A/N: So, I have musical inspiration for this chapter. Pompeii by Bastille. If you don't know this song, look it up, it's AMAZING! If you know the songs, you'll recognize the lyrics as some lines in the chapter. Hope everyone enjoyed the last chapter. Readership has fallen slightly, but that's okay because I have faithful viewers! So with that said I'd like to thank patto85, xshynenstarx, and of course elbeewoods! You're all awesome :)

Jax looked at Tara. Did he want to go down this rabbit hole? The last relationship he was in ended in a drug addict almost killing his child. But Tara was nothing like Wendy. She was great and would be a good addition to this fucked up family Jax has surrounding himself. The only question he had for himself: Would he let her in, or shut her out like he always has?

Jax laid there, staring at the woman in front of him. This woman had the capability of destroying him so easily that it scared him. He wanted to talk to her, wanted to let her in, but he didn't know if he was capable of it. There was so much riding on him that he just wanted to crawl in a corner and wait for it all to be over.

But then he thought of losing Tara again. And it hurt. It hurt more then he realized. He thought of his life without her for the last five years. And they were filled with pain and faceless women. Women that he used just to try to fill the void of Tara being gone. He'd never told her five years ago how he felt about her, because he didn't want to get rejected. His love and affection for this woman ran so deep, it was an integral part of his life. But now, now things were different. He was a completely different person, and she definitely was too. She had gone through so much, he wasn't sure that'd she would be able to trust a man again. He knew from experience with his mom and Clay that once that trust is gone, it's very hard to get back.

"Jax, you alright?" Tara brought him out of his musings.

"Yeah, just thinking about some stuff." He said evasively.

"Anything you want to talk about?"

Now was his chance, his chance to tell her, well anything. He could start opening up his heart. There is no way he would tell her all of it outright. But he could at least start building bridges that could someday lead to more with her. He just had to allow himself to open his heart to her. His damaged, broken, dilapidated heart.

He took a deep breath and looked straight into her eyes.

"Yeah, actually. I was thinking about you."

Tara shied away and smiled. "What about me?"

"Just, how sorry I am for the last five years. And...well..." He paused and sat up straight. He pulled Tara up with him so they were sitting Indian style facing each other.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you how much your friendship meant to me. You weren't just an extension of Opie. You were in a class all of your own. I didn't show my appreciation for you when I should have. All those times you picked me up off the bathroom floor when I was too drunk to do it myself. I regret those times, Tara. Those moments are where we spent most of our time just me and you, and you were taking care of me. I just don't understand why you did it. You felt like we were only friends by association, but you still took care of me like it mattered to you." Tara sighed from beside him.

"It did matter to me, Jax. I loved those moments. In those moments I felt like I was doing something, like I was someone. Yes, you made some shitty choices back in the day, but who didn't. I didn't want to see you hurt or in pain, even pain that was dumb and self inflicted. We were young, Jax, and dumb. But that didn't mean that I didn't care for you, even if I knew you didn't feel the same."

Now was his chance. He could at least clear the air about everything. He knew neither of them were ready for anything bigger, but that doesn't mean she can't know about how he feels. After everything she had done for him, he felt she deserved it.

"Tara, I'm going to tell you a little story. Do you want to hear a story? It's a great one." he said smiling slyly at her.

She nodded lethargically and laid back down. "I'd love for you to tell me a story, Mr. Teller."

Jax smirked at her comment and laid down, facing her, hands under his face.

"Once upon a time there was a Prince. He lived in an awesome town called Charming. He was Prince of Charming, and it fit him." Tara smacked him on the shoulder and laughed as he continued.

"He was best friends with the jester. And the jester was dating the...milk maid." Jax said, not being able to think of anything other then a wench.

"Oh, Donna will LOVE that!" Tara said heartily

"ANYWAY! The three of them played together and soon, a princess joined the group. See, she was best friends with the milk maid. The quartet was inseparable. They went to parties together and hung out with each other any chance they had. But the princess was unhappy. She was unhappy because people weren't always nice to her. But the prince, the jester, and the milkmaid were there for her faithfully. Through the years, the respect and gratitude that the prince felt for her grew. But he was too scared to tell her. He didn't want to drive a wedge between the group. The princess took the role of mother hen with them and never complained about anything that she had done or was asked for her. Everyone, especially the prince, respected her and were grateful for her. But one day, she left. She didn't tell anyone she was leaving. It destroyed the trio that was left to pick up the pieces. The prince of Charming believed that if he could have just been man enough to tell her that she was cared for, and she was wanted, then maybe the princess wouldn't have left. After many years, she returned. She was a whole new woman, and didn't need anyone to look after her or care of her. But the prince still wanted to. He wanted her to hear him out. Give it time, and let the old wounds heal so they could work on making new memories. Together."

Jax finally looked over at Tara, who appeared to be sleeping. Jax sighed and rolled over to his back. He stared at the ceiling, feeling like a fool for telling her how he felt. He wasn't sure how much of it he heard, but he didn't know if he could make himself vulnerable like that again. Tara sifted and laid her head on Jax's chest. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and gave her a gentle squeeze.

"I hear you, Jax." she said softly, emotion leaking through her tone.

Jax smiled and let himself drift off to the sleep he so desperately needed.

-AHW-

The next morning Donna walked into the guest bedroom to find the two laying in the same position they had fallen asleep in. She smiled and backed out of the room.

"Hey, Op. Anything you want to tell me?" Donna asked happily.

"I love you?" He said, questioningly.

"No, dip shit. Tara and Jax are in bed, together." she smiled

"Whoa, go Jax!" Opie fist bumped Ellie, who was eating breakfast.

"Not like that, dirty bird. They are fully clothed! But this is quite the change from yesterday. I mean, just getting along has been a problem for them. No this, it's just weird I guess."

"It's not weird Donna, it's natural. I just know that Jax isn't ready for it yet with everything going on. We had a talk yesterday about it when I was in with him and Abel. I kind of not so politely said that best friend or not I'd kick his ass if he hurt Tara." he smiled shyly at his wife.

"Ah, look at big brother Opie. It's so cute." Donna said, pinching his cheek.

They were interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Bet I know who that is, be right back." Donna said.

Opie was confused. They weren't expected anyone and it was only 7 in the morning, who the hell was up this early. He was only up because Donna was very adamant that if she had to wake up with the baby, then he did too. He used to get mad about it, but Donna was sick for a few days and he took primary care for Ellie. After those three days, he had a whole new appreciation for what Donna does on a daily basis.

"Knew it." Donna said. She walked back into the room trailed by Kozik.

"Morning, guys." He walked by Ellie and patted her head before sitting across from Opie at the table.

"What are you doing here so early man?" Opie asked him.

"Chibs and I wanted to see Jax. We hoped that he would let us meet baby Teller today. Chibs is pretty excited about the whole thing, you'd think it was his kid or something."

"Well, you know that since JT died, Chibs has been the role model that Jax needed. Clay was never able to fill those shoes. Too much hate in that old mans heart for it." Opie said seriously. He looked around the room, just now noticing that Chibs was missing.

"Didn't you say Chibs was with you?" Opie asked him.

As soon as the words left his mouth, they heard Chibs, presumably in the guest room.

"Way to go Jackie Boy!" He yelled obnoxiously.

The three left the kitchen and went to the guest room where Jax and Tara were still laying in bed. Jax just laughed, but Tara looked mortified to be caught in that position with so many people watching.

"Go away, Chibs. It's not what it looks like." Tara said.

"Doc, it looks like Jax weaseled his way into your bed in the middle of the night." he said sarcastically. Tara smiled.

"Then it's exactly what it looks like." She laughed as she got out of bed and went to the bathroom.

"Before you ask any questions, no nothing happened, no we're not dating, and no you can't smell my fingers."

"Um, what?" Donna asked, a mix between disgusted and confused.

"Brother, that was Tig that asked. And trust me, he's the only one that would want to fucking know shit like that." Chibs replied back.

"Okay, ew." Donna said, retreating back to the kitchen.

"Jax, everything alright." Opie asked, thinking back to the conversation from yesterday.

"Yeah, Op. Nothin' happened. At least nothing you have to beat my ass for, promise you that. We're good." And in his heart, he believed it to be true.

-AHW-

After Tara was dressed and ready for the day, Donna explained that she would be taking Ellie to daycare and going to work.

"Oh, I didn't realized that you had a job. Wow, that sounded crass, huh?" Tara said, mentally smacking herself on the head.

"No, it's alright. I don't really work I guess. I volunteer at the homeless shelter three days a week. I haven't worked since Opie got out of prison. He does pretty well with the club, and all the bills get paid for. As long as I don't think too hard about how he earns the money, everything is fine." Donna said dismissively.

Tara knew what Donna meant, and didn't press the issue any.

"Is that something I could do with you sometime?" Tara asked. She thought it would be good for her to get out and help other people. She was a nurse, but she got paid to do that. It would make her feel better if she were doing it out of the kindness of her heart, not for a paycheck.

"Yeah, do you want to come with me today?"

"I can't today, I have to go to the bank and finalize things with the house. We close in 3 days. But I will go with you sometime."

"Alright, thanks Tara." Donna got Ellie ready and left for the day.

Tara was sitting at the table reading the newspaper when the guys walked in.

"Hey, you just missed Donna. She just left for the shelter. I think it's awesome that she does that."

"Yeah, that woman is a saint, Op. How did you get so lucky?" Kozik asked.

"I got a big dick." Opie quipped back, without missing a beat. Tara couldn't help the laughter that emitted from her mouth. She didn't want to laugh, but she knew this was an on going joke between Opie and Jax.

"Whatever man, let's not go there, alright."

"Jealous?" Opie asked. Jax just laughed and walked out of the room.

-AHW-

Jax emerged from the back room about half an hour later. Freshly showered and changed.

"What are your plans for today, Tara?" Jax asked her.

"Well, I have to go to the bank in about half hour to sign some paperwork before I can close on the house, and them I'm not sure. I need to go shopping for some things to fill the house with. Right now I only have what I left Chicago with. That means I have my clothes, and some personal items. No furniture, no bed, nothing."

"Okay, well how about this. I'll go to the bank with you and when you're done there we can go shopping together. I have some stuff I still need to purchase for my house to get done. And then we can go see Abel."

"Jax, you don't have to do that. I can do it all by myself."

"Come on, Tara. I can't go see Abel for another three hours. Are you going to make me spend that time by myself?" He asked, flashing his steely blue eyes at her.

"I'll spend time with you, love." Chibs said as he walked into the room. He draped his arms over Jax's shoulders and smiled at him while batting his eye lashes.

"Get the fuck off me Scotty. I don't want to spend time with you." Tara laughed when Chibs clutched his hands over his heart and feigned pain.

"Alright, we'll go. Plus, I've been wanting to take a bike ride for awhile." She said, remembering all the times she was stuck on the back of his bike.

"YES! That's my girl." Jax said, walking back to get the extra helmet for her.

When Jax vacated the room, Chibs turned his attention to Tara.

"How you holdin' up, Doc?" he asked her seriously.

"I'm alright. It's going to be an adjustment, but things will settle down. I'm excited to just move on from things and settle down here in Charming. It's always been my home, I just lost it for a while. Sometimes I close my eyes and it almost feels like nothings changed at all." She said, closing her eyes.

"You're a good girl. You'll be a fine addition to this family." Chibs said patting her shoulder as he walked away.

Tara loved that everyone was making her feel so at home with everything. Jax walked in the room then, carrying the helmet.

"Recognize this?" he asked her, holding it out.

"Oh my god. Is that the one you got me when I almost fell off the back of your bike senior year?" she asked him incredulously.

"The one and only." he placed it on her head and buckled the bottom. "Look at that, still fits." He patted the top of it and looked into Tara's eyes. "It's always been a good fit."

-AHW-

After they were done at the bank, Jax asked if they could make a pit stop by the garage to talk to Gemma for a moment. Tara nodded, knowing there wasn't much of a choice, they were on Jax's bike after all.

They pulled up to Teller Morrow, and Gemma exited the office as soon as she saw his motorcycle. She walked up to the bike before Jax or Tara had the chance to get off.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, concerned.

"Yeah, Ma. Everything is fine. I just needed to talk to you about the house renovations."

"Jesus Jackson, you could have called. Why aren't you at the hospital?"

"I can't for another two hours. This is the best time for him to get his care; I'll be able to go at 10 a.m. I'll call you when you're able to see him too."

Gemma looked appeased by his answer, and ushered them into her office. Gemma sat down behind her desk and Jax took the seat across from her. Tara wasn't sure where to go, so she awkwardly stood in the door way, waiting for directions. She was still unsure about how to act around Gemma. She had only met her a couple of times, but there was always something weird there. Gemma's face was always hard when Tara was around, or maybe that's just how Gemma was. Either way, Tara wasn't stepping on her toes today.

"Sit down, Tara. You're making me nervous, like you're going to bolt through that door any second." Jax said, motioning to the chair she was standing next to. Tara laughed nervously and sat down in the chair.

"Alright, now what do you want to know about the house?" Gemma asked, clearly calmed down by this point.

"I need to know what furniture is left to buy. Tara is getting her house in three days and needs to go buy furniture. I figured since she's going, I'll get what I need for my house." Jax explained.

"You don't have any furniture?" Gemma asked her. Tara shook her head. "Nothing at all?" Again, Tara nodded her head.

"Jesus, I'm guessing this was an impromptu trip back home you made, huh?" Jax and Tara realized at the same time that Clay hadn't filled Gemma in on the details surrounding Tara's departure from Charming five years ago, or her return now.

"She just wanted a change of scenery, that's all." Tara shot Jax a grateful smile and bowed her head slightly.

She was still constantly amazed about how Jax was treating her. Neither one of them had mentioned the night before, with Jax's imaginative telling of his story, but they both understood it would take some time. Tara didn't notice that while her head was bowed, that Jax was staring intently at her. But Gemma did.

"Alright, here's a list of what you will be needing. It won't be much because a lot of your stuff could be re upholstered and made like new. One problem was, apparently when Wendy was staying with you, she had a drawer in the kitchen that she used to hide her stash, and a gun in. I was over taking some cabinets and stuff out, when I took the drawer out it rattled. After I found that, I went to ask Wendy about it, and saw her lying on the floor in her kitchen with the tourniquet still on her arm. It was bad Jax. If she weren't pregnant I would have left her there to die." Gemma was seething with anger.

Jax didn't like the idea of her having that in his house, but he was too blinded by his anger about Abel to even be mad about that anymore.

"Yeah, well we don't have to worry about that anymore. She's gone, or at least will be as soon as her druggie ass gets done detoxing enough for them to release her." Jax was interrupted from what he was saying when his phone rang. The caller ID said it was from St. Thomas Hospital.

"This is Ms. Knowles," she answered.

"Tara, this is Margaret Murphy. How are you doing today?" Margaret sounded nervous and a little tired.

"I'm fine Margaret, but I have to ask. Is everything okay there?"

Jax and Gemma were both intently listening to the conversation, knowing that Tara was speaking with someone from the hospital.

"I hate to do this to you, Tara; but is there any way you could come in for a few hours again today? We had two more babies born and put into our unit last night. All you would have to do is be the nurse for one child, until things get settled down. You'd be in with Abel Teller." Tara smiled at the thought of spending all day with the baby, and Jax of course.

"Yeah, I'm actually with his dad right now and don't have my vehicle. Can Jax come a couple of hours early? If not I'll be there in about 45 minutes." Jax was up and putting on his helmet. He wasn't sure what was going on, but knew there was a chance he was going to see his son.

"Bring Mr. Teller. That is fine. If anyone says anything, I okayed it."

"Alright, I'll be right there Margaret." Tara said before she hung up the phone.

"What's going on?" Gemma asked.

"There had two more emergencies come in through the neonatal unit last night. They need me to go in and basically be Abel's nurse for a few hours. Jax, you can come now if you want?" Tara asked knowing he would jump at the chance to go.

"Yeah, let's go," Jax said running through the door. Didn't even wait and say goodbye to his mother before he jet out of her office.

"Call me when I can come out!" Gemma yelled at the duo.

-AHW-

Tara went into the lounge and got some scrubs to change into. She ran into Dr. Nameed as he was exiting the lounge.

"Ah, good morning Ms. Knowles. I take it you're here to fill in for a bit?"

Tara smiled at him. "Yeah, I'm glad too. I can get a feel for it before I actually jump in and start working my regular long shifts. How's Abel Teller doing?"

This time is was Dr. Nameed's turn to smile. "That is one strong kid they've got there. He has improved just since getting out of surgery yesterday. It's remarkable that our will to survive starts so early in life." He exited the office after giving Tara one more content smile.

Tara felt a kinship with Abel. Both fighting to survive something that was out of their control. Abel was definitely the one who had more of a fight on his hands then Tara, but she still loved that little boy's will all the same.

After she had changed, she stopped by the nurses office to get Abel's chart, and headed to his room. She saw a woman standing in Abel's room. Before she had the chance to enter, Jax walked up behind her carrying two cups of coffee.

"Figured you might need this today." He said and kissed her on the forehead.

"Jax, who's that woman in Abel's room?" Jax looked through the door and all the color drained from his face. He threw the door open with much more force than necessary.

"Get the fuck out of my son's room, right now. You have no right to be here." Jax yelled at the woman.

"Jax, I just wanted to see him. That's all." The woman responded, backing up slightly away from Jax.

"No, you gave that right up remember? You didn't want my son. You pushed him aside like a piece of trash, and I won't have you coming in here thinking you can see him just because he won't remember. Because you know what Wendy, I'll remember. I'll always remember." Jax was getting increasingly angry, but was also feeling sad for his child.

"I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave," Tara said to Wendy.

"But, I'm his mother." Wendy pled with Tara.

Tara made a note to look over the chart. She then looked up to Jax and then over to Wendy.

"I'm sorry, but you're not listed. It has father as Jackson Teller and mother as none." Tara wanted to yell and scream at her. But knew that her job was a priority and she couldn't lose her temper.

Wendy looked down at Abel in his small box and up to Jax. She walked away, and didn't look back until she got to the door.

"I'll be here for a few more days. You should really come and talk to me. There is a lot I want to say to you before it's too late." Wendy pled with Jax. But Jax had no interest in listening to her.

"It's already too late."

After Wendy left the room, Jax paced around for nearly twenty minutes.

"Jax, are you alright?"

"No, but I will be when she's gone. I hate her so much Tara, you have no idea." Jax said, still pacing.

"You're right Jax. I don't know how much you hate her. But I'm still sorry for what you are going through. She won't be allowed in here again. After that stunt, they probably won't let her out of her room again." As soon as Wendy had walked out the door, Tara called hospital security to let them know the situation. They promised they wouldn't let it happen again.

A couple of hours passed by and Tara had spent time back and forth between Abel's room, the nurse's station, and meeting with various doctors to get updates for her charts. She passed by the waiting room and saw Chibs and Kozik sitting there.

"Hey guys. How long have you been here?"

"Jax text us about half an hour ago and told us what happened with that basket case ex of his. Figured we didn't have anything better to do so we came and sat here. Plus, I want to see the baby." The smile that lit up his face made Tara happy.

"Well, it's visiting hours, so how about you come with me?" Chibs got straight up and pat Kozik on the back.

"Be back soon, brotha."

Tara walked with Chibs hot on her heels. When she got to Abel's room, Jax was standing above Abel with his hand flush to the top of Abel's incubator. He seemed as though he was willing himself to be able to hold his son.

"Hey Jax, Abel's got a visitor." Tara ushered Chibs into the room.

"Jesus Christ Jackie Boy. He's so small." Chibs was amazed at the size of the small baby laying in front of him. He knew he'd be small, but he had no idea just how small a preemie baby could be.

"He's okay though, right Doc?" Chibs asked Tara.

"He's doing better. Just got the results from the latest set of tests. Was on my way to tell Jax when I saw you sitting in the waiting room."

"What'd the tests say Tara?" Jax asked impatiently.

"His body temperature is elevating sooner than anticipated. His vitals are becoming more stable. They were stable yesterday, just erratic at times. They've leveled out quite nicely and he's improving a lot. There's still a long road ahead for him, but this is definitely a step in the right direction."

Jax got up and hugged Tara, thanking her profusely.

"I didn't do anything but get the results Jax. You're boy is the one with the explicable will to live."

Jax smiled and looked down at Abel.

"It's pretty amazing either way Doc." Chibs said from beside them.

Chibs stayed and visited for about half an hour before he left and sent Kozik in. Again, Kozik was amazed about how small he was. They sat and talked about Abel and Jax asked if he'd be willing to help out on the house. Jax knew most of his time would be spent here at the hospital, and didn't want the renovations to be pushed back any farther.

"Yeah man, no problem. Chibs will help too. I'm sure Gem already has the prospect and others out there. Just let me know what you need."

Jax figured it was time to Call his mother so he made sure to clear out Chibs and Kozik. Neither of them wanted to catch the wrath of Gemma. She wanted to be the first one other than Jax to see Abel. But Jax didn't want the drama that Gemma brings with her wherever she goes. His mother means well, but she's a bitch.

It only took Gemma ten minutes to get there from the time Jax called her. Jax and Tara were both sitting on the chair when Gemma walked in. Jax sat in the base of the chair, while Tara was perched on one of the arms. Tara was talking and looking at Abel, but Jax was looking at her. This is the second time today she'd found them in that same position.

"Hey Jax." She nodded to him and walked over to Abel.

"Oh my little man. Look how small you are." Gemma said in a loving tone. It wasn't very often Jax heard such love and admiration in her voice, but he knew a baby, her grandchild, would bring that out in her.

Gemma stayed for nearly two hours. Tara came and went, but Jax never left the room. Tara had just been in a meeting with Margaret Murphy and David Hale, who was deputy police chief.

They had a meeting about pending charges against Wendy. The hospital filed a report about the state Wendy was in when she entered the emergency room.

"Jax, Gemma. I have something I need to talk to you about. It's a sensitive topic so I need your permission to tell you in front of your mother." Tara explained.

Tara knew Jax wouldn't have a problem with this, but the HIPA law mandates that she tell him that.

"Yeah, you can tell me with her here. What's going on?"

"Well first. I want to start by saying that the paternity test came back. He's your son." Tara smiled at Jax.

"No shit Tara. I knew that." Jax still breathed a sigh of relief. He knew if Wendy could hide her drug addiction, she could cheat on him.

"Okay. Now the next thing; I just met with Margaret Murphy, Chief of Medicine, and David Hale. A complaint was filed against Wendy. The hospital is mandated to file a report when someone comes in in that condition. Being as she was pregnant, it makes it worse. Wendy has two different charges pending against her right now." Tara stopped to catch her breath and collect her thoughts.

"What kind of charges?"

"Because the amount of narcotics was lethal in her blood stream, she's looking at one count of child endangerment and one count of attempted manslaughter."

Jax sat silent, thinking about what Tara had said. Wendy wouldn't get away with what she had done to his son. Internally, it made him a little happy.

"Serves her right. I have half a mind to go and finish her off." Gemma said.

She went to the door and turned to wink at Tara and Jax.

Tara shivered in response, watching her go.