It's not bad living in Charming. Nathan didn't think it would be. It's a little jarring being in his first home. The brick is welcoming and the interior is warm. It's familiar. Despite his mom not stepping a foot here in years, it's weird feeling her presence. It's almost disappointing waking up in the morning and heading into the kitchen not seeing her or even Kaylee. His mind wonders how Ben would be as a child.

His dad is trying though. His dad makes it a point to have breakfast every morning. Sometimes, his grandma will take him to school, but his dad drops him off to Stockton. It sometimes feels like he hasn't lived with him for an extended period of time. There are just the little things from how his sheets don't smell the same as what his mom uses that makes the truth of his living situation known. Also, Nathan can admit his mom absolutely babied him. So he doesn't expect his dad to wake him up with kisses or for the five minute hugs because his mom can't let him go.

He can tell Gemma loves him being back home. There is a weekly dinner at her house. She's been spoiling him with new clothes, accessories, and the general hoovering.

Still even with the new friends and being back with his dad's family, he misses his mother. He knew he was going to miss her, but he didn't think it would be this bad. He calls her every night. They both give each other a run down of their days. He is thankful for technology that they can video call. At first, he would take the calls in his room. He is still uncertain about where his parents stand with each other.

He knows there is not any hate between them. Just a lot of hurt. His dad had been truthful about what happened between him and his mom. Nathan can admit. He does blame his dad a lot. He thinks when his dad told him the full truth he may have even said he hated him. He hurt his family. If anything it made Nathan want to protect his mother even more. It's why he kept the video calls for his room, but his mom had called him early one day and he happened to be in the kitchen with his dad. His mom was always excited about the littlest things. She had planted a butterfly garden and had been so excited to show him the butterflies. His dad had been making them something to eat and the next thing he knew his dad had his phone while he and his mom talked about whatever.

So now, a portion of his calls are taken over by them asking how each other were. It just makes him feel even more guilt that he is keeping his suspicions and concerns from his father.

Nathan is sitting on the couch. His body is tired from football practice and he really just wants to sleep. He is dozing off slightly as his mom sends him pictures of the nails she did today.

"Your mom said it's alright for you to go to bed."

Nathan jumps at the sound of his dad's voice. He thought his dad was going to be gone all of Saturday.

"What?" Nathan asks, confused.

"She just texted saying you sent her a bunch of letters and you only do that when you are tired."

Nathan furrows his brows and looks down at his phone and he sees the text that is just a bunch of random letters.

"You and Mom are texting?" Nathan inquires.

"About you." His dad replies.

Nathan eyes his father. It's weird looking in his dad's eyes knowing he has the same ones. His mother always told him that he had his father's eyes. He sees things the way his dad does. He doesn't know if she was happy about that.

He knows his father isn't a saint clearly. His mother is a married woman. He just knows that things are complicated. He is protective over his mother and his dad has hurt her before.

"How did you do it?" He asks his father.

"Do what?"

"Let Mom go." Nathan remembers that day. The day his mom had made the decision to end things. His Dad didn't fight for her, not really. He just let her go.

His dad sighs and joins him on the couch. His dad doesn't say anything for a couple minutes. "Your mom's happiness...it means more to me than me keeping her here. It means more than my own happiness. I can't blame her for leaving. I pushed her to make that choice."

"Why didn't you fight harder?" Nathan asks.

"Nate...I probably would've pushed her further away. It's -"

"Don't say it's complicated because it's really not." Nathan fires back. "You guys could've gone to marriage counseling. Mom missed you so much. Do you understand how hard those six months were?" Nathan asks his father. His mother was miserable. He knows she tried to hide it. She always put him before everything and left no room for her to grieve - to move on. "Mom just wanted you to make things right because you fucked up. Then she met Vitaly and that is just…" Nathan trails off. He clasps his mouth shut.

"What about the Russian?" His dad asks.

"It's nothing." Nathan shakes with a shake of his head. "Just whatever you two are doing. Just don't hurt her again."

..

Nathan could care less about the homecoming dance, football, and even his date. All he cares about is that this is the second weekend his mom is coming down to visit him, but the first weekend she is going to stay for a bit. He has been counting down the days and he had been able to convince his mom to save money and just stay with him and his dad. He had been able to use some puppy eyes and begging and his mom caved. It wasn't like Vitaly was going to know. The man couldn't even be bothered with coming.

Nathan had woken up way early due to his excitement. His mom was coming in the morning on Friday although he would be in school when she would arrive. She was just staying for the weekend unfortunately. She would be leaving on Monday morning after he left for school.

He had been barely paying attention all day during school. He just wanted to see his mother. He rushed out of school not paying attention to what his friends were saying to him. He expected to see his dad or grandma, but he is pleasantly shocked to see his mom standing outside of her car. He runs over to his mom and wraps his arms around her and twirls her around.

She begs him to stop while laughing, but it is their thing since he has inherited his father's height and his mom is such a tiny thing.

She giggles as he puts her down and gives her a real hug.

"I take it someone missed me."

"I missed you so much, Mom." He tells her and his body relaxes at her familiar scent of oranges that seems imprinted on her skin.

"I'm here now, baby. I missed you too." She tells him.

. . .

"When did you get in?" Nathan asks his mother when they make their way back to Charming.

"Around noon."

"Was Dad there?"

Alma nods her head. "Yeah, despite me still having the key. I'm surprised the house is clean. Gemma cleaning up after you two?"

Nathan snorts. "No. Dad actually gave me a chore list. It's how I make my allowance."

Alma looks over at him in surprise. "Really?"

"Yeah, Mom. It sucks."

She laughs. "Now you know how I felt when I had to clean up after you, Dad, and Kaylee. At least Kaylee would help."

Nathan smiles at the mention of his sister. He has noticed as the years go by, grief has been kinder to his mom. She can mention Kaylee freely. She still struggles with Ben, but she isn't scared to talk about things Kaylee used to do.

"It's not weird being back in the house is it?" He asks hesitantly.

"There's nothing but good memories in that house." His mom assures him.

Nathan nods his head and believes her. "So tell me about the shop?"

His mom smiles and it takes over her whole face.

. . .

"So Alma's here?" Gemma asks her son.

She knows Nathan has been downright giddy about his mom visiting. Gemma has noticed her son has been more subdued and almost nervous. She also noticed since Nathan has made home in Charming her son doesn't mess around with croweaters that much or at all.

"Yeah. She is picking up Nathan from school right now. So you need to be nice."

"When am I not?" Gemma asks.

"Ma…" Jax warns.

"Is her husband coming down to visit?" That gets a reaction out of Jax as he clenches his jaw.

"No. It's just Alma."

"Staying at your place?"

Jax's blue eyes pin down on her. "If you have something to say just say it, Ma."

"She's not your Old Lady anymore, Jax. You don't need to get caught in between her and her marriage." Gemma isn't blind to the fact her son still wants Alma. She knows Alma still has her son wrapped around her fingers. She knows Alma would never do anything to take advantage of Jax's feelings. It just worried Gemma with how the two of them could fall back into old habits. They don't need to piss off any Russians.

"No drama, Ma, for Nathan, please."

"I promise."

. . .

Jax isn't surprised that Alma is the mom to have a custom made hoodie proudly displaying their son's jersey number. In fact, Alma is a pro at tailgating and mingling with other parents of athletes. He notices that this is her element. He hurts a bit in his chest to think that she had given this up a bit with Nathan living with him. It hurts to think he missed out on Alma being the doting mom and cheering for her son.

It hurts even worse seeing all of the club here for Nathan's game and how it feels so normal with Alma between all of them. It is as if the past five years haven't happened. They are a family together and happy.

Alma did have to do some convincing for Nathan to enjoy a party after the game. It tugs at his heart to see his son so attached to his mother. He knows that mother and son have a profound bond that is greater than the bond between him and Nathan. Jax isn't jealous, but it makes it more obvious that he had fucked up their family.

It's even more evident how the guys are craving her attention now. She and Bobby had a very in depth discussion about baking. She had scolded Piney for being reckless with his health. Tig had already roped her into a game of pool.

His mom was even being genuine in her conversation about some of the nail designs she would like if Alma had time to do them.

It's glimpses of simple things he pissed away by being an asshole.

And he knows he is playing with fire, as he somehow convinced her to let him take her out to eat.

"He is growing up so fast, Jax." Alma laments as they sit in Lumpy's diner.

"I know." Jax agrees.

"He isn't giving you any trouble is he?"

"You know he's not. Boy is very self sufficient. Don't know if it is because he is scared to ask me for anything though." Jax admits. Sometimes, he can feel a distance between him and his son. Jax knows that at the end of the day there is probably some lingering resentment Nathan holds to him.

"Just give it some time. But I assure you, Nathan is adamant on doing things himself for the most part."

Jax smiles. "It's nice having him back through. I feel bad for taking him away from you though."

"You didn't take him away from me, Jax. Nathan does like being back home in , you'll get all those fun teenage years."

Jax laughs. "Let's hope he doesn't repeat our decisions."

"I don't know he has been telling me he's been talking to Tristen lately."

"Oswald?"

Alma nods her head.

"Great. Exactly what we need."

Alma giggles. "I think I would make a pretty hot grandma."

"Al, please no," Jax says as he covers his eyes.

Alma's giggling is cut short when her phone goes off. Jax uncovers his eyes and he watches Alma's mood dim a little. She begins to move out of her booth. "I'll be back."

Jax nods his head as he watches Alma walk away and out to the front. He keeps his eyes trained on her as she listens to the caller. She keeps her back to him. He can't hear her, but there is a lot of head nodding and shaking her head. The phone call only lasts about 3 minutes. He watches as she looks at her phone before she slowly slides it back into her back pocket. He acts distracted by the plate of food their waitress slid in front of him.

He can tell the mood between them has shifted as Alma slides back into her seat.

"Sorry about that," she says.

Jax shakes his head. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah. just...um Vitaly."

Jax nods his head. He eyes Alma, who is becoming distracted by her food. He wants to ask questions. He wants to press for more information. He just knows better than to question her now in public. He'll act like everything is fine.

He slides over the extra ranch he requested from the waitress. "I got more ranch for your fries."

"Thank you."

. . .

Jax has just locked the front door to the house when he is hit with longing as he watches Alma hang up her purse and take off his shoes.

The once happy mood diminished after she came back from her phone call.

"You want a drink before bed?"

Alma turns to him with a raised eyebrow. She folds her arms across her chest. "Why don't you ask me what you really want to ask me? I didn't think you were the type to need liquid courage."

Jax licks his lips and he leans against the wall. "The Russian didn't want to come down?"

"No."

Jax nods his head. "Busy with work...or?"

"Would you even want him here, Jax?" Alma replies.

"Doesn't matter what I feel. If he has a good relationship with Nathan, I don't want to be the cause of a rift."

Alma shakes her head. "Everything is fine, Jax."

"I never said they weren't." Jax replies.

Alma's eyes widen slightly, but he watches as a blank mask slips into place. "I'm tired. I'm gonna go to bed."

Jax doesn't stop her. He watches as she walks down the hallway to the room that used to belong to their daughter. He moves away from the wall as he goes to the bar and gets himself a glass to pour him some whiskey.

He knows that if something is wrong in her marriage. He would be on the fine line considering Vitaly's connection to the Russians. They rarely do business with them,but he is not looking to start trouble either. Then again, he doesn't really care about being courteous if Alma is involved. Yet, maybe he is overreacting. Marriage isn't always sunshine and rainbows. He knows that first hand.

He just doesn't like that fact if Alma is in trouble, she feels she can't come to him for help.

.

.

.

Jax gave his son and Alma privacy while they said goodbye. He was rewarded with a hug for his goodbye and a few tips in things Nathan or the house would need. He had stepped aside and went into the house when he saw Nathan struggling to keep his composure.

It broke his heart to see his son like this. Yet, now, his son has been incredibly quiet since Alma left. Gone were the red eyes with tears, his son was clutching his phone tightly, biting his lip, and his leg was jumping up and down. Jax couldn't ignore it.

"Your mom make it home, okay?" Jax asks despite already receiving a text from Alma she was home.

Nathan nods his head.

"So what's going on? You're about to chew through your bottom lip." Jax points out.

"It's nothing," Nathan says dismissively as he runs his hands through his hair.

The good thing about his world crashing around him when he and Alma got divorced, Jax became more self aware. He had too. Also in having kids, he can see how his behavior is inherited or learned.

So he knows his son is lying to him. He knows that Nathan is keeping something close to his chest. Jax would force it out of his son, but he is trusting his son to come to him when he is ready. Jax knows that Nathan needs to come to terms with whatever is plaguing him on his own before reaching him. Jax has to wait for Nathan to trust him to handle the knowledge that Nathan has.

"If something was wrong with your mom, you can tell me. You know that right?"

Nathan turns his head and a sad smile takes over his features. "I know, Dad."

.

.

.

Alma is tired. Her body aches and she is running out of concealer. Vitaly isn't being careful anymore. Thankfully, since she planned to go to Charming she didn't book any appointments for the last two weeks of November. She had been able to focus on books and new designs. Yet, now with a possible concussion, having to pop her shoulder back in place, and a bruise that can even be seen on the inside of her lip, she can't go to Charming. Nathan and of course Jax would notice everything. She is supposed to be leaving tomorrow. She feels bad for doing this last minute as Nathan had been going on and on about how the house was decorated.

They were going to be having two Thanksgiving as Nathan just wanted her and Jax to have dinner for themselves. The other Thanksgiving she had somehow got an invitation to Gemma's. She has noticed that Gemma has been nicer to her since her trip to Charming. It almost feels like things were returning to how things before the divorce. Alma knows though Gemma is only being nice to appease the boys.

Alma leans back into her chair. She doesn't want to break her son's heart, but she knows she has too. These next two weeks are going to be torture. She knows she will have a lot to make up for when Christmas comes around.

With shaky hands, she calls her son. His answer is immediate.

"Hey, Ma," he greets. She can tell he is smiling.

"Hey, baby," she replies. Her voice is a bit hoarse. She hopes he can't tell.

"Everything okay? You sound a bit sick?" She can hear some movement in the background.

"You at home?"

"Yeah, I'm laughing at Dad trying to clean the pool."

"You're not helping?"

"No, I know he is trying to trick me so he can push me in."

"Sounds like your Dad."

"Yeah, but you didn't answer the questions, Mom."

Alma closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "You're going to be mad at me, baby."

"Why? What's going on?"

"I'm not going to be able to come up for Thanksgiving."

He doesn't respond right away. All she can hear is his breathing. "Baby -"

"Why?"

"I'm not feeling good. I wouldn't be any fun, but I'll be there for Chri -"

Nathan interrupts her. "What did he do?"

"Nathan -"

"What did he do, Mom?"

"Nathan, I just can't come okay. I'm sorry." Alma can't hold back the tears now. Her voice cracks. "I'm so sorry, baby, I'm a terrible -"

"Mom, don't cry okay," Nathan rushes out. "Please, don't cry." He begs. "I'm not going to lie and say I'm not upset. It'll be okay, Mom."

"I'm so sorry, Nathan."

"He should be, Mom."

.

.

.

Nathan is scared. He is worried. He thinks he feels guilty. His dad had asked him if everything was okay with his mother and he lied. Now, his mom wasn't able to come to Thanksgiving and she wasn't answering her phone. She always answered. If she couldn't answer, she would immediately send him a text she would call him back.

Something was wrong. He should've told his dad the truth. He immediately made some fib that something happened to her store. His dad and grandmother bought it. His mom even had the foresight to call his dad to reassure him everything was okay.

Yet, now, it's been two days since Thanksgiving and he has not received a text or heard his mother's voice. He is fucking scared. He knows better than to message Vitaly. That could only endanger his mother more. Nathan wipes a hand down his face and he is surprised to find tears. He didn't even realize he had started crying.

He can't keep quiet. The silence is only bringing on violence to his mother. He storms down the hallway to the garage where his father is at. A new hobby of his is restoring bikes that he will either sell or keep for a collection. His dad looks over at him briefly before he does a double take. No doubt noticing the tears.

His dad throws his tool down and begins wiping his hand. "What's wrong?"

"It's about Mom. I'm so sorry, Dad," Nathan cries out as his dad steps in front of him.

Jax grips his shoulders. "Is she hurt? What happened?"

"I should've told you from the start, Dad. I'm so sorry." Nathan wails.

"Hey, calm down. Just tell me now. What's going on?"

Nathan looks into his father's eyes. He wipes at his tears. "Vitaly...he hurts Mom." Nathan reveals. Finally letting the truth out. "I...I can't get a hold of her. I think he hurt her bad this time. I'm sorry, Dad. I should've told you."

Jax wraps his arms around him tightly. He embraces him in a tight hug. "Hey, it's okay. It's okay. You told me now. I'll handle it, okay."