
Gemma waits silently for the practice to finish. Luckily the kids were still entertained by their ice cream. As soon as the practice is over, Gemma is taken back by Tristan running over to them.
"Hi Nathan!" The girl greets with a wide smile.
"Hi, Trissy," Nathan replies and Gemma watches, entertained as her grandson's cheeks turn pink.
Tristan smiles before turning towards Gemma. "Hi, I'm Tristan."
"I'm Grandma," Gemma replies while Oswald comes up.
"Why don't you show Nathan and Kaylee the church while I talk to Gem." Oswald suggests to Tristan.
The kids don't need a verbal response as they rush out of the pews.
"She sings beautiful." Gemms starts.
"I'm gonna be out of town for the recital. Trying to catch some rehearsals." Oswald explains.
"You're a good dad."
Oswald smiles as he stuffs his hands into his suit pocket. "Sometimes I forget Jax is a dad. Him and Alma were the last couple I expected. Tris is always talking about Nathan though." He pauses as his face turns serious. "I heard about him and Clay."
"Your office told me you were here. Didn't know who else to go to." Gemma explains.
Oswald sits in the pew in front Gemma. "Maybe it's time for a lesson, Gemma, for all of us."
"Maybe." Gemma agrees slightly. "But this isn't it. Zobelle set up that bust. He's ripping apart the club. He's ripping apart charming." She tells him bluntly. "Clay outed Jacob Hale's bullshit scam, saved your land. Thought maybe you'd like to return the favor."
"How big a favor?"
Gemma licks her lips. "300 against three mil."
"Jesus Christ. I'd have to put up the same land for that kind of bail. One infraction, one guy splits, I lose it all. I lose it all." He explains to her hotly.
"They're not safe, Elliot. If I don't get them out of there, I might not see any of them again. Nathan and Kaylee might not see their father again."
Oswald doesn't say anything as he gives her a closed lipped smile. Gemma stands as she digs in her bag. "I'm not sure if Tristan got an invitation." Gemma passes over the invitation to Kaylee's upcoming birthday party.
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Jax sits in the stiff metal chair with the cuffs around his wrists as he waits for Stahl to be done with her pissing contest. He doesn't know what she gets from having him sitting alone in a room especially in prison. If anything it's welcomed considering the shit show the club has found themselves in.
It was clear Zobelle had connections everywhere with how early on Juice was able to get attacked. They were lucky that Half Sack was able to pull his weight in getting his top rocker in securing them protection through Laroy. However, he was right in telling Clay that it would be stupid to make such a rash decision regarding retaliation. They would be playing right into Zobelle's hands and look where that got them. In jail and Clay decided to throw his fists at him for whatever bullshit Stahl managed to trigger in Clay.
Finally Stahl shows her face as she enters the room with an infamous manilla folder. She sits down and smiles at him. He is brought back to the last time they were in a room together where she brought him the worst news of his life.
"I know you want the MC on a better path. Put some distance between the law and the harleys. Legit porn business is proof of that. It's real smart, Jax. My guess is that you don't even want to be dealing guns." Stahl begins as she sits up straighter and opens the folder, which reveals pictures of their Irish contact Cameron Hayes meeting with Zobelle. "I'm not after SAMCRO. I want Cameron Hayes's true IRA contacts. Consider it retaliation for the Mick assholes jumping ship. And we both know that you'll never win this war against Zobelle."
"I'm not in a war." Jax replies.
Stahl smirks as she tilts her head. "You look pretty battle-worn to me." She replies back. "Look, I don't give a shit about this beef between you and Clay. Your club, your business. But maybe I can help you repair the damage, very least keep you alive. How long do you think you're gonna last out there on the yard?" She taunts. "They will pick you off, one by one, same way they did Juice."
"Then get us a decent bail." Jax answers as he leans back in his chair.
"I'll do better than that." She promises. "You give me inroads to the Irish, I'll get you and the club full immunity. I might even be able to get Otto's parole back on track."
The room is silent as they stare at each other. Jax isn't stupid nor is she. He will give it to Stahl she is a manipulative bitch who knows how to do her job for the most part.
"You have to think past your hatred for me." She implores. "You're smarter than that. I am offering you a bigger picture."
Jax isn't prepared for the next pictures that she pulls out. It is of Alma with the kids. They are at a park and the kids are smiling wide and happy. However, looking at Alma, despite the smile on her face, he can tell in her oversized cardigan that his wife isn't happy.
"You have a great girl, beautiful kids. I know how much they mean to you. I heard you and your wife have been having marital troubles and can't fix that from a prison cell, Jax."
Jax shakes his head and gives her a nasty smile. "You know my family...being a father...they've given me a new pair of glasses. Find myself thinking about the things I do, things I say. Ramifications." Jax leans up and looks down at the photos. "You have to. Not as angry or reactive. I can see that. For instance, you showing me these photos, trying to play my rage, my need for revenge. It didn't work." He tells her bluntly. "See, I was able to take a moment, think. And I realized that if we did have a relationship with the Irish... Which of course, we don't... What'd stop me from tipping them off? Letting 'em know you got 'em under thumb? You took a huge risk playing that card, which means you're desperate. You got nothing."
"You really are the smart one." She muses as she stands up and gathers her things. "By the way... Your bail was posted. You're all free to go and make sure you say hi to your mother in law for me. Heard she was back in town."
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Alma is up late at night wrapping the presents for Kaylee's party. She had picked up last minute gifts for her daughter for the party. Gemma was actually going to keep the kids for the next couple days so the set up for the party could be a surprise for Kaylee.
She had headphones in her ear so she didn't hear anything or even feel the vibration from the door closing. She has placed the last piece of tape on the present when her eyes just flick forward for a brief second and they fly back to the figure standing in the doorway. Alma almost screams at the site before she realizes it is Jax.
Her body instantly relaxes at the sight of her husband and she removes her headphones. She pushes the presents away as she stands up. She is only wearing a simple white tank and just a pair of black cotton panties.
Jax's gaze is just burning her. He isn't speaking. Alma looks him over and she can see some cuts and bruises on his face. She walks over to him slowly and her arms wrap around him tentatively.
She isn't going to ask about the wounds. She knows she won't get an answer. She is surprised when his arms come around her and he holds her tightly. She is pressed tightly into him. She thinks she could cry. Even in his warmth, she still feels so cold. She doesn't move away and she only closes her eyes as she listens to his heartbeat.
They stay that way for a while until she feels his hands trail down her body. They settle on her hips and his fingers dip below the band of her underwear. She leans away from him a little.
"Jax…" She questions as to what he is doing, or more so what this even means.
It's instinctive as he moves his hands to cup her thighs and brings her up that she needs to wrap her legs around him.
Their lips meet instantly. Jax is walking them towards the bed as their tongues clash together. Her legs become tighter because despite how much she feels as if she hates her husband, she loves him just the same.
He lays her down on the bed and she quickly discards her shirt while he grabs at her underwear ripping them off quickly. He pulls away from her and he rids himself of his shirt while Alma works to unbuckle his belt buckle. Jax pushes her hands away. He scoots to the end of the bed and his hands grip her thighs as he moves her with him to the edge of the bed.
His fingertips graze her thighs as they trail past her stomach to her breasts. Their eyes lock on each other as his fingers circle her nipples. He pinches them and tugs causing her stomach to clench. He leans forward and captures her nipples in her mouth and her hands come up into his hair for support. His tongue worked on her nipples making them hard to the point it stung a bit. Alma bucks her hips up for some type of relief before he pulls away. He brings his fingers up to her mouth and Alma immediately opens up and takes his fingers. She moans as she coats them before he tugs them out of her mouth and trails down between her legs. His fingers ghosted over her center in a teasing manner as he moved up and down her and circled her opening before he moved his attention to her clit.
"Fuck," she moans out as it catches her by surprise.
"Let me hear you," Jax tells her as he applies more pressure and sinks his middle finger inside her.
Alma can feel the clenching in her abdomen as her toes begin to curl as he massages her clit with his thumb while fingering her.
"Come for me, darlin'," Jax demands.
Alma's body clenched as she felt her fire ignite her body. Her thighs tremble from her orgasm and she is still coming down from her high when she feels him lick a long stripe up her folds.
"Jax!" Her hips buck up as her grip on his hair tightens. It was almost painful as he traced a pattern against her clit. His fingers dug into her thighs and Alma knows there might be bruises tomorrow morning. She was caught off guard when Jax sucked on her clit and nibbled it and it triggered a second release.
She screamed when she felt Jax slam into her and her walls clamped down hard around him. He didn't give her a moment of reprieve as he started to thrust slowly, but deeply in and out of her.
"Shit...Jax," Alma moans out as she tightens her legs around him. Her hands moving from his hair to his shoulders.
Jax moves one of her legs so it rests on top of his shoulder. Alma moves her arms so that she clenches the bedsheets.
Alma cries out from the change in position. "Jax...I -"
"Give me one more, Alma," Jax demands.
Alma opens her mouth, but no sounds come out as her mind goes blank.
"Fuck!" Jax roars as he chases his releases.
She can feel warm spurts coating her walls. She comes down from her high she is well aware of the mess between her thighs that have leaked to the sheets. She hisses as Jax pulls out from her.
"Fuck, babe," Jax whispers.
Alma somehow manages to look down. Her thighs are still twitching as she watches Jax's fingers ghost over her thighs. She whimpers as she feels Jax push his fingers back into her and keep his release there.
Her mind is foggy still and she almost misses the words he says that clears any ounce of peace and relaxation she has.
"I want another baby."
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Jax thinks he would prefer to be in a standoff with the Mayans than standing directly across from his mother in law. Ana always had a way of getting under his skin. Not only his, but everyone around her. He dreads even letting his kids be near the devil in disguise.
However, coming back from lockup, the last thing he wants to deal with her in his kitchen staring him down. Maybe Alma could have given him a better warning than waking him up to inform him that her mom was there before she dashed off to fucking somewhere. Considering how he ambushed her last night, her mother was probably the last thing on her mind.
He doesn't know how Chico dealt with Ana for how long as he did. Of course, Ana is a beautiful woman despite the shitty personality. Alma gets her looks from her mother because if how Ana is aging is any indication of how Alma is, he is going to be a very lucky man.
Yet, as he stirs his coffee, Ana has been glaring at him since he walked into the kitchen while she drank her own cup while pretending to read the newspaper.
Jax runs his hand down his face. "Is there a problem?"
"Your face looks like it hurts." She replies as she places the newspaper down.
"Your concern touches me." Jax mocks.
"One day Alma will wake up."
"Ana, I really don't feel like dealing with this shit."
"Do you really think I care?" Ana retorts.
"Actually, no I don't. I don't' think you care much about anything except for what guy is gonna write you a check."
Ana laughs. "Do you think those words hurt me?" She flicks her hair over her shoulders. "They don't. Nothing your mom or you can say will cause me to lose any sleep at night. In fact, you just wasted your breath." Ana stands up and folds her newspaper. "Alma was young - is young. The betrayal of what you did...that will never fade. Fucking her and trying to get her pregnant isn't going to keep her here."
Jax shakes his head. "I'm not doing this."
Ana snorts. "Of course you don't. I'm not putting you on a pedestal."
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Jax is glad that their house is big enough where he can hide and not come into contact with Ana. Although, he is sure she left the house shortly after their "talk". So he has been mostly left to his own devices. He at first was gonna head to the club as the last place he wanted to be was his house. However, he wasn't going to run away from his problems. He wasn't going to play right into Ana's hands. He knows her favorite thing to do is playing mind games with people. He might have fallen into that trap.
So he decided to work out and try to burn off that anger because at the end of the day, whatever is going on between him and Alma is between him and Alma.
He did a brutal workout that left his arms feeling like noodles. He walked into the kitchen to refill his bottle of water before jumping into the shower when the front door opened. He is silent as Alma comes in carrying some grocery bags no doubt filled with more party supplies for Kaylee.
"Hey," Alma greets with a bright smile.
"What the fuck are you telling your mother?"
Alma's smile deems immediately. "What?"
"She seemed to have a lot to say about the state of our marriage."
"She always has something to say Jax." Alma replies as she begins to put away the groceries. "I'm surprised you would even listen to her."
"Well it seems that I have to listen when my wife isn't talking to me."
"Talk?" Alma sputters in disbelief. "Since when in the fuck do you even want to talk?"
Jax and Alma stare at each other before Alma is the first one to break away by shaking her head.
They don't speak to each other for the rest of the day.
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Alma smiles as she watches the group of kids running around in her backyard. The turn up of kids was quite surprising. Most of the kids are from Nathan's class who have younger siblings that are closer to Kaylee's age. Considering that Kaylee hadn't been in daycare, the only friends she has managed to make were from the many hours they clocked in at the playground.
However, Alma is aware that most of these parents are just curious as how the Tellers are living.
With the flurry of activity, it has led her to keep her distance with Jax. They have a semi united front. She just has been keeping her distance. This day is about Kaylee turning 5. Her baby is getting older and there doesn't need to be any drama.
Alma picks up some trash and throws it in one of the garbage bins before heading back into the house to get the birthday cake. She knows Kaylee is itching to open some of her many birthday gifts.
Alma heads into the house and begins gathering the materials she needs. She is grabbing the candles and the lighter when the backdoor opens. She looks up and she is surprised to see Gemma is the one to walk through the door.
Gemma has been the main person keeping the kids all together and making sure nothing can ruin her granddaughter's day.
"You better be careful with Tristian and Nathan out there."
Alma laughs. "He has a crush. Let him be."
Gemma snorts. "I'm pretty sure he is already planning their engagement."
"I bet Karen would love that." Alma tells her. "I'm sure Clay would really love that."
Gemma snorts. "So I do want to know what your mom and Jax said to each other for them to act like they don't exist?"
"Honestly, I am not all that sure what my mom said." Alma reveals truthfully. "But I know best not to get in between that."
"Still, it must be alot on you."
"Mom only visits a few times a year and afterwards I treat myself to a nice spa day." Alma jokes.
"You know...your dad would be proud of who you've become. It's a shame he isn't here."
Alma nods her head. Alma never knows what to say when it comes to comments about her dad. She loves him and the few memories she can remember. She knows he was trying his best to be a good father. She also knows that it didn't erase his faults as a man involved in an outlaw club or the fact he treated her mother like shit. She knows there are things she doesn't know about her parents' relationship. She knows at one point they had loved each other. Yet, her dad had broken something in her mom to turn her into the person her mom has become.
Besides, Alma thinks if her dad was alive he wouldn't approve of her relationship with Jax.
She knows if her father was alive, the path her life has taken wouldn't be the same.
"I wish the kids would have been able to meet him."
Gemma goes to answer, but the doorbell goes off. Alma leaves the kitchen and heads to the front door. She checks the side window and frowns at the sight of David Hale. She opens the door with a confused smile.
"I don't remember sending you an invitation." She jokes.
David gives a sad smile. "Sorry to interrupt, but I thought you guys should hear this from me."
"Al, who's at the door?" Gemma asks as she walks into the hallway.
"Hi, Gemma," David says as he walks into the house a bit. "You should sit down for this."
"What's going on?" Gemma demands. She doesn't move to sit. She just stares David down.
David sighs as he focuses on Gemma. "We just found Luann Delaney off county 18. Beaten to death. There's no other details right now. I'm sorry."
Gemma is frozen and Alma doesn't have any words.
At that moment, there is laughter coming from the kitchen. Alma recognizes them as Jax's.
"Alma?" Jax calls out.
"Excuse me," Alma tells David and Gemma before she walks back into the kitchen. Jax has a birthday hat on and he is admiring the birthday cake on the table.
Jax looks up at her and his smile fades. "What's wrong?"
Alma takes a shaky breath. "Luann was killed."
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Alma never had to plan a funeral before. Luckily it seemed Luann had her wishes already laid out. Based on the dates on some of the paperwork, it seemed she had been prepared since Otto got locked up. Luann already had the plot, casket, and gravestone picked out for both her and Otto.
Somehow they were able to get through the party and didn't say anything until the guests left. Alma didn't engage in the conversation. She took care of getting the kids ready for bed. She really couldn't find anything to say about this. The only thing she does know is that Luann was having trouble with another porn producer, but she really doesn't want to think about porn scabbles would really lead to murder.
Her heart just went out to Otto. She knows most likely that he won't be able to even attend his wife's own funeral. And to lose her in such a violent way, she can't imagine that pain.
Alma just knows that now she has to get in touch with a lot of people in the adult entertainment industry to set up some type of memorial for Luann. She thinks she'll asks a few of the girls to help with that.
Alma buries her head in her hands and resists the urge to cry. Luann had always done so much for her and looked out for her. Luann was the only old lady that ever reminded Alma that she needs to come first before her old man.
The sound of her doorbell going off causes her to jump. She wipes her face in case any renegade tears managed to slip before answering the door. She is surprised to find Unser standing on the other side.
"Sheriff?"
He gives her a small smile. "Hey, Alma, sorry to come over unannounced. I'm looking for Jax."
"He is visiting Otto. Don't when he is going to be back. What's going on?"
Unser sighs and she can see the internal debate of wanting to tell her. "Couple of the girls were busted in a prostitution sting. One mentioned Jax was their boss."
"Fucking great," Alma mutters.
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Jax thinks telling Otto that Luann was murdered and he believed his actions led up to it was one of the hardest things he has ever done. It is easily the worst and he can't even imagine the pain his brother is in. His brother entrusted him and the club to protect Luann. To take care of her since he couldn't. He sacrificed years with Luann for the club and the club couldn't keep their end of the bargain.
Jax parks his bike in his driveway. He had plans to go to the club and get a rundown of what they had planned for the day, but right now he doesn't want to be near his brothers. He just wants his family. But he knows the kids are with his mom and Alma was at the house setting up Luann's funeral.
He enters the house through the side door that leads into the kitchen from the laundry room. He finds Alma standing by the stove and it seems she is making some tea. She was never one to really drink coffee.
She looks up at him and gives him a sad smile. "How was Otto?"
"Broken." He tells her simply as he leans against the counter opposite.
Alma folds her arms across her chest. "Are they going to let him go to the funeral?"
"He said probably not as he and the Warden are in a pissing contest."
Alma kisses her teeth and he moves to get closer to him, but she turns around causing him to frown.
"Unser stopped by." She informs him.
"Yeah?"
"Apparently a couple girls were busted for prostition."
Jax rolls his eyes. He almost growled in frustration. "You gotta be shitting me."
"Named you boss. Unser said he would be at the station."
"Jesus Christ."
"This isn't going to mess with your charges is it?" Alma asks softly.
"I don't know. It's not like they have any proof."
"They work at Cara Cara, Jax. You are now practically the owner. It is not going to take long to connect those dots." Alma points out. "Have you even thought about what it means for you to be possibly going to jail, Jax?"
"Are we really going to have this talk now?" He questions her. Jax thinks this is the last thing they need to be worrying about. He doesn't even have a court date yet. They can worry about logistics later.
"No, I guess not."
The teapot screams.
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Jax is tried. He is exhausted. It took them forever to find leverage for the judge so he would drop the case against the Chinese's contact. It's early in the morning - very early. The kids will still be sleeping, but as he walks through the door he can hear Alma in the kitchen getting breakfast ready.
He knows he should immediately make the move to shower and wash off the day. Instead he walks into the kitchen and sits at the breakfast island. Alma's eyes flicker over to him. From the profile, he can tell his wife is tired.
He has noticed the dark spots under her eyes have been increasing since Luann's death. He didn't realize Luann was teaching her about business. Alma has been handling a lot of Cara Cara's paperwork with Bobby as they figure out where to go next in leadership to oversee Cara Cara. Jax is proud of his wife and he realizes he hasn't said it or even showed her.
Yet, he has found his wife has gone out of her way to never be alone with him. She uses the kids as a buffer and when he comes home to go to bed she is already asleep. She also keeps her distance at Cara Cara.
He is so lost in his thoughts that he doesn't realize she made him a cup of coffee until it is sliding in front of him.
"Thanks, darlin'." He tells her.
She smiles as she goes back to what he realizes is cutting up some fruit. He can see that she has taken out bacon and sausage and she has supplies to make French Toast.
"How long you've been up?" He asks her.
"About 30 minutes."
"You need some help?"
That causes her to look up at him confused. "I'm good, Jax."
"Babe…"
Alma sighs. "I don't want to do this right now."
"We need to talk."
Alma looks at him and he can tell she wants to say more, but she doesn't.
"I'm lost here, Alma." Jax tells her the truth. He doesn't know how to fix anything between them. He doesn't know how to go back to where they were. "I'm trying to put it back together, but... I don't know if I can."
Things with Clay are shit and the club can't see fucking straight with how hard ZObelle is coming at him. At the end of the day, all he wants is his wife.
Maybe it's pity, or she believes him as she looks him directly in the eyes. "I know."
He can feel the tears building. His throat is getting thick with emotions. "I just feel so far away from you now." He reveals. "I know that's my fault." He admits and takes the blame. "Please, just tell me, how do I get back?"
Alma closes her eyes and she turns her head from him. She shakes her head. "I don't know if you can."
Jax can feel his heart breaking. He can feel this is the end of his marriage. "Babe... please let me back in." He begs.
Alma opens her mouth, but the phone cuts her off.
"Ignore it."
She doesn't listen as she goes to the landline. Her back is turned, but he notices she becomes tenser than before. He becomes confused when she ends the call mentioning Hale's name.
"What is it?"
"There was a fire at Cara Cara."
.
.
"This is a lovely house." Stahl tells Alma as they wait for Jax to arrive. Coming back from the grocery store with the kids, the last thing Alma expected was for Agent Stahl to be on her doorstep. Alma had quickly told the kids to play outside while Alma told Jax he needed to come home immediately. So now she is entertaining the ATF agent who is making herself comfortable on her couch.
"Thanks," Alma says briskly as she darts her eyes between Stahl and her kids.
"I'm also sorry to hear about Luann."
"No, you're not." Alma fires back. "If you were you would be looking for her killer."
"Unfortunately, my area of criteria is alcohol, firearms, and tobacco."
"Convenient, so why are you on my doorstep." Alma fire back.
"You're not like Gemma, are you?" Stahl muses. "I mean with the few meetings of your mother, you seem to take after her."
Alma rolls her eyes. "I'm sure you and my mother got along great."
"DIdn't have nice things to say about your father or your husband."
"Tell me something I already don't know."
Stahl's eyes light up in glee, but before she can say anything Jax is walking into the house.
"What's up? Text was vague." He asks before he spots Stahl. His jaw instantly hardens. "You got a warrant?"
"You see me searching?"
"I got nothing to say to you." Jax fires back before turning to Alma. "Where's the kids?"
"In the backyard."
"Look at you two." Stahl coos. "Ozzy and Harriet."
"Shut up." Alma snaps.
"Get out, now." Jax orders the federal agent.
Stahl's smile is sickening. "I was just curious, Jax. I just wanted to know why you were leaving SAMCRO."
That causes Alma's head to snap towards her husband. She can't hide the shock at that news.
Jax looks guilty as he looks down at Alma. "Give me a minute?"
Alma doesn't argue as she goes outside with the kids. Jax doesn't hide his wince as she slams the door.
"I'm sorry, I thought old ladies were privy. Has she got issues with the extracurricular?" Stahl says mockingly.
"Just say it."
"Same pitch. The Irish screwed you, so you screw them back. More importantly, you screw Ethan Zobelle. You even the score, you protect the MC."
"Same response. I don't rat." Jax replies.
"Sons are living in grace, sweetheart. You're not my target now. But if you don't help me, I will come after you." Stahl threatens.
"You know with Alma doing nails...does she have permit to practice? I'm curious on how a mechanic and nail technician can afford such a house especially with Kaylee's medical bills."
"You're so full of shit."
Stahl smiles. "It was nice talking to you Jax."
Jax doesn't leave his spot until he watches Stahl leave his house. He sighs and knows he is about to be in a world of shit. He moves to the sliding door and finds Alma sitting on one of the lounge couches watching the kids get dirty in the sand box.
Jax's feet have barely touched the deck when Alma speaks.
"What was she talking about?"
Jax slides the door closed and he sits next to his wife despite knowing he could be for some bodily danger. "I'm joining the nomad charter of the Sons."
"Did you conveniently forget you have two kids at home. You can't be heading up fucking north for church every week, Jax." Alma thinks she can throttle her husband. She wants to. She wants to scream, cry, and maybe get a few slaps out of him.
"I got to do this. I need space between me and Clay."
"Why?"
"I just need to do this." Jax tells her. He doesn't even know if he can explain how since his mom's car accident things have been different. The stress of Zobelle is eating at all of them. He knows it's best to take some space.
"I ride independently for a few years and wait for him to step down." He adds.
"A few years?" Alma scoffs. "We've barely made it through the last few months. You made this decision without me."
"Well what else am I supposed to do when you won't fucking talk to me."
"Do not put you going Nomad on me!" Alma hisses. "You don't tell me shit. You haven't since you came back...since Ben…" Alma gets choked up. Jax licks his lips because he is not even sure what he wants to say. Alma takes a breath. "I can't do this anymore."
Jax's brows furrow. "What?"
"I can't." Alma tells him as she stands up and moves to head back in the house.
"Al, wait," Jax tries to grab her hand, but she pulls away quickly leaving him all alone outside.
.
.
With a clubhouse full of visiting members and family, the kids are occupied and cared for. Alma decides to take a breather and walks down to Jax's dorm room where they are staying until things with Zobelle are handled.
A Lot has happened the last few days, which have been overwhelming. Alma isn't even sure how to digest a lot of what was told to her. The first truth to be revealed was the Gemma's car accident was in reality a rape. She was raped by a man name Weston, who happened to be Zobelle's right hand man. Gemma's attack was orchestrated by Zobelle along with the club being sent to prison, the burning of Cara Cara, and recent issues with the Irish. With that, the tension of Gemma's trauma and her relationship with Clay being affected led to Clay making decisions in the club that rubbed Jax wrong. It was the cause of the tension that made Jax want to go Nomad. Although none of that changed, her marriage and it's strain could be easily explained and fixed. Now the club is on lockdown as they have formed a plan to deal with Zobelle.
Alma walks out of the bathroom and is startled to find Jax sitting on the edge of the bed. He gives her a tight smile. The thing with Alma is she knows how to be an old lady. She knows where to play the part so no cracks can be seen. She knows that leads to a lot of false comfort mostly to Jax.
Her instinct is to stay standing by the desk but she moves over to the bed and sits on the edge.
"Everything okay?" She asks quietly.
Jax nods his head. "I love you, Alma. I know since I came home I haven't done my best to show you. I have to live with that consequence. When this is done...if you need me out the house. If you want to take the kids away for a bit, I'll do what you want me to."
Alma isn't sure how to respond. She isn't exactly sure what she wants. If anything in these past few months she has learned her life revolves around Jax. She isn't sure of who she is outside of her marriage.
"Do you want a divorce?" Jax asks her quietly.
"You know I would never keep the kids from you Jax." Alma promises. Despite the mistakes and hurt she and Jax make in their relationship that would be put aside for the sake of their children.
"No matter what, I'll always take care of you, Al." Jax promises and she knows he means it.
"Jax…" Alma isn't sure what to say and she doesn't know if it's a good or bad thing.
Jax stands up from the bed and moves to stand in front of her. His smile is sad and he bends down and places a kiss on her forehead. He walks away and out of the room and Alma tries to muffle the sobs that escape her throat.
.
.
.
Jax and the club are outside of a small deli as they watch Zobelle. Tig is working on getting people to leave the premises as quick as they can. They can't enact revenge with women, children, and innocents around.
Jax can feel the burning in his veins to get vengeance for his mother. Sure, killing Weston felt good. A weight lifted from his shoulders a bit, but the main objective is Zobelle. He is the mastermind behind everything.
After he handles this, he can work on his marriage. He can do everything he can to focus on mending his relationship with Alma. He hopes they can find their way back to each other. He can be a better husband, father, and man. He is pacing in front of the store, his eyes covered by his sunglasses when he feels his phone vibrating.
He looks at the ID and sees it's Alma.
She knows what today means and wouldn't be calling unless it was an emergency. He answers the phone and doesn't like the feeling that settles in his gut.
He can hear crying, screaming, and he swears an ambulance.
"Al, what's wrong?" He asks over the chaos on the end of her line.
Her broken sobs reach his ears. The phone falls out of his hand and Jax thinks he fell to his knees and maybe almost toppled his bike before the guys intervened.
"What is it?" Clay barks at him.
Jax is in a daze. Zobelle is forgotten as he gets to his bike. He has to get to St. Thomas.
"Kay...Kaylee's…" Jax can't finish the sentence. He doesn't even want to have it escape his lips. "I gotta go to St. Thomas."