Disclaimer: As always, I own no part of SOA. All characters and settings belong to Kurt Sutter / Sutter Ink. However, those characters that are a living breathing product of my imagination belong solely to me.
A/N: Not sure of the rating for this chapter. I left the rating T, because of some language might need to change it to M. Please readers/reviewers let me know your thoughts / opinions – Happy Reading
Ready, Willing, and Abel
Chapter 6
Velez Mexican Café:
Abel shook his head; "This cannot be happening!" he thought irritably. Maria was serious, Marcos Alveraz was family. How could he have missed this? How is it possible that he had been seeing; hell sleeping with this girl for months and not known who she was? "Maria?" he began with barely controlled emotion, "How is it that you never thought to mention your connection to "Uncle Marcos?" Ok that question came out with way more sarcasm than Abel intended but dammit he was pissed. Sure he may not have figured out all the wrinkles in their relationship, but he was working on it. This "I'm his Goddaughter" crap was a complete blindside, one he didn't see coming. Question was what was he going to do now?
Still not fully understanding the situation she was in Maria took Abel's hand and spoke softly "Abel, your scaring me a little here. I don't understand the big deal. I told you about my Godparents; you know how much they mean to me – of course he would be at my birthday party." Maria never feared Abel Tellar; she thought she knew the man before her so well. Yet when he looked at her with big blue eyes – suddenly so cold and angry, she had a moment's pause. Just maybe she didn't know him as well as she thought she did. Squeezing his hands tight Maria asked "Why don't you come and meet them? I'm sure you and Uncle Marcos will have tons in common. He's been trying to teach me about motorcycles since before I could walk." She smiled trying to lighten the sudden tension she didn't fully understand.
Pulling away from her grasp, Abel stared at her as if she had suddenly become a stranger to him. "You really don't get it – do you Maria?" He asked with a mixture of hurt, frustration, and plain old pissed off crossing his face. "Your "Uncle Marcos" is head of the Mayans. My father is president of the Sons. That didn't strike you as a problem?" Maria wasn't completely naïve she knew who the Mayans and Sons were. But as the beloved baby of the family, she was sheltered from most all of the uglier sides of MC life. You don't live in Charming or Oakland your whole life without hearing the rumors about SAMCRO and the Mayans. She knew deep in her heart that at least some of them must be a little true. Then one day she met Abel Tellar and decided to ignore the rumors and trust the man. As she looked into his eyes, a part of her could still the man she trusted; the man she thought she loved. Yet as time ticked by she could see that man changing growing more cold and angry with the passing of each second.
"What the hell have I gotten myself into?" Abel wondered for probably the hundredth time in less than ten minutes. He knew the exact moment that Alvarez and his son noticed him and Maria standing together in the corner. As if in slow motion, he watched Alvarez cross the room to come and stand in front of them. Standing on either side of Maria, she causally slipped her arms around the waist of each man. Turning first to her "Uncle Marcos", she kissed his cheek "I'm so glad you could make it Uncle." Then turning to his son she kissed his cheek using the long forgotten child hood nickname "MJ (Marcos Jr.) "It's been to long cousin. I've missed you lately." Turning her attention back to Abel she smiled "Uncle Marcos, MJ this is my boy…." Before she could continue Abel stopped her cold "I know who your "uncle" is. We've met before many times, isn't that right?" Alvarez simply smiled and nodded by way of agreement
Alvarez smiled tightly at Maria, "Maria dear why don't you excuse us for a moment please?" Looking back and forth between the three men, Maria was unsure if leaving them alone was a smart idea or not. Wanting this to end, Abel squeezed her hand – assuring her it would be ok. "Maria, its ok, really, go enjoy your party. I'll come find you in a minute." Still a little leery, Maria squeezed Abel's hand in return and then squeezed her Uncle Marcos' hand. Moving back towards her cousins she spared the three men two brief glances over her shoulder. As she neared her cousins table she was immediately swept up in their high-spirited conversation. Sparing Abel, Marcos, and MJ one last glance; she settled at the table and joined the lively debate.
"I didn't realize you and my Maria were so close." Alvarez remarked with an unreadable expression. MJ smirked, "What the hell was Maria thinking – hooking up with a SON? Damn girl should know better." It was clear to Alvarez that any further comment from MJ would have Tellar in his face. This was a family affair. Alvarez respected Alberto and Sophia too much for this to become ugly. Without turning to face him Alvarez – leaving no room for debate – instructed his son to shut his mouth now.
"Yeah "MJ" be a good boy and shut your mouth" Abel sneered with all the sarcasm he could manage. Ready to show this white boy redneck who was the real man here MJ reached for Abel. Alvarez grabbed his son a mere second before he reached Abel. "ENOUGH!" stated Alvarez, "MJ you will not do this here in front of Alberto and Sophia. This is not your issue stay out of it." MJ watched his father for a long moment before raising his hands in mock surrender. Lowing his hands, he turned to Abel "You and me red-neck …this…well this is far from over." With that MJ turned to leave. Abel responded "Anytime "MJ" he responded once again using the nickname to provoke "I'm not a hard man to find."
Watching MJ walk away he turned his full attention to Alvarez. "What happens between Maria and I is none of your business. Walk away and leave it alone Alvarez." Marcos looked into Abel's eyes "So much like your father." He remarked absently. "Too much history between the Mayans and SONS for you to really believe that Tellar," remarked a seemingly calm Alvarez. Abel stepped closer "I'm only saying this once, stay out of this situation between Maria and me."
"Ah young love," observed Alvarez "This is a bad idea Tellar. You might to think seriously about backing off my Maria right now before someone gets hurt." Abel had heard enough "Are you threatening me Alvarez?" he asked with eerie calm. Choosing his words carefully Alvarez replied "No…No threat Tellar, just stating a fact you or one of the SONS hurt my goddaughter and you will answer to me."
When Abel didn't come to find her after about five minutes Maria grew concerned and went in search of him. Spotting him and her Uncle where she had left them previously. Maria quickly made a beeline to where they were standing. As she approached she could instantly feel the tension radiating off each of them "Abel, Uncle Marcos is everything ok?"
Marcos turned and beamed at his goddaughter "Of course dear." He responded kindly. Maria turned to Abel who could not be so polite "Fuck! Maria you should have told me dammit." Rubbing his hand across his face in frustration "I have to go Maria." Without another word he turned and headed for the door. He could hear Maria call his name. He sensed her making her way to the door behind him. He simply was in no mood to talk. He needed to leave now. Reaching for the door he felt the blessed cool of the night air. As he cleared the front steps of the café, he heard Maria standing in the open door she called out "Abel! Please don't do this." Unable to speak – thoughts rushing his mind, Abel never turned around simply kept walking towards his bike parked at the corner of the lot.
As he approached his bike he realized something was wrong. Looking down at the parked Harley – he realized that someone had taken a knife to the set of his bike – cutting and trashing the leather. "Son of a BITCH!" yelled Abel. Looking around the café parking lot, Abel did not see MJ standing in the shadows of the building satisfaction creeping across his face.
Mounting his bike, careful of the ruined seat, Abel sped from the café lot. As he drove absently towards TM and the clubhouse, Abel let his mind wander. Just as he was certain MJ was responsible for the damage to his bike, he was equally uncertain about him and Maria. After tonight, how could they continue to be together? Stopped at a red light, Abel looked down at his cut. Running his fingers across his SAMCRO patch he thought, "This club is part of my family, would choosing Maria be walking away?" As the light turned green, Abel pushed the thoughts away. He already knew the answers; he was just avoiding the obvious.
Pulling into the TM lot he could see that the clubhouse was in full swing. His folks were sitting at a picnic table right outside the clubhouse door with Opie and Lyla. Pausing for a moment, he thought it was good to see them both smiling and laughing enjoy life for the moment. Standing just inside the clubhouse door he noticed his grandma Gemma watching the two couples with mild interest. Mom and dad never discussed the details in front of them, but Abel and his siblings weren't stupid they knew that the relationship but their parents and Grandma Gemma and Clay were strained at very best. Parking his bike, Abel made his way towards the clubhouse. Stopping at the table he kissed his mom on the cheek, and exchanged greetings with the others. Tara squeezed the hand he placed on her shoulder. "Hi baby, I thought you were going out for the evening?" Turning a rueful gaze towards his bike Abel shook his head "Yeah so did I mom…so did I." he responded wearily. Noticing the abrupt in Abel, Jax asked "Everything ok with you son?" Looking at his dad, "No worries dad…nothing I can't handle." With that he squeezed his mom's shoulders, smiled at Opie and Lyla and headed to the clubhouse. Stopping at the doorway he smiled at Grandma Gemma. He may not fully understand her relationship with his folks but he knew beyond any doubts that she loved him, his brother and sister ferociously. Woe is to the man who steps against Gemma Tellar Morrow when she is defending her cubs. Kissing her cheek, Abel hugged his Grandma. "Hey Gramma," he murmured.
Gemma could not be prouder of the man her grandson was becoming. Strong and tall, Abel was a born leader like his father. She believed that with time one day he would make a fine SOA president. The family legacy would continue on in safe hands. "Hey baby!" replied Gemma "rough night?" she asked noticing the tension in his face. Squeezing her hand he spoke "Nothin' to worry 'bout darlin." Then flashing that boyish Tellar grin he headed inside.
Grabbing a bottle of whiskey from the bar, Abel headed for a table in the back corner of the clubhouse. As he crossed the floor he acknowledged Juice, Bobby, and Chibbs with a nod or a one hand salute of his bottle. Straddling a chair, Abel sat with his back to the wall and surveyed the scene around him. Abel had made short work of more than half the bottle; when a pretty little sweet-butt he thought was named Lisa or Lindsay something that started with an L in any case approached the table. "Mind if I join you?" she asked. Abel let his gaze wander up and down her firm young body. Dressed in true crow-eater fashion, little black tank top, short shorts, with leather boots, too much make-up and over teased and blown hair. Looking up at her he smiled "Not really in the mood to talk tonight darlin'" he replied with a forced smile. Sitting in the chair across from, Laura reached across the table and began to toy with his long fingers. Looking up with a sultry glaze in her eyes she questioned "Just what are you in the mood for tonight Abel Tellar?"
Abel looked down at the table where their hands were now joined. "I should just get up and walk away right now." He thought. "This little sweet-but has mistake written all over her." His mind screamed. Despite all the really good reasons to walk away, Abel continued to sit there staring into her sultry green eyes. "Oh well," thought Abel "what's one more mistake in a night chuck full of them?"
Taking her hand firmly in his, Abel motioned for her to stand. Standing Laura allowed Abel to guide her around the table. Turning his chair around, Abel lightly tugged on Laura's hand until she fell graciously into his lap. "I'm sure I'll regret this later," he whispered as he lowered his lips to hers. His kiss was tentative at first. He briefly brushed his lips against hers. Staying into her upturned face, Abel let go and fell into a long wet kiss. She slid her arms around his shoulders and pulled the band from his hair. Abel reveled in the feel of warm soft hands running through his locks.
Standing slowly, Abel looked around the room and within a heart-beat was leading young Laura down the hall towards his dorm room. Moving inside his room, Abel forcefully closed and locked the door. Pushing Laura against the door, he continued their violent passionate kiss. His hands at her waist, Abel yanked at her tank top, pulling it up over her head. The feel of soft flesh pressed against his body motivating him further. His fingers making deft work of the buttons on her shorts, he pushed them to the floor. In her fuchsia bra and panties, Abel moved them to both to bed. Abel allowed her to unbutton and remove his black shirt, before he both tumbled her to the bed. Abel quickly lost himself in the sweet abandon Laura offered.
Abel came awake by degrees the following morning. Yawning, he had the sensation of a mouth full of sour cotton. Lying sprawled across the middle of the bed, he turned noticing the long blonde hair spread out across the pillow beside him. Damn he hated blondes. This particular blonde was currently lying across his arm and chest. If he were honest, she was a beautiful woman, it was almost sad that she wasn't either woman he was thinking of. Lying very still, Abel attempted to quiet the voices in his head. He supposed he would have to face Maria sooner or later. Then there was the little matter of fixing the seat of his bike. Between the whiskey last night and his riotous thoughts today, it was going to be one hell of a day. Turning once more to look at the woman beside him, Abel was shocked to find that it wasn't Maria he was wishing for but really a dark haired beauty with bruises. "What the hell!" he thought "Where did that come from."
He laid there silently staring at the ceiling. He could hear life stirring outside his door. The clubhouse was coming awake he thought. The normal sounds of daily life were quickly shattered by the high pitched anger of a familiar voice.
With the slamming of the clubhouse door, Maria called out "I want to see Abel NOW!" Standing at the bar, Chucky had just begun the long task of cleaning up the remains of last night. Chucky turned to face Maria head on, his artificial fingers coming into plan view. Maria gasped and took a step back "Your hands," she mumbled.
"Yeah," Chucky replied with a twisted laugh "Guess I don't play to well with the Chinese." Maria didn't respond, her gaze still fixed on his fingers. Chucky continued "I'm sorry I didn't get your name." Pulled out of her fascination, Maria looked him in the eye once more "Maria….Maria Velez. Now could you please tell me where I can find Abel Tellar?"
The commotion of angry voices stirred Tig from his make shift bed atop the clubhouse pool table. Sliding out and away from last night's old lady, Tig wandered towards the bar. "Aren't you a long way from home sweetheart?" He asked with much distaste and sarcasm. Maria turned and watched Tig warily, looking him up and down. Her gaze proving she found him to be severely lacking. "Excuse me do I know you?"
Tig laughed a large part of him enjoying that he made their guest uncomfortable. "No, I guess not but I know who you are." He answered with a smirk. "Does your God-father the good Uncle Marcos know that you're slumming with the SONS?"
Maria turned away from Chucky he full attention on Tig. Dark angry eyes flashing, "I don't know who you are, but my family life is NONE of your DAMN business." Tig gave her the once over, or more accurately the two or three over before replying "Your in my clubhouse, that makes this my business." It really was too bad that she was related however small to Alvarez, she really was a beautiful woman. Under different circumstances he could see himself trying to too get closer to that. Angry that this was getting her nowhere, Maria attempted to move past Tig and move towards the dorms. Storming down the hall, with Tig hot on her heels Maria shouted "Abel…Abel I know you're here get your ass out here and talk to me." Just as she reached Abel's door, Tig reached out and took hold of her arm. Ready to bounce her from his clubhouse, Tig replied "All right honey, time for you to take your little sweet-butt home."
Maria was livid, intent on removing Tig's hand she turned an outraged eye on him. "Remove your hand from my…" Just then the dorm room opened; there stood Abel in nothing but his boxer shorts. Looking warily at Tig, Abel muttered, "It's all good Tig…Let her go." Surprised Tig let go of her arm, but did not move away. Pushing past Abel Maria entered the dorm room. "Mmm darlin'…you really don't want to do that." He stated too little too late. Turning back towards the dorm room, Abel left the door open. Maria stood in the middle of the room, shock and utter outrage painted across her dark features. The commotion had woke Abel's young sweet-butt, who was presently sitting up in bed clutching the thin blue sheet to her chest. Confused Laura asked "Who the hell are you?" Maria laughed "funny I should ask you the same thing, since you're the one in bed with my boyfriend."
"Ah Shit!" Thought Abel, "The shit's gonna hit the fan now." Laura ran her fingers through her sleep tousled hair, looking at Maria, Laura noted her obvious Mexican heritage "Well" she replied haughtily "I guess your "boyfriend" was tired of dark meat last night." Abel grinned, he had to hand it to the sweet-butt she could think quickly on her feet, but she was doing him no favors now. "Look Maria," Abel started calmly "I know we need to talk, but this is obviously not the time or place."
Hurt clouding her dark eyes, "Oh this isn't a good time for you. When would be a better time, before or after you trip and fall into bed with another slut." She screamed. Laura looked up from her perch in the center of the bed, "Who you calling a slut? Bitch."
Abel could see this spiraling out of control quickly. "Lindsay" he said evenly, "I think it's time for you to go." Looking at him, confusion written across her face Laura climbed from the bed wrapping the sheet around her naked form. Turning in outrage, "Its Laura Asshole." Before shoving her way into the bathroom and slamming the door behind her.
Disgusted with the whole scene, Maria turned on Abel "Class act Tellar; don't even know the name of the bimbo in your bed – that's just great." She laughed before turning to leave. Grabbing his jeans from the floor Abel hastily put them on. Grabbing his white t-shirt from the bed, he shoved his way past Tig as he followed Maria down the hall, out of the clubhouse and into the parking lot.
Watching as she raced for her little white four door, Abel called out "Maria wait! Dammit Maria wait a second would you?" Opening her car door, Maria turned flashing angry eyes on Abel "Don't think there's much left to say is there Abel?" Maria stood watching the emotions or lack there of moving across his face. She noticed his hand wrapped tightly around her open car door. Unable to stand it a moment longer she looked pointedly at this hand. Looking over his shoulder, Abel could see Tig and Bobby watching from the clubhouse doorway. "OH Hell…shit storm was really gonna hit the fan now." He thought. Letting go of her car door, Abel watched carelessly as Maria climbed inside and sped from the TM lot.