Author's Note: Just please be patient with Alma. It's just going to take her a minute to work through everything that has happened and will happen around her.
FIVE YEARS LATER
For the first time in years, Alma is going to fully acknowledge her ex-husband. Since their divorce things had been rocky between them. They never had fully recovered from the events that took place that led to their divorce.
They are civil when it comes to anything regarding Nathan. 99.9 % of their conversations revolve around their son. Outside of the first year of the divorce and working out the distance, they had been able to work out a schedule that didn't hurt Nathan's relationship with his father. Jax got their son for the summer and every holiday and Nathan stayed with her for the school year.
Alma can say she is proud that she and Jax have managed to co-parent as well as they have. She had thought it would be harder. She expected so much resistance. Yet, Jax has been over generous through the years and she knows he is overcompensating for the guilt he still feels.
She feels bad that she and Jax have turned into strangers.
She knows exactly when it happened.
Wendy had given birth to a beautiful baby boy. After getting the paternity test, it turned out Jax was not the father. She had been happy for Jax if that made any sense. She knows that he thought it could be the start in mending things. Instead it just brought up old wounds as it didn't change that he had slept with another woman, one of many, who could've been pregnant with his child. That had thrown Alma down a spiral she had managed to avoid and after that short and clipped phone call. She had a night out in the town where she met Vitaly Petrova. The man that would become her husband.
She knows the only reason Jax came to the wedding was because of Nathan. He would have his boy for a month while she and Vitaly went on their honeymoon. Since her wedding night, any type of thread they had on a relationship evaporated. Jax created a bigger distance she couldn't even begin to build a bridge too. She knows she is at fault considering what exactly conspired between the two on her wedding night.
She knows he is going to have questions. It's been 2 years since she has been back to Charming. She only made a trip to Opie's homecoming party. When Nathan comes to stay with his dad, she and Jax always meet halfway.
She knows Nathan is going to be mad, but she is doing what is best for him. That is her job as her mother. What hurts is having to follow the familiar route to hers and Jax's first home. Nathan had mentioned in passing that Jax found the second house too big - too empty. The house is for Nathan when he is older and wants to come back to Charming.
Nothing really has changed except for the vines that are overtaking the exterior. She finds Jax outside restoring a bike. He looks shocked to see her as Nathan isn't due to visit until June for the summer. It's May.
Alma makes note in the changes of her ex-husband though. He had chopped off all his hair. He has a close cropped shave and it seems he has added at least 15 pounds in muscles since the last time she saw him.
He doesn't show any reaction to her showing up unannounced. He never shows any reaction towards her anymore. His eyes scan her car before her appearance. She isn't all dolled up as she usually is. Her now blonde hair is in a sloppy bun and she is wearing a simple red summer dress.
"Hey, Jax," she greets.
He doesn't say anything as he begins wiping his hands off with a rag.
"Everything okay with Nathan?" He asks.
"Yeah. Everything is fine."
Jax raises his eyebrow. "If it were, you wouldn't be here in Charming unannounced."
"I wanted to talk about changing Nathan's visiting schedule."
Jax nods his head. "You and the Russian going on vacation?" That was another thing. Jax never referred to Vitaly by his name. Just the Russian. She knows Jax hates her husband for many reasons and now she is potentially creating another one.
"Actually, I was thinking Nathan should start high school in Charming. I want him to come back living here."
"What?" Her ex-husband replies visibly confused.
"I think with high school, it may be best for him to be with you. I know the visitation...it's hard for you."
Jax sighs. "He wanted to be with you, Al. It's hard, but it's not like I don't see him. We talk almost every day."
"I just want to do this for you."
Jax stares at her directly in her eyes. "What aren't you telling me?"
Alma hides the panic. She has gotten good at lying in the past three years. She knows she is risking a lot by not hiding her eyes with sunglasses, but it would put Jax on even more of an alert.
"Everything is okay, Jax." She assures him.
Jax doesn't press. He folds his arms across his chest. "I mean it's not like I am going to have a problem with my son wanting to live with me."
Alma smiles and some tension leaves her body. "I already completed the paperwork and I enrolled him at Aquinas Academy."
"That Catholic school in Stockton? That place is expensive as shit." Jax exclaims.
"We always planned to send the kids there Jax. Did you forget I went there? We get a discount."
A fond smile comes across his face. "Trust me, darlin', I did not forget you in that skirt they passed as a uniform."
Alma rolls her eyes, but she can't help the smile that comes across her face. It's nice to be talking to Jax like this without any tension. Although it makes the heartache worse because she misses him. She never stopped despite all the heartache he put her through. She knows that makes her stupid.
"I already ordered him a couple uniforms too."
"Jesus, Al, let me pay for something. I know the Russian has money, but Christ, Nathan is my son." Jax says with more bite than intended.
"I didn't use any of his money, Jax. I never do with things for Nathan and I'm sure you know that considering you make it a point to send child support checks I never ask for." Alma constantly rolls her eyes at the money Jax sends her on a monthly basis. Of course it all goes directly to Nathan, but she knows the excessive amount Jax puts in is for her as well. With the money, she has been teaching Nathan about budgeting and she makes sure he isn't always buying outlandish things. "Besides, I have my own money."
Jax lips tug up. "How is your shop? Mom liked the nails you sent in for her to try."
A bright smile comes over her face any time anyone asks about her nail salon. Two years ago she started Picassos. She started a small online shop for press or glue on nails and after getting the necessary paperwork and certifications, she was able to open her own salon and it has done exceptionally well. In fact, her online store constantly keeps her busy.
"It's going so well. I'm thinking of expanding."
"Yeah. Have any spaces picked out?"
A blush taints her cheeks for some reason. "I'm actually thinking of opening a spot here. I am supposed to meet with Hale about potential spaces especially since Nathan will be here now."
Jax presses his lips together. She can tell he is thinking hard. He is trying to understand what is going on around him. He closes the distance between them. His hand comes up and grips her chin forcing her to look at him. She hates how a simple touch from him causes goosebumps to erupt across her flesh.
"I know I was shit husband -"
"You weren't," she interrupts foolishly. Sure, at the end he was, but in the beginning, she can't find herself tainting the image of the man she had hopelessly been in love with.
A strained smile reaches Jax's lip. "...still despite what happened between us. You can still come to me if you need my help."
"Jax, I'm fine. Everything is okay." She places her hand over his and squeezes it before removing his hand from her face. "I'll see you next month."
She doesn't let Jax get another word back in as she rushes back to her car.
.
.
.
Alma had to plan it meticulously. Vitaly is always busiest it seems between May and until the end of June. It's then he makes his visits to other states or countries for things. Then in July, he would spoil her with a trip someplace. She knows this summer will not be an easy one. Most importantly, she feels bad for having to deceive her son.
She looks at her oldest, as he gets older, she thought he would take after his father more. She had been surprised how much he resembles her physically. From the brown hair and she even finds some of her mannerisms in him. However, his eyes are his father's eyes. Those blue orbs are a carbon copy of his father's and he also seems to have inherited his father's brain when it comes to things that aren't particularly suited for the interests of 14 year olds. She has gotten too many phone calls about her son setting up candy stores trying to make a buck at school.
Despite his lukewarm relationship with Vitaly, she knows Nathan does enjoy spending time learning the business side of the wine industry. Nathan has expressed an interest in going to school for business. She had been pleasantly surprised that her son showed an interest in college. She had been convinced her son would move back to Charming at 18 and join the club. Although she might be changing the course of his life by moving him to Charming.
"What do you mean I'm moving with Dad?" Nathan asks as he packed what he believed to be his summer bag to his father's. He only brings simple things like a book, movies, and games. Maybe a sweatshirt he is particularly fond of. Usually the first day he is back in Charming, his dad takes him shopping for new clothes and things he needs if he outgrown some things. It also helped that he didn't need to lug around a suitcase and deal with unpacking.
"I enrolled you at Aquinas Academy for high school. So now for holidays you'll come here. I thought it might be best for you to spend your teenage years with your dad."
"And I don't get a say in this?" Nathan asks.
"If you really hate Charming that much, you can come back here of course. I think it would be best. I mean I got you for all these years. I think you and your dad would love this."
"Does Vitaly know?"
"It doesn't matter. When it comes to you, the final decision is between me and your father." His mother deflects.
Nathan straightens his back. He doesn't like that answer. The thing was being young Nathan didn't see the warning signs, or maybe Vitaly was good at hiding them. He can also say he had come to a point where he hated his father for the pain he inflicted on his mother. Vitaly didn't seem to be wrong for his mother. He was spoiling his mother with gifts and seemed like he wanted to form a friendship with him. Now, he thinks Vitaly just knew how to prey on his mother. She was emotionally vulnerable and he dove like a crow.
He thinks it was almost a year into his mother's marriage something felt off between his mom and Vitaly.
The problem is he never sees anything. Sure, there are some raised voices and he does check his mom over for marks, but there is no evidence.
There are times when he wants to mention something to his dad. He just is scared of his dad's reaction and what could happen to his mom. His dad doesn't like Vitaly as is and he knows his dad might do something reckless. Knows the club could get into trouble if his dad did do something.
Although his main concern is his mother, he has researched a little on domestic violence and he needs to be sure she is safe.
"Mom, I can't leave you alone." Nathan settles on.
"I won't be. I have the salon keeping me busy." She answers.
Nathan wants to scream and shout, but he doesn't. He is a teeanger and he needs to be smart about this. Just maybe his mom does have a plan if she is sending him back to Charming. It doesn't ease his worries though.
"You're gonna come to visit at least on the first day of school?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world."
.
.
.
Alma didn't think it would be this hard. It's always hard when her baby leaves for the summer. She misses him terribly and Nathan's absence is always felt. Now though she can't stop crying as she holds him to send him off with his father.
"Christ, Mom," Nathan says as she smothers him in kisses as she has to stand on her tippy toes a bit.
She can hear Jax chuckle in the background.
She pulls back, "I'm just going to miss you so much."
"I can see that."
"Oh stop," Alma says.
"I'm just going to be with Dad. It's not like I'm moving to another country."
Alma gives her son another hug. "I'll miss you, baby."
Nathan's arms wrap around her tightly and they hold each other. Her baby is growing up. "I'll miss you too, Mom."
Alma pulls back and watches as Nathan makes his way to Jax's truck. Jax is leaning against his grill with a somber expression. He walks over to her, "You sure about this?"
"Yeah. I'll be in town for a couple weeks in August to see him start school." She tells him. She wraps her arms around herself. "Just take care of him, Jax. He's the only thing I have left."
Jax nods his head. His eyes scan her over, "I'll see you in August."
.
.
The ride to Charming was quiet. Jax expected it to be considering how Alma clearly was distraught with Nathan moving in with him. Jax reminds himself that Alma wanted this and he was happy to have his son full time. Yet, since she popped up unexpectedly last month, he felt something was off. He was missing something from this. Sure, he had his suspicions. He made the mistakes once of making an offhand comment to Clay about it. The guys would usually ignore his comments about the Russian and write it off as jealousy. Yet, Clay had looked at him and made the pointed reminder that Alma wasn't his wife or old lady. Her marriage wasn't his business. Also if he did something the blow back wouldn't not only hurt Alma and Nathan, but the club would suffer.
Sometimes, Jax wanted to ask Nathan if he had worries or issues with Vitaly. He just didn't want to put his son in that position. If there was a truth to any suspicions of wrongdoing, Jax would murder Vitaly without any hesitation.
He just doesn't know how to handle the fact he pushed Alma into this situation. He fucked up and she landed into this assholes lap.
"We're going to Grandma's?" Nathan asks when they don't take the turn to the house.
"Her grandbaby is moving back to Charming. She made a whole spread for you." Jax informs him.
Gemma had been ecstatic when he told her Alma was sending Nathan to move in with him permanently. Since Alma married the Russian, their relationship had turned frosty. He knows his mom thought a reconciliation would happen and he thinks it's safe to say they were both blindsided when she announced she was getting married.
His mother didn't like the Russian either, but for other reasons. Jax thinks he is the only one that believes Alma's marriage isn't what it seems. He thinks it may be time to talk to Opie because he might get clarity from him, but even then it doesn't change the fact Alma isn't his old lady or wife.
"You think she'll be nicer to mom now?"
Jax raises an eyebrow. "Who knows with your grandmother. How's Ann doing?"
Nathan shrugs his shoulders. "Somewhere with her boyfriend. I don't know. She and mom don't talk much anymore."
"Why's that?"
"Everytime they would talk, Ann would say something bad about you and praise Vitaly. It would lead to arguments. So mom stopped checking in unless she felt I needed to talk to her, which I don't."
Jax snorts. "Unbelievable. How is the Russian?" He asks with clear distaste.
Nathan shrugs his shoulders. "On a business trip, I guess." Nathan taps his fingers against his knees. "I just wish my mom wasn't going to be alone in the house."
"You worried for her."
"It's just been me and her, ya know. After Ben and Kaylee...I always worry." Nathan reveals.
Jax fights the ball in his throat at the mention of his two youngest. His chest still tightens thinking about them and what their futures could've been.
"She and the Russian don't want kids?" He asks. He tries not to think about Alma sharing a bed with that man, but he has been mentally preparing for the pregnancy announcement any day now.
"Vitaly doesn't like kids."
"What!" Jax exclaims, shocked.
"That's what he told me."
"What? When?" Jax inquires.
"It was a little bit after when they got married. One of the workers at the winery had a baby. He told me I didn't need to worry about getting another sibling. He wasn't fond of kids, especially babies."
"Your mom knows this?"
Nathan furrows his brow. "I would imagine. It's not like I really want to talk about mom's sex life, Dad. Gross."
"How do you think you got here?"
Nathan's nose scrunches up. "Disgusting."
"Speaking of sex, don't think you are living with me you can be sneaking girls over. Your mom will kill me if you get a girl pregnant." Jax warns. "You do know how to use a condom?"
"Ugh, yes, Dad. Mom showed me."
"When?"
"Dad, I really don't want to talk about this."
"Well you are getting a refresher and I'll take you shopping, or did your mom already take you?"
Nathan's cheeks are red at this point. "No, Mom said she'll save the shopping for you."
"Look at that, your mom thinks of everything." Jax says as he pulls into Gemma's driveway. He turns the truck off. "I'll give you a few minutes to call your mom and tell her that you're here, alright."
Nathan nods his head and Jax slips out of the truck. He walks into his mother's house. He almost jumps as the door is swung open. His mother is on the opposite side of him. She looks behind him. "Where is my grandson?"
"Calling Alma real quick to tell her we made it." He answers as he walks into the house.
"Well?" Gemma presses.
"Well what?"
"Aren't you excited? You've been mopey since Alma gave you the good news. It's about time she came to her senses about the boy needing to be with his father." Gemma adds.
"Ma," Jax warns.
Gemma presses her lips together. "You should be happy."
"I am."
"She's not your concern anymore, Jax."
"She is still family, Ma." Jax answers. "She's the mother of my children. She is always going to be a concern."
...
Alma has been nervous for this day. She is in the sitting living room by the tall windows as she looks out into their backyard. Vitaly is returning from his business trip. She can hear his footsteps approaching. She watches as he waves off his security to give them privacy.
Vitaly is a handsome man. Tall and lean, his dirty blonde hair is slicked back and parted on the side, and it seems in the month he has grown out a mustache. When they first met, she wasn't really impressed with him. Or at the time, he shared some similarities with her ex husband with the long hair and baggy shirts and jeans. But Vitaly's sense of style has matured to silk buttons up and slacks. Expensive shoes and diamond jewelry. Despite having a legitimate winery with vast distribution, he has ties to the Russian Mafia. His uncle is Viktor Putlova, the head of the Mafia.
Alma had been hesitant to be involved with someone in the Life again, but she was swept up by Vitaly. Also it helped that the Sons rarely do business dealings with the Russians.
She took the risk.
"Hey, baby," he greets and gives her a kiss before sitting next to her.
"How was the trip?"
"Too long. Just wanted to come home," he tells her as he puts an arm around her shoulder.
"Nathan already gone?"
Alma swallows the ball in her throat. "Yeah. Dropped him off last night."
"When is he coming back?"
"He...uh...he is going to be actually staying in Charming. He is going to live with Jax." She informs him.
Vitaly freezes. "When was this decided?"
"A few weeks ago."
"And you are only telling me now?"
Alma doesn't say anything.
"Answer me." Vitaly barks.
"He is starting high school. I thought it was best he was with his dad. They both miss each other." Alma rushes out.
"You couldn't tell me this over the phone. You went behind my back." Vitaly points out. "When did you tell, Jax?"
"May."
"Over the phone." Vitaly inquires.
Alma shakes her head.
Even though she is prepared for it, it still manages to take her by surprise when Vitaly grabs her by her throat. He squeezes hard as he chokes her. She begins to feel light headed and white spots are forming in her eyes.
She coughs as he throws her to the floor.
"Jesus, fuck, Alma!" Vitaly shouts. "Get to the fucking room." She can hear him unbuckling his belt.
She used to think she was in love with Vitaly. Maybe a part of her was, but all she knows that her heart was already broken once so it can't be broken again.
.
.
.
.
TWO YEARS AGO - The Wedding
Alma never imagined getting married again. In fact, she thought she was done with marriage. She had no desire in making vows with another man. Yet, look at her now. She is only in her peach colored robe and the fancy lingerie set she bought for her soon to be husband. She had just finished her makeup when she began to feel overwhelmed.
Her mom sensed that she needed some space. She didn't remember feeling nervous when she married Jax, but then again she already had a kid. Marriage paled in comparison to that.
She is just worried she is making a mistake. Her choices affect her son. She and Vitaly could be together without the attachment of marriage. She wonders if it is normal to feel scared. She knows she sure as hell doesn't feel happy at the moment.
Thinking on it, Alma didn't have much say in the wedding planning. Her mom had taken over everything for her.
A knock comes at the door.
"One minute." She replies.
It's quiet, but the knock comes again. She sighs and storms to the door. "I said one -" Her voice dies as she finds Jax on the other side of the door.
He rushes into the room. Alma closes the door. She knows the only reason he is here is because of Nathan. Immediately after the wedding festivities Jax is going to take Nathan while they are on their honeymoon.
She doesn't get to question him as to why he is here because he beats her to it.
"Please do not do this," he pleads.
Alma rolls her eyes. She walks back over to her vanity. "You did this. You ended us."
"Alma, please, I'm sorry...there has to be something -"
"You've done enough." She informs him bluntly.
It goes quiet in the dressing room. Alma busies herself by playing with random items on her vanity, but it doesn't conceal that her hands are shaking.
She hears Jax footsteps behind her before his chest is against her back. Alma freezes. She turns immediately to slap him for even crossing that physical boundary.
Yet as soon as she turns, Jax hoists her up on the vanity and immediately spreads her legs to stand between them. His movements were rough and desperate as he immediately removed her robe leaving her in her peach colored lingerie.
His fingers wrapped around her throat and he moved her closer as he applied the smallest of pressure and pressed his lips against hers.
She was distracted by Jax kissing hers that she jumps slightly in surprise when she feels his fingers move her panties to the side and tease her opening. He didn't thrust them inside of her, but kept circling them making her buck her hips up on the counter.
"Jax," she moans.
She hears him unzipping his pants and her panties are pushed to the side again and he slams himself inside of her.
Alma screams are muffled as Jax moves the hand around her neck to cover her mouth. Her walls constrict around him as her body gets adjusted to him. She hates to even admit that she missed this side of Jax. She missed him.
Jax moves his hand back to her throat as he presses another rough kiss to her mouth. He pulls all the way out before snapping his hips back up into hers. Alma bites her lip to stifle her moans as each thrust is harder than before.
She knows what Jax is doing. She shouldn't be letting him do this. She shouldn't be doing this at all. But she tightens around him.
Jax releases a broken moan, "Christ, you feel so fucking perfect."
Jax lifts her leg and he hits her G-Spot repeatedly. It triggers her orgasm unexpectedly. Her body quivers and a lewd moan leaves Jax mouth as he releases. She can feel him coating her walls. He trails kisses across her collarbone and throat before he meets her lips.
She can feel the tears building in her eyes. She thinks she truly hates Jax and herself at this moment. Jax pulls back when he feels the first drop of liquid against his cheeks.
Alma winces as he pulls out of her. She ignores his cum dripping out of her and staining her panties. She is lucky she brought another set of lingerie as she couldn't decide.
"I hate you." She tells him. She doesn't glance at him as he cleans up. She has barely tied her robe back together and Jax has just buckled his belt when the door slams open revealing her mother.
Ann doesn't say anything as she glares at Jax, who walks out without a glance back.
Alma turns as she looks for the other set of lingerie.
"Is it out of your system?" Ann asks.
Alma nods her head.