SoA been renewed for a 5th season! YAY! I'm so excited about the new episode tonight but I have to work late and I can't watch it until much later :(

Happy reading and please review :)

-Jennifer11

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Sons of Anarchy or anything that Kurt Sutter created.

Gemma's POV

I got to the hospital and was greeted by Half Sack who handed me a coffee. "Charlotte and Kozik are in their room; Hale woke up but he's been in and out of consciousness."

"Thanks Sparky." I replied as I went to find Tara and make sure every thing was going smoothly. I found Tara near a nurses' station and gave her a hug. "Hey baby, how are you?"

"Good Gemma, and did you hear that Hale woke up? He's stable for now. We'll have to keep him for observation though. Kozik and Charlotte should be able to leave in an hour or two."

"Thanks for everything Doc. You better be at the party tonight." I gave her a smile and left her to do her work. I got off the elevator and only saw Juice and Happy in the hallway. "Where's Ope?"

Happy pointed to the room while Juice responded, "Ope and Koz just told her about James."

My eyes widened and I hurried into the room just in time to see Charlotte lock herself in the bathroom. "Shit. You couldn't wait til later?"

They both looked depressed, Opie wouldn't look up at me but answered, "We thought she'd be happy…"

I gave them both a look that said I'd deal with them later. "I'll handle this." I went to the door and knocked, trying to get Charlotte to let me in. She didn't answer me but I heard her throwing up. I knocked again, "Baby girl, you doing okay?"

I could barely make out her saying, "No."

"Please let me in? I know it's scary and overwhelming but I can help. Trust me, whatever you're thinking, I've been there." I heard the lock click and Charlotte opened the door a few inches. I slipped into the bathroom and shut the door behind me, locking it to make Charlotte feel comfortable. She was sitting on the floor next to the toilet, still looking like she was going to puke. "How are you feeling?"

"Not good. I just… I don't…" She was so worked up she couldn't complete a sentence. "I feel... They… they…" She gagged and leaned over the toilet. I knelt and held her hair away from her face while she rode out the sickness.

"It's okay baby girl, just let it out." I said calmly as I rubbed her back.

She finally stopped and sat back, wiping her face with a paper towel, "Sorry. I just can't believe it. I know I should feel relieved or thankful but I don't know what to think. I just met these guys and you've all been so great taking me in, being so welcoming. It just makes me think: what if one day they decide that they don't like me, I'm in the way, or they are done with me? Would they even feel guilty when they whack me?"

I sat next to her. "They wouldn't dream of hurting you. You're family now, remember? You shouldn't be afraid of them, they were only trying to protect you and help you. They didn't mean to scare you, at all. Plus Kozik is very fond of you."

"I think I'm falling for him but…"

"I've known Kozik for a long time, he won't let anything else bad happen to you. And trust me, honey, you can love the man but you learn to love the club. It's a tough world but it's worth it. The guys can be rough and their lives are dangerous but they treat the women they love with great care. Just stick with me and you'll be fine, I promise. I will teach you everything you need to know about living with the club."

She nodded and was starting to look less pale, "Thanks Gemma, I really appreciate it. I guess I'm just glad to have some closure finally. Like after all this time, he's never coming back. I suppose I overreacted to the news. I am thankful but when they told me and I got to thinking about James and then what Opie did, I felt like I couldn't breathe."

"Don't you worry about it and don't blame yourself. A lot has happened the past couple of days. I bet your head is swimming with everything. Everything's going to be fine and I will make sure of it. Let's get you cleaned up and out of here. Tara said you can leave in a little bit. I've already cleaned up a room for you in the clubhouse, is that alright with you?" She nodded in agreement as I helped her stand up. I grabbed a couple of towels and brushed her hair back from her face as I helped her rinse out her mouth.

I wrapped my arm around her as I led her out of the bathroom. Kozik and Opie looked up, hopeful that Charlotte would be smiling and race over to them but I think she was feeling a little embarrassed about how she had reacted because she half hid behind me.

I helped her into bed and shot Opie and Kozik a look, "hallway now." I whispered to them. "Charlotte, I'll be right back. I'm gonna send Half Sack in here to sit with you. Don't worry, he couldn't hurt a fly if he tried." I gave her a wink and received a small smile.

Kozik's POV

Gemma and Charlotte had been in the bathroom for half an hour. Shit, what else could go wrong? This is all my fault. I thought as Opie and I stared at the bathroom door, trying to listen. We sat up straight when we heard the door open. Gemma guided Charlotte out of the bathroom and into bed, glaring at us, then dragged us out into the hall and sent Half Sack inside.

We leaned against the wall across from the door, Happy staring at us from behind Gemma. She had a fiery look in her eye. "You both are damn thick skulled. I understand that you wanted to make her feel better but you just got her to calm down and back into bed. Maybe next time, you should think a lot more. You both know that you need to be more careful with women. Especially women like Charlotte, who have been through a ton of shit. You better not let this happen again." She looked like she was going to continue lecturing us but Tara was getting off elevator. She took a deep breath and reassured us, "Don't worry, I calmed her down and assured her that you didn't mean any harm to her. She seems to have forgiven you but just take it slow, alright?" We nodded as she turned and smiled at Tara, signing a form and going into the room with her.

Opie looked at me, "Shit man, this sucks." I nodded.

I wanted to go into the room but I was afraid of spooking Charlotte again. Happy must have known my reluctance and took a couple steps closer to me. He clapped his hand on my shoulder, "Brother, you gotta get back on the horse. She'll forgive you. Just get in there." With that he shoved me through the door.

I stumbled a little bit but smiled as Happy closed the door behind us. Tara and Gemma were trying to hide their laughter at the foot of the beds but Charlotte wouldn't look at me. I crept around to the side of the beds Charlotte was sitting on and knelt in front of her. I didn't know if she would want me to touch her so I interlaced my fingers and rested my hands on the bed next to her.

I studied her body language before I nearly lost my nerve. I looked down at my hands as I spoke, "Charlotte. I wanted to apologize for frightening you earlier. I just hope you can forgive me because I'm so sorry. I want to get to know you and get closer to you. I can't believe I pushed you away. We really did have only the best of intentions. We just want you to be safe and able to live without having to keep looking over your shoulder."

I was going to keep going but I felt her soft hand on top of my hardened ones. I looked up and saw Charlotte smiling down at me, "Kozik, I didn't mean to worry you. I was just shocked. No one has ever done something like this for me before. Not to mention everything that you, Opie, Gemma, Tara, and the rest of my new family has done. I want to thank you. Since I've met you, you've all treated me better than anyone else in my life. You did something for me that was truly surprising; you've given me a chance to live normally, for the first time ever." She pulled at my hands and motioned that she wanted me on the bed with her.

When I slid next to her, she leaned over and kissed me. I smiled into her lips before kissing her back. I put my arms around her and pulled her into my lap. God she's amazing. I need her in my life. I'm not going to blow it this time. I'm gonna make sure she knows how grateful I am for her. As much as I've saved her, she has saved me from my mindless, repetitive life.

Gemma cleared her throat, "Ahem. You want to get dressed so we can get this show on the road?" Tara handed us forms to sign then left to finish up her work and clock out. Gemma gave us a wink, pointed to our clothes on the chair, and then headed towards the door. "Get dressed, I'll be back, and then we'll go to the clubhouse."

Charlotte's POV

I was embarrassed about how I had acted and I was afraid that Kozik and Opie wouldn't forgive me. I avoided their eyes as I sat down and Gemma took them outside. Half Sack came inside and smiled at me, standing against the door.

I was unsure what to talk to him about but he took care of that, "Are you hungry at all? Do you need anything? I can get it for you. If you ever need anything just let me or Miles or a prospect know and it'll be done. ASAP."

"Huh? Why?" I asked him slightly puzzled.

"Well." He paused, "You're a First 9's daughter, related to two patched members, and I'm pretty sure you're going to be an Old Lady one day." He continued to explain everything and that just being me meant something to them and that I was to be treated like royalty.

I was still a little fuzzy on the details but Half Sack was adamant about what he told me. I didn't have time to ask him anything else because Gemma came back with Tara. Half Sack excused himself saying he'd bring all three of us coffees. Gemma thanked him before turning to me. Tara started to tell me about David waking up and that I'd get my stitches out in a week or two.

Kozik tripped as he came into the room, almost like someone pushed him in here. I was trying to digest the new information about David and what Half Sack told me. I was twisting my hands in my lap, waiting for Kozik to say something. He surprised me by tiptoeing around the beds, cautiously kneeling in front me, and then started to apologize to me. What's he apologizing for? I'm the one who messed up. He expressed to me about how he wants to be with me. I gotta get him to stop so I can tell him how I feel.

He's being so tender and sweet, I smiled as I reached out and touched his hands. He looked up at me, almost nervous, but seeing my face, he broke out into a smile. I got him up onto the bed and then pressed my lips to his. I felt his demeanor change as he tugged me into his lap. Being in his arms is the best feeling in the world. This totally makes up for all the unspeakable things that have happened in my past. Gemma pulled us out of our bliss and told us to get dressed because we could leave the hospital.

I kissed Kozik one more time before easing myself out of his arms to get dressed. He wouldn't let me go, he kept holding me to him, "Kozik? Are you going to let me get dressed?"

He shook his head, "I'm never letting you go."

I giggled, "But Kozik, I'll be right there getting changed."

He smiled, "But Charlotte, I just want to prove to you that I'm going to be here for you."

I felt my heart melt in my chest and kissed his cheek, "Come on, Herman. Let's get dressed and get out of this sanitary prison."

He winced at the sound of his real name but he stood up, still holding me to himself. "Fine then. You're not getting out of my sight though. I'm not taking any chances."

I blushed slightly as he finally set me down and handed me my jeans. I slid them up, under my hospital gown. I need a shower but I'll have to do that later. I thought as I buttoned my pants. I watched as Kozik did the same, then held out my pink shirt. I turned my back to him and untied the gown, letting it drop to the floor before pulling my shirt over my head. I felt his eyes on me but refused to turn to him, had he seen the scar? I wondered as I slid my feet into the booties I had been wearing. The five inch jagged scar between my right hip and ribs was a constant reminder of my past.

He whispered to me, "Charlotte?" I tried to ignore it just in case; I really don't want to tell him exactly what happened. He clearly noticed that I wasn't going to answer him; he took my hand in his and spun me around. "Charlotte? What happened when you got that scar? I've seen it before. Once when we found you, just now, and I've seen a picture of it before."

I looked down at my feet, "James had come home one night, drunk, my mom was at work, he came into my room and woke me up. I was only 16 and I had been out with my friends that night. He beat me repeatedly then tried to touch me… um, inappropriately… and I tried to get away. He managed to jab a kitchen knife into my side, while I ran past him. The pain was blinding, I lost a lot of blood, but I held it together enough to push my dresser over, trapping him under it. I ran to the neighbors' house and they took me to the hospital. That was the last time he…" I convinced myself to look up at him and I saw him gazing down at me, concern in his eyes. "I've never told anyone that story, not even the cops that night, no one." I was blinking away tears as his strong hands pulled me to him, one hand brushing against the scar.

He kissed my cheek and held me firmly, whispering, "Never again." I rested my head against his bare chest, realizing he hadn't put either of his shirts back on. His skin felt warm touching mine. My eyes fell on the tattoos that covered his body. I had known he had several but I hadn't had time to examine them all.

Kozik was still hugging me when Half Sack knocked on the door and poked his head in, "Charlotte, I brought you some coffee and a muffin."

Kozik went to the door and took them from him, "Thanks Sack, tell Gemma we're just about ready." Half Sack nodded and closed the door. Kozik came back to me, smiling, "M'lady." He jokingly bowed and handed me coffee and pastry.

I giggled and playfully pushed his chest, "Oh Kozik. You're so silly. Thank you." I said as I took a bite of the muffin. I was just on the brink of tears and he managed to comfort me and cheer me up at the same time. He's so incredible.

I drank the coffee and finished the muffin while sitting and watching Kozik put on his boots and a grey short-sleeved shirt. Someone must have brought him a new shirt because the one he put on had no blood on it. He tugged on his cut and turned towards me, smiling. I noticed that the leather vest he was putting on had no blood on it either; someone else must have cleaned that up too. I guess this family does look out for each other, a lot better than any other family I've ever met.

There was a knock on the door, Clay opened it and stuck his head in, "Good morning Charlotte. Kozik, I need you out here. Alone."

Kozik kissed me on the cheek, "Sorry, I'll be right back. Clay is like my boss, I have to." After seeing the look in my eyes he said, "Don't worry, Gemma will be back soon and one of the guys will be right outside." He unwillingly left, turning to smile at me before shutting the door.

Gemma still hadn't come back by the time I finished my coffee. I stood up and walked towards the door; it opened before I could get to it. A grumpy looking Happy was standing in front of me; I jumped back a few steps, startled. He hoarsely spoke to me, "Sorry, princess. But Tara said to check on you so we can get you out of here. Do you want to see the chief first?"

I nodded and timidly answered, "Yes please." He stepped back and held out his arm to let me lead the way. I shyly walked out of the room but looking around, I didn't see Kozik, Opie, or Gemma but Juice and Half Sack were a little ways down the hall. Happy lightly nudged me and directed me towards the other room. Juice and Half Sack both greeted me before opening the door.

Kozik's POV

When Clay called me out into the hall, I knew I had to go because it was Clay but it was upsetting to leave Charlotte. Shit, after I just told her I wouldn't let her out of my sight and then she told me that story. But club business takes priority. I followed Clay out and told Happy to make sure no one else goes in there and to keep Charlotte safe. He readily agreed and stuck to his post against the door.

Clay was heading for the waiting room where Gemma, Opie, Jax, and Piney were waiting for me. Clay said sternly, "Sit." I took a seat and wondered what was going on. "You know the club comes first right?"

"Of course Prez." I still didn't understand where this was going.

Clay crossed his arms, "Good. We just want to make sure that this isn't going to get out of control."

Something clicked, oh, of course. They want to make sure I don't slip back into old habits or pick up new habits that will damage the club. "Don't worry. I promise. Plus, Gemma will be there to help Charlotte, right?" She nodded in agreement. "Guys, I'm 100% committed to the club. You guys have old ladies and don't have problems."

Tig walked into the room, "Yeah, but they don't have our job. Keeping an old lady while being a tough, son of a bitch is the most complicated mess you could ever dream of."

I looked fiercely at him, "Just because you're a creep, doesn't mean I can't do this." I was seething, who does he think he is? Telling me what to do and that I'm going to get soft. I got up and stormed out of the room.

Happy had moved from Charlotte's room to Hale's room. Juice spotted me and waved me over, "Tara told Charlotte she could leave and Happy brought her to talk to the Chief real quick."

I nodded and kept walking, "Make sure she's in safe hands. I gotta get some air." I had let Tig and Clay get me all worked up. Goddamn, why do they think I'll let Charlotte distract me from my duties? Just cause Tig couldn't handle keeping his old lady happy while doing his job doesn't mean I can't. We've always been just as different as we are alike. I found myself in the stairwell in between floors by the time I cooled off. I sat down on one of the steps, spotting Half Sack out of the corner of my eye. He had followed me and was now sitting a couple of steps up from me.

Charlotte's POV

I slowly approached David, noticing his eyes were closed. As the door closed, he turned his head and smiled, "Hey Charlotte, you're okay."

I smiled and nodded, "Yeah and so are you." I felt my eyes water as I held his hand, "Oh David, I'm so sorry."

"You can't blame yourself for some crazy person's actions." He looked tired and slightly pale but he was looking much better than he had last night.

"I guess." I said, unsure. I still felt a little bad about getting people hurt while they were around me.

"Charlotte, I'm going to be fine. Just go with the guys, they'll take good care of you while I'm in here. I gotta get some rest, you should go..." I nodded and gave him a hug.

"Get better soon, David." I said as I turned to leave the room. I took a couple of steps and was surprised by Happy opening the door for me. He didn't say anything as I slipped out of the room. I still didn't see Kozik, but Gemma and a couple other guys were waiting for me.

She opened her arms to give me a hug, "How you feeling, baby girl? The guys taking good care of you?"

I smiled and nodded, "Yes, they've been great."

She looked at the few guys around us with narrow eyes, "They better be."

I looked at them too, Juice with his goofy smile, Jax who was looking around for Tara, Tig looking as creepy as ever, Clay had his hands on his hips and a hard look on his face, Happy just stood behind me not saying a word, and Piney and Opie were looking up and down the hall for someone. I decided to ask, "Uh, do you know where Kozik is?"

Juice shifted uncomfortably, "He went to go get some air. Sack went with him."

Gemma looked like she was starting to get angry, "Go get him." The rest of the guys were avoiding eye contact with her, clearly she could be your best friend or worst nightmare.

Juice went running in the direction Kozik had disappeared in. Opie turned to me, "We gotta take off, but we'll see you later." He, Piney, Jax, and Clay each gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before they left. Tig had looked like he was going to do the same but froze, then backed off, looking over my shoulder and followed them out.

Gemma was smirking at their backs and then winked at Happy, "Come on you two, let's go find them. I don't trust Juice to not get lost." Happy chuckled and followed us down the hall.

I followed Gemma towards the elevators, but Happy stopped us from getting on, "He's in there." He said pointing to the door leading to the stairs. "Whenever he needs a break, he likes to run up and down stairs." Happy opened the door and we saw Juice, Half Sack, and Kozik walking up the stairs towards us.

Gemma's POV

Why do Clay and Tig have to be so damn controlling? They're always playing people like pawns and making them do what they want them to do. I know Charlotte only just joined our family but she deserves more than what they're doing. Tig doesn't have to such a douche bag to Kozik.

I watched as Kozik took off and kept going past the room and the other guys. I threw a dirty look over my shoulder at Clay and Tig before walking towards Happy and Juice. When we had arrived, Charlotte came out of Hale's room. Jax and Opie decided after a while that he should get Clay and Tig out of there before Kozik came back, so he politely excused himself and nudged the others to follow along.

When Tig went to say goodbye, I was unsure of how Charlotte would react, considering how badly he had scared her the other day. Before Tig could get too close, Happy shot him a heated, threatening look, sending him backwards quickly. I shot Happy a wink and a smile as a 'thank you' and 'good job' before I led Charlotte towards the elevator to find Kozik. Oh Happy, he has his friends back. He's the best person for Kozik to put in charge of watching over Charlotte. I'm glad he's not as heartless as everyone thinks he is.

Happy told us where he thought Kozik would be and was correct. As Kozik reached the top of the stairs and saw Charlotte, his face lit up. He went straight to her and kissed her gently. "Sorry for running off." He hugged her tightly to him before looking at Happy and myself, "Thanks Gemma, thanks Hap."

"Alright, Tara said we could go. Charlotte and Kozik, you're riding with me. And you guys know you're following us to the clubhouse." I started walking out to the parking lot so we could all take a nap until the party. Kozik and Charlotte slid into the back seat of the SUV while Half Sack got in the front seat. Happy and Juice went to their bikes and followed us to the clubhouse.