By the time they were out of town the tears were falling freely as Happy pulled over on the side of the road. She continued to sob as he helped her off his bike and onto the picnic table in the camping area they had made it to. Taking a few deep breaths she muttered a thanks before wiping her face. Happy lit a cigarette before breaking the silence, "What's the shit you got going on with Jax?"
Not wanting to deal with that just yet she retorted, "You didn't show up at the school because of that… why were you there? And be honest nothing cryptic."
Smiling he took a long look before replying, "When you left last night it got me thinkin….thinkin bout my ol' man and how he used to treat me like shit." Stopping for a second he got lost in thought before continuing. "He don't hit ya does he?"
Shaking her head with her eyes cast down, "No he's never hit me. I am sorry about all of that commotion I caused I won't come by agai…"
Stepping up to her he took her by the shoulders, "Listen good kid…..I'm telling you that it's okay to go back there. Ain't nobody mad at you. Actually Gemma and the club demand you come back tomorrow f so we can see your ass all ready for prom….. Now as for your dad I know what it's like to have a dad like that. Mine was a real son of a bitch and he used to beat my ass…. My mom's too. Talked to us like we were the dirt under his shoes….now I am not suggesting that you take the route I did but how about trying to not take care of him? Jax says your 17 and that means your birthday is coming up. Stick it out and the day you turn 18 I will personally pack your bags and move you to the clubhouse until we figure something out."
Stepping back Happy let her take a minute to process what was just said to her. She never really felt like she was loved or belonged until now… who would have thought that it was a killer and his merry band of bikers that would make her feel that way. "Thank you Happy….I appreciate that. As for prom I don't think I will be going…. I snapped at Opie for something Jax and Tara did and I am unsure where we stand."
Seeing Happy bristle at the mention of Jax and Tara making her sad, "What's with that?" Sighing she retold the events that had happened earlier. "I know it's silly but I tried so hard to keep who my father was under wraps sometimes."
"Don't let that shit get to ya….. Plenty of bitches are going to tear at you to get a glimmer of the acceptance you are getting from the club but… are you ashamed of your ol' man?"
Without thinking Iris replied with words she had never spoken aloud, "I wish he would just hurry up and kill himself like I know he has been trying to do since my mom died." Tears burst from her and she felt strong arms hold her to an equally solid chest. "I am such a horrible person for even saying that."
"Nah…. I know what you mean… it's hard to watch someone want to die like that. Just know that you got me 'ight?"
Needing to ask the question that she knew everyone who knew Happy wanted to ask, but for fear of death haven't she spoke, " Why are you so nice to me….I know how people see you and I haven't known you to long but you're not shy about blabbing your extracurricular to me…what's up with that?"
Taking a deep breath and pausing he looked her in the eyes and spoke, "I'm not one who gets along with anyone….quite frankly I hate everyone and everything. Then you show up all doe eyed and accepting and …I dunno never want an old lady but lately I've been thinkin bout kids…your kinda filling that void right now. Guess that's what's up with that."
Nodding her head in acceptance she motioned to the bike, "I'm pickin up what you're layin down daddy dearest…..now take me back to school….." Stepping up to swing her leg over she paused, "One more thing…. When you said not to take the route you did with your dad…..what route is that?"
Smirking a bit he started his bike and started to pull off before yelling, "I killed him!"
/
Opie paced back and forth in front of the school checking his phone for the hundredth time. With only 15 minutes left of lunch he was eager to talk to Iris. After the incident in science class he was twitchy until the bell rang. After it had he pulled Jax and Tara aside and had point blank asked what was going on. Tara had tried to beat around the bush but after a while she had begrudgingly spilled the beans. Jax had been pissed but Opie had been quick to tell him he had no right to be mad.
Looking up he heard the rumble of a familiar bike. Happy was fast approaching with an unreadable expression and his black sunglasses as always. Rolling to a stop a timid looking Iris jumped off the bike and gave Happy a hug before he muttered, "Tomorrow" and sped off. Not wanting to waste time Opie spoke up, "'Ris can…..can we talk?"
"What is there to talk about?"
Wiping the frustration off of his face he replied, "I'm sorry for what happened today, that was bullshit. I know Jax feels like shit but that's your guys' deal…. I just want you to know I am here for you without any instruction from our fearless Queen who I know means well by the way but is a little bit pushy. I hope you are still willing to go to prom with me."
Smiling as warmly as she could muster, "Of course I will go with you Opie. Happy demanded that I go there to get ready and on the way back he said I could use his dorm for the night."
Earning a huge smile Opie grabbed her up in a bear hug whispering, "I won't let tomorrow get ruined for you I promise. You deserve it."
Nodding her head she let him go and headed for the door only to be stopped by Jax, "Hey Iris I'm sorry for what Tara said….I hang out with you because I wanna not cuz of my ma. Your one of the guys ya know."
"Yeah Jackson I know…. I am always one of the guys…you can assure Tara that she has nothing to worry about because the ugly bookworm is "one of the guys" Feeling hurt that once again her status was solidly reminded she went to walk away her arm was grabbed harder than she wanted. Whipping around she looked into the eyes of a very confused looking Jax, "Ris…. What'd I say?"
Sagging her shoulders she sat down on a bench and Jax followed suit still holding her arm, "Do you even know what it's like to be an outcast? Right…..talkin to the wrong guy on that one... anyways…being one of the guys is great but just once I wanna feel like I am pretty enough to be around you guys. Just once. I love being you guy's friends but in case you noticed I AM a GIRL."
His brow furrowed further and he replied as he stroked her hair, "Darlin' you're beautiful…. I don't say it because I am with Tara and I love her but if not I would so be on you. "
Chuckling a bit she said, "Okay… I get it... I know there are no feelings there for you dork I was just saying that you and Opie need to remember I am a girl every now and then."
Earning a bark of laughter he heartily replied, "I think Opie knows you're a girl."
Bating her eyes playfully she slapped him in the arm, "It must be my feminine whiles….. Better watch out you is gonna miss out on Queen Material…. According to your mother anyways I am the next Queen but you haven't realized it yet." With that she smirked feeling way less confident than she just was walked into school.
Jax however, sat in a daze lost in his own thoughts where in the hell did that come from and more importantly… looking back she does have all the makings for a Queen. Knowing that he had feelings budding that were now obviously double sided he was more confused than ever. Prom was going to be interesting.
/
The next morning Iris woke up to a loud coughing in the next room Gathering her things she made her way to the living room stopping to talk to her father, "I am going to the clubhouse to get ready for prom. I love you and will be home tomorrow. Lasagna is in the fridge just needs to be heated up."
Her father looked at her for a long time before speaking, "You just gonna turn into some kinda sweet butt to get outta here huh?"
"No dad I am family there… you just want to be mean about it…"
"Yeah? Well if I am such a son of a bitch then why are you even here huh? Your no kid of mine….my kid knows her place and stays in it."
Anger started to boil Iris's blood as she retorted, " I am not a child anymore dad! I am seventeen year old girl that has had to pay the bills ON HER OWN for a long time now because YOU couldn't get it together. I have sacrificed my childhood and been ridiculed for it for as long as I can remember because you couldn't get your shit together. Guess what! Mom left me too!" She paused and took a breath to calm herself before continuing, "It has been eleven years since mom died and a long time since you lost your job. You have drank my childhood away and how dare you yell at me about my little piece of happiness I have found… Now…. I am going to prom tonight and I will stay at the clubhouse and be home sometime tomorrow." With that she grabbed her bags and walked to the door before whispering 'love you'. Not wanting to look back she heard a bottle smash as she made it to the driveway.
/
Jax couldn't shake the conversation that he had at school the other day. Couldn't made heads or tails as to what Iris had implied and his newfound feelings. Sure he loved Tara, but was she what he would need in the future? Sure she had told him that she was going to college but assured him that she was going to be in it for the long haul. No matter the protests of his mother he had never once questioned this before…. One simple comment from Ris and his head was spinning. Jax knew Ope had a soft spot for her and didn't know how soft it actually was. Regardless of all impending circumstances Jax decided on one main action….he had to get to know Ris on a new level to see how far his feelings went. Never seeing her in this light he hadn't asked the sort of "get to know yas" that were needed to base a prospective relationship. This outta be interesting…
"Hey brother what you doin'?" Opie stood in the doorway of the clubhouse gazing at him.
Not wanting to drop any kind of info on his situation Jax smirked and said, "Just preparing myself for the shitty music that Tara will make me dance to in my fuckin monkey suit."
Barking out his laughter Opie replied, "That's why I got the good date…..she's letting me be comfortable… speaking of here she comes."
All Jax could do was think to himself that Opie was right.
/
After hours of Gemma and Luanne primping and prepping she was finally ready to step into her dress. Luanne made it clear to her that the doe eyed virgin look was in. Trying to be polite she said she would keep it in mind earning an amused look from Gemma. Once she stepped into the dress she looked at herself in the mirror in wonder. The girl standing in front of her was no longer the bookworm but a young woman. Her red highlights were showing more than usual as her hair was pulled into a sleek, elegant bun. Luanne had insisted on a dramatic cats eye and wine red lips.
Turning to Gemma and Luanne she breathed a thank you before Gemma handed her the large rhinestoned bag they had gotten the other day. "What's in it?" she asked noticing the weight of it.
Gemma smirked and replied, "Oh nothing much…..just Jax's cut. He may not be your man yet but you do your best to make him happy."
Letting out a large sigh Iris replied, "Gemma Jackson is with Tara! Even if I did like him Opie and I are getting on great and I wouldn't want to compromise that."
Luanne laughed and put the sheer shawl over her shoulders before saying, "Baby, that boy has only hung around with one girl without sleeping with her on the first day….. That would be YOU. And he sure as shit never brought any "friends" around the club. Something's pullin that boy to you and my bet is its common sense."
Iris smiled warmly at Luanne and Gemma, "I appreciate the optimism that he hasn't slept with me only because of this fateful attraction you speak of but have you ever thought that maybe he hasn't made a move because he genuinely thinks of me as a friend and is surrounded by ready and willings that are better looking?"
Gemma retorted, "Baby you can put your blinders up just as much as he is but after tonight…. The way you look right now…. He's gonna be lookin at you. Now get out there Bobby cooked you all dinner and I want pictures!"
As she walked out to the end of the hallway where the dorms opened up into the clubhouse, Iris couldn't help but be nervous. The loud noise that was a regular resident of the clubhouse was in full swing; apparently the homecoming dance wasn't going to stop it. When she stepped out she noticed Tara was already there. Tig noticed her first and his eyes darkened before he yelled, "NO! She is not going out like that. And she is NOT going to be here when the brothers roll in from Tacoma!"
Laughing she replied, "Is that your way of making a compliment Alex?" Walking over she hugged him awkwardly before making her way over to Opie. He took a nervous breath before he said, "You look amazing." The black dress that was hugging her curves was stunning. The sparkle that hit off of every angle was perfect. The nail that secured the hottie coffin was the leather corset top adorned with rhinestones to subtly matches the cut. Pulling her in for an intimate embrace Opie pulled out the flower corsage that Gemma had gotten. One single black orchid was attached to a black and white ribboned wrist corsage. Sliding it on, Iris appreciated it quickly before doing the same for Opie's.
Once their moment was done she looked over and greeted Tara as warmly as she could muster. "You look great Tara." Although that statement wasn't exactly truthful. She had on a skintight pink dress that barley covered top or bottom. Tara smirked before saying, "You to Iris….." Looking to the left she saw Jax looking uncomfortable in a black tux. "Jackson….charming as ever."
Jax smirked before bringing her in for a quick hug and whispering, "You look beautiful but I like my Ris better when she's stuck in a book and has messy hair." As he pulled away Iris quickly masked her surprise at his comment.
"Hey shithead what about me" Knowing the voice she turned and said, "You have legs….. Wipe that pile of gross off your lap and come say hi."
Everyone stopped to watch the interaction in silence. Iris had a smirk on her face and Happy had… what a surprise, a masked one. Swiping the sweet butt off his lap onto the floor he got up and walked at a fast pace that to most would be an intimidating charge. Iris was confident he wasn't goin to hurt her so she stood her ground with her hands on her hips while everyone held their breathe. Once he got to her he didn't stop as he picked her up above his head and spun her around, breaking into a grin. When he set her down she was giggling and he said, "How'd ya like the use of my legs smartass! You look good kid. Now one more thing before we eat and do pictures…. OPIE, JAX!"
Once everyone recovered from the shock of the interaction…. Realization dawned on most of the members as to what the killer was about to address. "Now Jax….. I know you're not kids date…that doesn't mean she isn't part of your responsibility….. You will get gutted like a fish just as slow and tediously as Opie if she gets even one hair on her head disturbed. Chibs, Clay, Tig and I have talked this out and with orders from Gemma we are prepared and have permission to kick your ass."
Opie stood tall and Jax followed. Opie spoke first, "I won't let anything happen to her I promise Hap." Jax nodded his head choosing the less is better route. Happy stared them down a moment before Iris rolled her eyes and spoke up, "Geeze guys come on! Let's eat!"
Slapping the boys on the back Happy relented and they all dug in while talking amongst themselves. Soon after dinner was done Gemma insisted on pictures. Each boy stood by their dates and shots upon shots were taken. Gemma insisted on getting a picture of their "Budding royalty" as well. When Iris went to stand by Tara, Chibs grabbed her arm and drug her to the center, "Aye lass… cahnt 'ave us our royal picture wit out our princess in da centar…"
Once pictures were completed they piled in Gemma's SUV and took off towards the dance. Happy stood watching the car for a long time before he went to head in. When he turned around he saw Tig and Gemma standing there with smiles on their faces. Tig spoke up, "Man…. It's weird seeing you give a shit."
Happy laughed, "Yeah? How the fuck you think I feel?"
Gemma spoke up as she put her arms around both men, "She's something else that one…." Patting Hap on his back she watched as him walk away. Before Tig could pull away she whispered, "You keep an eye on him….. The nomads and Tacoma are rollin in tonight and we don't want him to kill a brother because they step out of line with his new found baby girl."
Tig nodded his head and said, "God help us all…."
/
AN So I know I said Prom would be on here but I felt like you all were getting neglected. I hope this fills your void where Iris and the club dig in. I want to say thank you to everyone who reviews. I am goin to school full time and working full time so this is my little slice of YAY! I love all of my reviews and they help me and inspire me to do my best on here. MUAH ENJOY.
