Danielle sat on the doctor's table in the plain, white room.

She hadn't told David yet—she wanted to make sure that the tests were right before she got his hopes up.

He had been so stressed lately. Unser had revoked his retirement, and the stunt she pulled with Jax and the Oswald's had led to some friction with her husband. She didn't want to make him excited and then take it all away because of a false positive pregnancy test.

She hated hospitals. The rooms felt so cold and bare. And waiting for the doctor to come made her more nervous with every passing minute. She attempted to read the educational posters in the room as she worked on calming herself.

She expected the doctor to tell her that the at-home pregnancy kits were both somehow wrong. She was used to the depressing feeling of her period starting every month—signaling that her and David's hard work had gone to waste. Her mind couldn't even wrap around the possibility that a baby could be growing inside her.

Danielle didn't know how long she had been in the little room. But when the door opened to reveal the middle-aged Chinese man, she suddenly wished she had had more time to herself. She wasn't ready to hear what he was going to say. She wasn't ready to be disappointed again.

"Mrs. Hale," The man said as he entered. He offered her a small smile. "I know you told me that you and your husband have been trying for quite a while. You should be excited. Your urine sample here has concluded that you are pregnant. We'll need to get some bloodwork done to tests your hG levels, and then we'll schedule your next appointment."

David scrunched his brow in confusion as he entered the house. Not a single light seemed to be on, But Danielle's car was parked in their driveway.

"Danielle?" he called out softly-hoping not to wake her if she had decided to take a late nap.

"In the kitchen," she shouted from the next room.

As he entered the room; he saw steak, potatoes, and green beans on the table. The kitchen was softly lit by candles. When his eyes landed on his wife, his jaw almost dropped. She was always beautiful, but tonight was just different. Her black dress hugged her body perfectly, her hair cascading down her back in loose waves, and the smile on her face seemed to glow.

"Wow," David stated. "You are absolutely breathtaking."

He sat down at the table, still taking in the beautiful sight in front of him.

"After dinner, there's a black forest cake waiting for us in the fridge," she walked behind him and rested her hand on his shoulder before slowly moving it down to his chest. "Then we can go to the bedroom for the rest of our dessert."

"What is the occasion?" He couldn't help but wonder why he was getting such special treatment. A part of him was sure it somehow involved Jackson Teller.

"You know what this table is missing?" Danielle smirked. "Merlot."

The woman paused as she waited to see if her husband understood what she was saying. Looking at his blank face, she decided to continue to hint at the child growing in her womb.

"But, I can't drink alcohol anymore. And if I can't have a nice glass tonight, you shouldn't be able to either."

He turned around in his chair to face her. His wide eyes were filled with shock as he waited for her to say exactly what he had hoped she was attempting to tell him.

"What?" he asked.

"I'm pregnant," she smiled down at him.

He rose from his chair suddenly and picked the woman up and spun her around. Once her feet were back on the floor, he spoke again.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," she nodded. "I took a pregnancy test last week. I went to the doctor today so I could be 100% sure before I got your hopes up."

David crashed to his knees and wrapped his arms around his wife's waist. His ear pressed against her stomach as if he was listening for the baby.

Danielle rested her hand on the top of his head and began to run her fingers through his short hair.

"I didn't think it'd ever happen," she heard his voice crack and tears began to cloud her vision before spilling down her cheeks. "I never thought we'd have a baby"

"I love you, David," her voice cracked too as she spoke. "You're gonna be such an amazing father."

And in that moment, Danielle truly knew pure happiness. She finally understood what tears of joy were. She understood faith, persistence, and prayer. Because, after all this time, all of the praying and trying and disappointment had paid off.

Her and David were going to get the family they had wanted.

The next day, Danielle found herself sitting at a booth at the fundraiser for the middle school music department. She had painting the faces of so many kids that her hand was permanently cramping. David had wanted to come with her (she wasn't sure if it was out of support or just to keep an eye on her and Jax), but since the majority of the police department was serving hotdogs at the booth across from her, he was scheduled to patrol instead.

"Ellie, Kenny, do you want your faces painted?" Donna asked as the family stood in front of Danielle.

"Yes!" Ellie shouted as she skipped over to the brunette woman and plopped down in the chair. "Can you do a big, pink butterfly?"

"Of course," Danielle smiled as she dipped her brush into the pink paint. "Do you want just pink? Or do you want pink and another color?"

"Ope mentioned seeing you the other day while he was waiting to meet his parole officer," Donna began conversing with the younger woman as her daughter considered possible color combinations for the artwork she was about to receive. "It feels like it's been forever since I've seen you around. That husband of yours doesn't tie you up and lock you in the house, does he?"

Danielle smiled at Donna's joke. She and Donna had always gotten along much better than any other girlfriends or croweaters the officer had gotten to know during her time with SAMCRO. She found Donna to be sensible, humble, approachable, and tough- all characteristics that Danielle had come to greatly admire.

"Only when I let him," the younger woman coyly said as she again dipped her brush into the Pepto-pink colored paint.

"I was so happy to see Opie doing good, and I'm delirious to see you all here and happy together." the younger woman stated on a more serious note. "You've all had a tough few years. Hopefully this is the start of something good and healthy for all of you, Dons."

"Yeah, well," Danielle watched as Donna's eyes darkened at the thought of raising her kids alone the past five years while Opie served his time. "I hope to hell you're onto something there."

Donna and her two kids made their way to the funhouse. Ellie sported a beautiful pink and purple butterfly, while Kenny's entire face was painted as a tiger.

"How have you been, Ope?" she asked as the man took a seat next to her. "I'm assuming you're not here because you've heard of my mad tiger-face painting skills, and you want decked-out too?"

Opie chuckled at the woman next to him. Even on tough days, she always had the ability to make it all seem a bit lighter.

"I'm always down for a paint-job from the Bob Ross of Charming."

Danielle soaked in Opie's warm smile. She had always loved his smile. Somehow, that wordless jesture told her that she'd always have a friend and a brother when she needed it. He had always been her protector. Sure, Jax was always willing to beat someone up if they hurt her or looked at her wrong. But Opie protected her emotionally and physically. He gave her a shoulder to cry on and he comforted her with his words. Jax never possessed the ability to do that the way Opie had.

"Well, I'd be happy to paint a few 'happy little trees' on you if that's what you're into." The woman smiled. "But you just skated by my question."

Opie huffed in frustration and he ran his fingers through his beard.

"I want to say I'm good, but I'm not. It feels like everything is just fucking me over."

Danielle nodded her head slowly in sympathy and understanding.

"Getting out of prison is never easy, Bud. You know that. That's why so many people go right back in. It's the only way they know how to live. This world isn't set up for rehabilitation. They get out, can't afford anything, start associating with the same old people and doing the same shit just so they'll have a place to sleep and a meal. I get it. But that doesn't have to be you, Ope. If you're behind on bills or whatever, I can spot you and you can pay me back when you're more stable."

"No fucking way," Opie shook his head as his face burned in embarrassment. "I'll get by. It's just so fucking tough."

Danielle looked at her friend as she quickly grew to regret her words-knowing that she had accidentally insulted the man by offering her assistance.

"It is tough," she finally spoke-sure that she had finally thought up the right words to console the large man. "But you're tough, too. So is Donna. So are Ellie and Kenny. I honestly don't know of a tougher family... I can't think of a family that deserves a hand-up more than you guys do either. I know you've got this. But if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. Life may have took us in separate directions, but you're my Opie. And you always will be."

The two sat in awkward silence as they watched their surroundings.

Danielle's eyes widened when she spotted the lean brunette woman wearing the black tank-top in the crowd of people.

"Is that Tara?"

Danielle had never met Tara Knowles. But she had seen pictures and had heard stories about her when she was with Jax.

"In the flesh," Opie confirmed. It was evident in his lack of surprise that he already knew she was back.

"Why?" Danielle continued to eye the woman suspiciously-noticing Tara halt, glare at the police department's grill stand, and turn around to leave. "What is she doing?"

"I guess she's working at the hospital now."

"Didn't she move away?" Millions of questions clouded her mind as she eyed the love of Jax Teller's life. Danielle spent many nights envious of the older woman because of the hold she had on Jax.

"Yeah," the man stated simply. "Moved back a while ago."

"What's her deal with the police department?"

Opie eyed Danielle questioningly-not having seen Tara's reaction to the hotdog stand.

"What?"

"You didn't see-," Danielle was mid-sentence before deciding to just let it go. Whatever was going on with Jax's ex had nothing to do with her. "Nevermind."

Silence once again filled the air as the two friends took seperate strolls down memory lane.

"You know, Jax was torn up when you left, too," Opie stated-breaking the silence.

"Jax was probably still just torn up over Tara leaving him," Danielle retorted as jealousy rose up in the pit of her stomach once again.

"Him and Tara never had a chance. He realized that, too," he told her. "But you and him just made sense. You had that "Breakfast Club" relationship. He fucking hated himself for screwing it up."

"I suppose I was the Claire to his Bender?" Danielle chuckled darkly as her mind replayed sad memories that she had long ago locked away. "Those relationships are only manageable in works of fiction, Ope. I could have never been an old lady. You know that," she sighed. "And the rules of the club never made sense to me. I couldn't handle him sleeping with all those women."

"I don't cheat on Donna."

"Jax isn't you, Opie. You were always the more grounded and mature one. Jax wasn't loyal to me. And I don't think that would have changed no matter how long I stayed with him. Has he ever been loyal? I doubt it. Did you forget what happened?"

"No."

Opie frowned as he remembered her running to him after she had caught Jax.

-6/18/1998-

Tears streamed down Danielle's cheeks as she practically ran out of the clubhouse and headed towards the beat-up Civic.

"Where are you going?" Opie asked as he grabbed her wrist. He had seen her red, swollen eyes from a mile away.

"Away," she managed to choke out as she ripped her wrist out of his grasp. "I fucking hate him!"

"You're not driving until you've settled down," he said as he stepped out in front of her-blocking her from her car.

"I can't stay here with him," Danielle cried as she wrapped her arms around the larger man. He felt her shaking as she sobbed against his chest.

Opie's eyes shifted towards the door as Jax came into view.

Opie knew why Danielle was so heartbroken. He had told Jax it wasn't a wise idea. But the blonde man couldn't resist the two older croweaters on his arm. Club business had been stressful and he and Danielle had been at odds lately. The meaningless sex was just to help him relax.

Opie knew the young brunette must have walked in on her boyfriend having sex with them.

Danielle just stood there for a moment.

She couldn't move.

She just watched the three of them.

She wanted the grab one of those whores by their long, bleached hair.

She wanted to scream.

But, she couldn't do anything.

She didn't understand what she was seeing. Was she not enough for him? Did he need two women at once?

Once she finally recovered from the initial shock, she worked up enough strength to slam the door shut. She hoped it would catch their attention.

She wanted Jax to know she saw him.

Opie stared up at the sealing as the teenage girl laid on his chest.

He had picked her up and carried her to his room, and she had cried herself to sleep.

At first, he didn't know how to comfort her. Within the past few months, the girl had experienced more heartbreak than he could imagine. So instead of trying to comfort her with words, he just held her and brushed her hair with his fingers.

If he hadn't been with Donna, he might've used this as the perfect moment to convince Danielle to sleep with him.

He had to admit that Danielle was pretty, fun, and much classier than the majority of girls that hung around the club. But, he liked Donna a lot—and, Danielle was Jax's girl.

-6/27/1998-

Danielle loaded the last bag into her car as Jax stood beside her. They had hardly spoken since she had caught Jax cheating.

"You don't have to go," he told her. "I said I was sorry. We can work this shit out."

Danielle knew if she looked at him she would start crying again.

"We can't work this shit out," she stated- anger and pain evident in her voice.

"Where are you going?" He asked her. His heart ached from the guilt.

"I have an uncle in Florida," the girl explained. "He said that if I enrolled in college, I could live with him as long as I needed."

"I didn't want to hurt you," he almost pleaded as she got in the car and closed the door.

"Of course you didn't Jax," her voice was drenched in a cold bitterness that stung as if it slapped him in the face. "That's just who you are and who you always will be."

"He was just young and dumb," Opie stated as another little girl approached the booth.

"Can I get a flower?" she asked excitedly.

"Of course," Danielle smiled and patted the seat—signaling for the kid to sit down.

"Well," Opie began. "I'll let you go so you can get busy."

Danielle watched momentarily as her friend left her. The memories lingering in her mind had left her feeling bitter, angry, jealous, and hurt.

You're with David now. You are having a family together. All your dreams are literally coming to life. You are beyond happy.

She repeated those words in her head until they calmed her and lightened her mood.

"That's beautiful," Danielle heard a gruff voice behind her as she finished the last paint stroke. She handed the girl the mirror so she could see the flower on her cheek.

"Thanks," Danielle spoke to Jax as the little girl walked away with her mother. She continued to try to push down the memories of Jax breaking her heart all those years ago. "I've never been much of a painter. But my director is big into making us a 'happy and active part of the community'."

"I wasn't talking about the flower, darlin'," Jax winked as he sat down by her.

"Where's Hale?" he asked the brunette.

"He's working," she answered as she began cleaning up her painting supplies—her shift was almost over.

"I never got to thank you for helping us find that fucking rapist," Jax began. "I know it wasn't easy for you. And, I'm sure Hale was up your ass when he found out."

"Don't thank me," Danielle smiled. In all honesty, she just didn't want to be reminded of the hurt she had caused her husband.

"You turned out to be a great woman," she could feel him staring at her. "I knew you would."

"Thank you," she had no idea what else she could say. The picture of him humping those tarts was still ingrained into her brain.

"What was Tara doing here?" she asked. In true Danielle fashion, she couldn't just let sleeping dogs lie. Not when she was angry, anyways.

Jax, taken back by her question, paused before he spoke.

"She was here?"

"Yeah. Opie said she's working at the hospital."

Danielle was testing him-watching his reactions. She wanted to see his emotions at the thought of his ex lover.

"Yeah." Jax nodded. "She's helping Abel."

"Well judging by the glare she gave the police department stand, I'm going to guess she's either got a hell of a warrant, an irrational fear of cheap hotdogs, or I'm not your only ex-girlfriend that turned into a badge bunny."

Thanks for reading!

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