Tara
"What's going on with your sister, Tara? She having a hard time with Ope being inside?" Gemma jumped straight into questioning me before I even had Thomas covered with his blanket. I shook my head and turned away from the crib once I was sure Thomas wasn't going to fuss. Abel was already napping in his toddler bed and I could feel Gemma's eyes on me as I covered him with his Harley Davidson blanket that he refused to leave out of sight.
"Ana is doing the best she can. She's never been great at people leaving her. Now, she can pack up and disappear without a second thought or regret if she feels like it, but being left doesn't suit her well. It's just going to take some time." I sat down on the couch and pulled a leg underneath me as Gemma fixed a pot of tea. If it wasn't for her and Ana, I wouldn't be able to function anymore. Between the boys and work, my energy was wearing thin. I would never trade my family for the world, but I wish Jax were able to be here. It wasn't that he was that much help around the house, but he was great with the boys and he was my rock.
"You think she'll stick around though?" Gemma handed me a mug with a raised brow. I nodded as she took a seat on the opposite end of the couch. Opie and Ana were solid and she definitely wouldn't leave two months pregnant. She had finally told Opie about the baby last week, but she still wasn't ready for everyone else to know. Part of me wondered if she held the news back because someone might realize she wasn't entirely thrilled about having a baby. Ana had never expressed any real desire to have children over the years.
There was a knock at the door and I jumped up to answer it, fearing that the visitor would ring the doorbell and wake the boys. I threw the door open to see a smiling Ana on the other side. She walked inside and headed straight for the kitchen. Her cravings had been in full swing recently, and I knew better than to get in her way.
"Your old man isn't going to recognize you with all the new ink, Ana." Gemma called as the back of Ana's shirt lifted up to show a new tattoo on her lower back. She struggled to reach a mug off the top shelf and finally gave up, shrugging as she turned around and grabbed one out of the dishwasher. I held my tongue and hoped the look I was giving her conveyed the disapproval I was sending her way.
"That's why my crow is easy to see. It's like a nametag. Tara, you got any honey and marshmallows?" Ana finished washing the mug out and looked over to me expectantly. I nodded and pointed at the grocery bag on the counter. She smiled and dug out the ingredients for the nastiest hot chocolate recipe she'd made up last week.
"How far along are you?" Gemma asked as Ana sat down between us, drizzling copious amounts of honey over a layer of melting marshmallows. Gemma Morrow-Teller was many things, but stupid wasn't one of them. Ana closed the cap to the honey and sucked the stickiness off of her thumb as she hitched a shoulder.
"Ten weeks, according to the doctor. Surprise." I could recognize my sister's fake smile better than anyone else. It was the same one she would use when the social workers tried to counsel us on our mother's death. Ana would just smile and say everything was okay. I tried to hide my sigh by blowing on the hot tea in my mug.
"Congratulations, darlin'! I knew something was up with you. That nasty ass drink gave it away though." Gemma gave Ana a kiss on the cheek and smiled as if she was gaining another grandchild. No matter how tough Gemma was, she was a sucker for babies. Ana was still faking a smile as she nodded. Now that the cat was out of the bag, I decided to go ahead and confront my sister before my backup left.
"I thought you told Opie you wouldn't get any more tattoos until after the baby came." She dropped the fake smile and shook her head before putting her mug down on a coaster. Gemma raised her brow and seemed curious to hear what Ana had to say.
"I never told him that. He asked me not to get any new ink and then said he was going to change diapers. I nodded about him and the diapers, not the tattoos. Don't give me that look, Tara. The baby's fine." She rolled her eyes and leaned her shoulders back against the couch, mindful not to let her lower back come in contact with anything. Gemma's brow raised and she crossed her arms in front of her.
"Sweetheart, does Happy even know you're pregnant?" Ana shot up from the seat as if something had bitten her. Gemma and I were both shocked at her sudden movement. I could see anger blazing behind her eyes.
"Yeah, Gemma, Happy knows I'm pregnant. He fucking knew the day I found out. Just so happens it was the same day your husband's shit leadership landed my old man in prison for fourteen months. I was going to tell Opie but, because of Clay, he was hauled off in cuffs while I had the fucking congratulations card in my hand. So yeah, Happy fucking knows." If her screaming at Gemma hadn't woken the boys up, the glass shattering out of the front door certainly did. The bang and crash from Ana slamming the door on her way out was shortly followed by the wails of Thomas and Abel.
Gemma and I were frozen in place as my boys loudly objected to being woken up. Ana hadn't told me anything that she just blew up on Gemma about. As far as I knew, she only had a suspicion a couple days before we went to the doctor together. It hurt a little to know that Happy knew before I did, but what hurt more was the realization that Ana had been internalizing so much pain. I couldn't deny that the amount of pain she just revealed had me worried she was taking something to help her cope. It wasn't just her health she needed to worry about any more.
"I've got the boys, Tara. You need to take care of that sister of yours. Pregnant and hormonal or not, she needs to remember who she's talking to." Gemma rose from the couch and headed down the hall to the nursery. I rubbed my palms over my eyes in attempts to better understand what had just happened. With a shake of my head, I rose from the couch as well and headed out to my car.
It had been three hours since Ana stormed out of my house and I still couldn't find her. Her new house was full of boxes waiting to be unpacked, but no Ana. I drove by her old house, the cemetery, and the clubhouse to no avail. She'd long since turned her phone off and I was starting to panic. After checking the park we'd frequented when we were younger, I headed back to the clubhouse. My anxiety only got worse when I thought about telling Happy and Chibs she was missing.
To make matters worse, the chapel doors were closed when I rushed into the clubhouse for the second time in a matter of hours. Rat, a fairly new prospect, looked up from the gun he was cleaning. I was pacing in front of the chapel as I watched the minute hand on the clock. If they weren't out in the next few minutes, I was going to knock on the door.
"Tara, you okay?" Rat had a soft voice and looked concerned over my obvious worry. I shook my head and pointed towards the doors.
"Are they almost done?" He looked from me to the doors and shrugged his shoulders apologetically. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before taking one last look at the clock and connecting my fist with the sacred wooden doors. I heard griping and heavy footsteps before one of the doors flew open. Chibs narrowed his eyes, but the anger behind them quickly dissipated.
"Tara, what's tha matter?" Chibs took my shoulders in his hands as frustrated tears started to fall. I was exhausted and I just wanted my sister to be safe, even if she was pissed off.
"Have any of you seen Ana?" I finally managed to ask as my training in crisis management kicked in enough to slow my breathing. Happy came to stand beside Chibs and gave me a questioning look.
"This morning. What happened?" I didn't know him nearly as well as some of the other Sons, but I could tell his infamous sixth sense was kicking in. I knew I had to talk quickly or risk him getting angrier than his normal, constant state.
"She flipped out on Gemma earlier and I haven't been able to find her sense. She turned her phone off and I've looked everywhere. Her new place, old place, park, cemetery, here, even Opie's place." Happy ran his hand over the short hair that could just barley be seen growing on his scalp. Chibs seemed to relax a little and shook his head.
"Lass, I'm sure she's fine. Ya know she don't like ta be around people when she's pissed." Chibs was using his prior knowledge of Ana's temper to calm me down. He had no idea she was pregnant.
"Stay here in case she comes back. Call me as soon as her ass pulls into the lot." Happy brushed past me and headed out of the clubhouse. I looked at the second slammed door today as the sound of Happy's Dyna filled the air.
"The hell is going on, Tara?" Kozik had taken Happy's place behind Chibs and he looked at me in utter confusion. I repeated everything I'd just told Chibs and Happy. Kozik looked like he wanted to ask something, but a phone started vibrating on the Redwood table behind him. He ducked back in the chapel and grabbed the pre-pay, handing it directly over to Chibs.
"Aye? Opie, hey brother. Ana? No, she's not. Aye, hold on." He held the phone out to me and I grimaced, reluctant to tell Opie the truth or lie to him. I swallowed hard.
"Tara? You talked to Ana? I tried calling her a couple times, but her phone's off. Her burner is off to." I didn't even know she had a burner. I glanced up at Chibs and felt like I was going to be sick.
"Yeah, Ope. She's sleeping off some sickness from earlier. I'm sorry. I can wake her up if you want." I prayed he wouldn't ask me to. Chibs raised his brow and threw his hands up, baffled by my blatant lie.
"No, that's okay. Just got worried. Tell her I'll call tomorrow. See if she can't talk Pop into coming down from the cabin." I agreed and closed the phone quickly, not even asking if he needed to talk to Chibs any further.
"Ya want ta tell me what tha fuck is going on?" Chibs rarely ever raised his tone at an old lady. I frowned and nodded, hoping he wouldn't be upset about Ana being pregnant.
ANA
I didn't even bother looking up when I heard the v-twin engine shut off. There were only two people that would know I'd be here and one of them wasn't going to be riding a Harley for another year. Happy came up from behind me as I swung my legs back and forth over the water. It was hard to think that this was probably where the child growing inside of me was conceived, less than a month before Opie went away.
"At least turn the fucking burner on." Happy growled as he squatted down on the dock. I glanced over at him and pointed into the water. His eyes darkened and he shook his head. I shrugged.
"There's no point getting pissed off. Some fish probably ate it already." I climbed up to my feet and followed Happy's eyes as he rose above me. They were still dark, but I could tell he wasn't as pissed as he wanted me to believe.
"Little girl, you're about to get mad at me but I don't give a shit. You need to snap out of it. You ain't the first old lady to be knocked up with an old man inside. Shit, at least he's gettin' out before it can drive. I ain't got time to track your ass down when you scare your sister to death." His voice was raspy and his words were harsh, but I knew he was right.
"I miss him, Happy. I didn't ask for this shit. I didn't ask to get knocked up with a kid I never even knew I wanted." I found myself crying for the first time since I'd told Opie I was pregnant. My tears soaked through Happy's shirt quickly as he held me to his chest.
"I know you miss him, Ana. Why don't you grab some shit and go up to the cabin for a few days. Call in to work. You ain't much use there knocked up anyway." He smirked at my scowl. I'd had to take up the roll of appointment setting and lecturing for the defense classes I'd been instructing. The only thing I could teach was the gun safety and handling class every other week. My savings and the cashed out GI bill were still intact, but I couldn't stand the down time of not working like I used to.
"Fine. Maybe I can drink vicariously through Piney. Don't tell Tara where I am. Just tell her I'm safe and I'll turn my personal phone back on and get a new burner from Piney and send you the number to give to Ope." We were walking back towards the driveway where my Jeep and his bike were parked. I tried not to look at the cabin I'd shared with Opie.
I ran my fingertips over the compass and arrow tattoo I'd gotten earlier that morning. I knew Opie would shit when he found out I got yet another tattoo, but it kept me distracted from the hydrocodone I knew I had packed in the box labeled LIVINGROOM. Besides, the arrow and compass reminded me that things that may seem to hold me back only move me forward and towards my goals. Happy had asked why I had to be so complicated. I asked if he expected everyone to get smiley tattoos and snakes.
Over the next seven months, I stopped getting new tattoos and started talking to Opie more. It took him a little while to get over the fact that I'd gotten another tattoo after the one on my wrist, but understood when I gave him the real reason. He gave me input on paint colors for the new house that I'd finally finished moving in to and appreciated that I stopped riding my Iron 883 and driving the Jeep instead. There were still things I didn't tell him about, like how I'd told Happy about the baby first or how he'd known I was pregnant when I'd gotten both new tattoos. I also didn't tell Opie about the croweater that I'd put in the hospital for running her mouth about explicit escapades she wanted to have with him. Other than that, I was completely open with Opie ever since I'd blown up at Gemma.
"Baby, you look like you're going to pop at any second." Opie said as he rubbed his hand over my stomach. I was due at the end the week and had refused to skip my visit with him, despite his concerns. The guards were a little more lenient with visitation since they'd seen my stomach grow over the past few months. Opie sat beside me at visits for the last two months and our kisses lasted a little longer.
"If that's your way of telling me I'm fat, I already know that. She's staying put until Saturday, Ope." He smirked and shook his head as our daughter kicked at his hand as it rested over her. I laughed and rubbed my stomach in small, soothing circles. She wasn't even born yet and she was already a Daddy's girl. Kicks and punches never happened as frequently as they did when I was with Opie.
"Harper might have other plans about when she's vacating, munchkin. You aren't driving are you?" I shook my head to confirm that Happy was in fact waiting out in the Jeep for me. Opie smiled and nodded before placing a soft kiss on my lips and then the top of my stomach. I felt another round of kicks and groaned.
"Winston, time's up." The guard gave me an apologetic smile and pointed up to the clock on the wall. The hour had flown by and I started to panic. This was the last time I would get to see him until after Harper was born. I hugged him tightly and kissed his neck and cheek as many times as possible before he stood up. The guard looked down at her feet and walked as slowly as she could.
"You'll do great, baby. I love you, Anastasia Knowles." I smiled and nodded, kissing him forcefully as he put his wrists behind his back for the guard to cuff him.
"I love you, Opie Winston." I managed to contain my tears and wave as he was led back towards the housing units. He smiled brightly and winked before disappearing around a corner. I walked back outside with hormonal emotions swirling around in my heart and head. It was one of the best visits I'd had with Opie in a while, but I hated that it was over so soon. By the time I reached the Jeep, I decided to focus on the positive and smile.
"Do you mind stopping at the gas station so I can get some chips?" I batted my eyes at Happy and folded my hands in a prayer like fashion. He laughed and nodded while he pulled out onto the road.
"I'll be glad when you aren't so damn needy, little girl." He teased before turning the radio up. I flipped him off and shifted in the seat, completely uncomfortable in my late stage of pregnancy.
"Grab me some cigarettes." Happy called as he inserted my debit card into the pump to get some fuel. I nodded and waddled into the gas station. The teenage attendant smiled sweetly as I headed back towards the snacks. Harper was kicking away as I traced my crow tattoo with my fingertips, hoping it would help me decide on a flavor of chips.
"Nice tattoo." A man said as he stopped next to me. I glanced down and realized what he was referring to. The craving I'd had for chips suddenly disappeared as I forced a smile.
"Thanks." I turned away and headed towards the doors. I could see Happy leaning against the Jeep and talking on the phone, his eyes trained on me. I breathed a little easier, convincing myself I was just paranoid.
"Can I get a pack of Marlboro Reds?" The young girl behind the counter smiled and nodded before turning around to grab the cigarettes. Before her hand reached the carton, I felt a sharp pain in my back, followed by three more. I heard myself scream out as I crumpled down to the floor. There were two loud gunshots, breaking glass and a loud thud as warm liquid started pouring down my back. Someone was still screaming as Happy's face came into focus. I felt my lip quiver before slipping into unconsciousness.
Ah, the dreaded cliffhanger. Never fear, I plan on having the next chapter up soon, if not tonight. Thank you to all the readers and reviewers I've gotten for this story so far :) I'm glad you all seem as excited as I am.