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.
Chapter 12
It felt like an eternity since Tara walked out of her hospital room. Amanda prayed that Tara would come back soon with some good news. She didn't want to check out against medical advice, but she would. Amanda couldn't say for sure why staying in the hospital freaked her out so much – it just did. Roughly fifteen minutes later, Tara returned with Dr. Mayes. "Finally" thought Amanda "some answers."
Standing at the foot of the bed, Dr. Mayes looked over Amanda's medical chart. "Ms. Stevens, we've reviewed your test results and x-rays. You are a very lucky young woman. You have some expected minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises. I'm most concerned about your concussion. I would like to admit you – at least over-night for observation." Seeing the look of panic cross his patient's face, Dr. Mayes pressed forward. "Now I've talked with Dr. Tellar and she says that you want to be released tonight. Do you fully understand the concern here, Ms. Stevens?"
Amanda looked between Dr. Mayes and Tara before answering considerately "Dr. Tellar has explained everything to me. I've agreed to follow her directions to the letter, and I promised that if my condition worsens I will come straight back here immediately."
Looking between the two women, Dr. Mayes wondered who was more stubborn his patient or his co-worker. As he opened the medical chart, a brief thought crossed his mind. "I almost feel sorry for the men in their lives." With a final flourish of his pen, Dr. Mayes completed his charting. "Ok, Ms. Stevens against my better judgment I've signed your release. Someone will be in with your discharge paperwork shortly. Turning one last time before leaving the exam room, Dr. Mayes lectured "remember Ms. Stevens, do everything Dr. Tellar tells you at least for tonight."
Watching him exit the room, Tara turned to Amanda. "After everything you've been through tonight I don't want to add to your already full plate. But…Amanda." Tara paused searching the young woman's face for unknown answers. "You know Amanda, that full disclosure we talked about earlier – well that works both ways. Abel has to talk to you, but you need to talk to me as well. You understand that right?"
"Tara…I" Amanda's words were cut short when Abel and Katie entered from the hall. Moving to the bed, Katie sat down on the edge and squeezed Amanda's hand in support and concern. Filling the doorway, Abel stood hands on hips silently demanding answers. Tara placed a gentle hand on her son's arm, "It's all taken care of Abel, Dr. Mayes agreed to her release. He's going to send someone in with her discharge papers shortly." A slight smile touched Abel's lips as he looked as he looked at his mom a murmured "Thanks Mom."
Leaning in Tara kissed her son's cheek, "Your welcome baby, I let your dad and the boys know what's going on. I'll be right back." Abel simply nodded, his eyes never leaving Amanda. As Tara exited the room, Abel heard the girls talking about going home. "You can go wherever you like darlin'," Abel interrupted "your place, my folks, the clubhouse, or wherever just accept that I'm going with you."
Katie turned to face Abel and began to speak. Amanda squeezed her hand "It's all good Katie, Abel and I have a lot to talk about – isn't that right Abel?" Amanda asked with a little more sarcasm than she actually felt inside.
"Women!" thought Abel as there was a knock on the door. Opening the door from the inside, Abel didn't first notice the face of the young clerk holding the discharge instructions. Then she spoke, "Ms. Stevens? I'm Maria, Dr. Mayes has asked me to review your discharge papers with you."
That voice, Abel looked up to see Maria standing in the center of the room facing Amanda. "Maria, What the hell?" he asked.
Knowing that voice instantly, Maria turned to face Abel. "Hello Abel – I'm surprised to see you here" all said with an icy calm composure she wasn't sure she actually felt. At a loss for words, Abel wondered "What the fuck do you say to your ol' lady after she catches you in bed with some random hoe." Maria cut through his thoughts like a knife through hot butter, "This isn't the time or place for our shit Abel – later maybe but not now." With that she asked both of them to wait outside while she talked with Dr. Mayes patient.
Reluctantly Abel and Katie stepped just outside the door to wait. "You know that girl?" asked Katie with mild curiosity. "You could say that," replied a cryptic Abel. Moving away from the door, Abel started down the hall towards the waiting area. He should go talk to his folks and the "uncles." Moving further away from Amanda's room, Abel wondered not for the first time what shit Maria would spread about him to Amanda.
Amanda sat up a little straighter in bed. Taking the small stool, Maria sat down next to the bed and forced herself to begin reviewing the Dr.'s discharge instructions. "How do you know Abel Tellar?" interrupted Amanda.
Looking up from the forms, Maria smiled "I could ask you the same thing 'darlin'?" Amanda smiled tightly, "You first 'darlin'."
Maria smiled she hadn't expected the snippy comeback from the fragile flower sitting before her. That said, "I don't owe you any explanations. Abel and mine's relationship is none of your damn business." She explained calmly.
Amanda held both hands up in mock defeat, "Fair enough," she replied, "you don't know me from Adam, you don't want to talk its all good. Maria nodded her thanks and continued with her little discharge speech. Five minutes later, Maria exited the room. Leaning against the opposite wall, Abel watched her come out. Noticing him immediately, Maria crossed the hall to join him. "Dam" thought Abel "even at work – the way she walks could have man on knee's begging for mercy."
Crowding right into his personal space, Maria waited. "Maria" Abel began, "I never meant for you to…"
"Never meant for me to, what Abel?" Maria interrupted angrily "Never meant for me to find out about you and the whore? Certainly never meant for to walk in and catch you two in bed together I'm sure. Or is that you never meant for me to get hurt by all of this, is that it? I should thank you Abel, you and my Uncle Marcos really opened my eyes." Touching the patches on the front of his cut like they may suddenly bite her she continued "I didn't realize the importance of the patch…I do now." Switching gears in mid-thought Maria began again "So I couldn't help but notice the way Ms. Stevens was looking at you in there…I see you've moved on again," placing her hands solidly against his chest she continued "But, really Abel a little fragile and thick for you don't you think?"
Snatching her hands away from his body, Abel growled "Amanda is NONE of your DAMN business, Maria let it go NOW." Moving slightly back from Abel, Maria fought the urge to slap him before that thought could morph into any really action she noticed his fellow SOA moving in unison down the hall way. "Saved by Daddy and the other MC Pyscho's," Maria muttered as she sauntered away. "Fucking women" Abel thought again not for the first time that night.
Turning to his club he assured them that everything was fine. "You all don't need to hang around here. The doc released her; I'm just going to make sure she gets home ok." The "uncles" exchanged their good-byes with Abel, Jax, Tara, and Katie, and then headed towards the parking lot. Tara and Katie moved to go check on Amanda.
St. Thomas Parking Lot:
Moving towards their bikes, the boys were cutting up as usual. Laughing and joking – teasing one another about all things – in this moment nothing was off limits. When Bobby asked "you think Abel's hitting that?"
"Who?" replied Juice "That little Mexican in the hall-way?" Chibbs just laughed "He may have been hitting that little Mexican lass, but I think that roads closed." Bobby couldn't believe how dense his brothers could be at times. "It's obvious he was banging the little Mexican sure, but I was talking about Amanda. Do you think they picked up where they left off four years ago?"
Juice laughed "Abel always said there was nothing going on between them four years ago." Looking at Juice as he had suddenly grown two heads Bobby asked "You didn't really believe that did you Juicy boy?" Quiet till now Tig spoke, "I say we bet on it, just like before."
All the boys laughed their agreement to which Tig replied "It's a damn shame, I keep taking your money like this fellas."
St. Thomas Parking lot – 20 minutes later:
Tara handed Abel the keys to her SUV, "Why don't you and Amanda use my truck tonight. I can catch a ride home with your dad and we can pick up your bike from here tomorrow." Amanda looking tired and worn down, was grateful, there was no way she could have ridden home tonight on the back of Abel's bike. "Thanks mom," Abel grinned. Squeezing Tara in a gentle hug Amanda agreed "Thanks mom." In full doctor mode, Tara reminded Amanda of her word, "get your butt back to this hospital should you even think your starting to feel worse." Again Tara again lightly, Amanda agreed.
Watching his parents leave the lot, Abel unlocked the SUV. Opening her door for her, Abel using his best French accent whispered. "Your chariot awaits milady." Amanda smiled sweetly as she climb gingerly inside. Sliding on her seatbelt she waited for Abel to start the truck.
Pulling out into traffic, Abel asked "your place, my folks, or the clubhouse?" Amanda shuttered, "No way out of this conversation tonight," the dread already settling into her stomach like a lead balloon. Abel's right she thought, Rachael could have been with me, I owe it to her and myself to be honest with Abel no matter the outcome. Touching her gently, Abel brought her out of her myriad thoughts "My place, I guess" she replied. Leaning the seat back, Amanda turned her head towards the window and closed her eyes.
The trip back to her apartment was a short one. Abel pulled into the small parking lot and shut the truck off. Turning he smiled at Amanda asleep in the seat next to him. Moving quietly, he circled the front of the truck and opened her door. Lightly he leaned across Amanda and unfastened her seatbelt. Slipping one arm around her back – the other under her legs, Abel began to lift Amanda from the truck. Coming awake, "Abel what are you doing? I can walk – you know?" Amanda smiled.
Lifting her clear of the truck, Abel started the front door of the apartment. "I'm sure you could, but maybe I wanted an excuse to hold you close" he teased. As they passed under an overhead parking lot, Amanda noticed how ugly the bruising was along his cheek bone. Touching his cheek, her warm fingers barely touching his already scabbed over cheek "What happened Tellar, rough night?" asked with more sauce than she actually felt.
"Just a little disagreement with an old business associates – it's nothing darlin' really," grinned Abel. Amanda lightly shook her head, "If that's what happens with an associate – I hate to see the competition." Abel rolled his eyes, any annoyance he felt negated by the bright boyish grin lighting his face and twinkling his eyes.
Unlocking the front door, Abel nudged it shut with his shoulder – locking it behind them. He carried Amanda straight to the bedroom. Tenderly he laid her down on the bed and removed her sandals. Before he could cover her with the baby blue afghan from the foot of the bed, Amanda moved to stand up. "I have to get out of these clothes, sighed Amanda as she moved from the bed into the bathroom.
Making himself comfortable, Abel sat propped against the headboard – waiting impatiently for watching him from the bathroom doorway. Concerned Abel reached to turn on the bed side lamp. Moving closer, Amanda laid her hand on top of his "No…Please leave it," she pleaded before sliding onto the bed next to him.
Settling onto the bed, Amanda rolled onto her side, resting her head on Abel's shoulder, her hand resting high on his stomach. Silently they laid together in the dark for several minutes. Beginning to think she had dozed off, Abel almost gave up on is answers for the evening – when she finally spoke. Her fingers tracing a light pattern across his stomach Amanda began "His name is Dean Crandall, my dad and Dean went into business together right after we settled in Tacoma,"
Abel prayed for patience as Amanda's story came out in starts and stops. He knew this was hard for her but his patience was growing quickly frayed.
"Life in Tacoma was ok for a long time…then…well then one day Dean asked me out. I'm not sure why I agreed, but I did – I agreed and we began to date." There were so many questions floating through Abel's mind but he forcibly kept his mouth shut. This was her story and she could tell it anyway she wanted.
"In the beginning things were ok; we had a lot of fun. After a while he began pushing me to move our relationship to the next level. I resisted – we fought. Mom only wanted me to be happy. Dad on the other hand, was afraid that I would run back here to Charming at the first opportunity. He was constantly pushing Dean and me together. I think he was afraid that I would come back here to Charming…to you."
Growing quiet for several long moments, Amanda was grateful for the darkness enveloping the room. She feared what the light would reveal in Abel's eyes. Drawing a deep breath she began again.
"Dean thought marriage was the answer to all of our problems. He planned this elaborate private evening for the two of us. I think he was generally surprised when I turned him down. I didn't see him for a couple of weeks after that. I honestly figured that was for the best."
"Then one day after class I returned to my little apartment to find him inside going through my things." Amanda grew very quiet; her body began to shake with silent fear. Her mind could remember every detail as if it were just yesterday. The feel of her shaking made Abel's blood boil. Turning slightly Abel wrapped her tight against him murmuring nonsensical words of comfort.
Clinging to Abel, Amanda started again, "We fought, and I demanded he leave. He screamed that I was his fiancé and that he had a right to be there. The look on his face – in eyes I knew something was seriously wrong…I thought things were bad…I …I had no idea how much worse they could get. He found one of my old sketch pads full of my SOA designs. He accused me of cheating on him with white trash bikers. I tried to talk to him but that just made him angrier. Finally he came at me, threw me to the floor…well you saw the results of that…."
Fury the likes of which Abel didn't know he was capable of coursed through his veins. SOA bent a lot of rules…broke even more, but you NEVER put your hands on a woman. "Oh My God!" thought Abel, struggling to find the words to ask the question now burning his heart and soul. "Did he? Did he?" Abel couldn't force the words past his lips.
Amanda knew what Abel was trying to ask. She had bared so much of her soul already could she go that extra step – tell Abel that awful truth. Unable to speak, fear locking the words in her throat; Amanda moved clinging as close and tight to Abel as she could. Willing him to understand, those things she simply could not put into words.
Holding her, stroking her long silky hair, Abel understood what Amanda could not say. He simply held her waiting for her to continue – for the blind rage to pass. "Afterwards he simply left, saying he would call me later we could go and grab some dinner together at that new little Mexican place around the corner. I laid there on the floor, alone, for what seemed like an eternity. Finally climbing to my feet, I knew I had to leave. So I quickly packed what I could – what I wanted most. When I finished packing my car, I locked the door and never looked back. I called an artist friend of mine and stayed a few days with her, but I knew I wasn't safe so I packed the car and headed back to Charming."
Abel's heart broke as he felt her silent tears against his chest. "Dammit" he cursed to himself the need to tear, punch, kick, and maim someone or something a violent hellish tide inside him.
Needing for this to be over quickly she continued, "about two weeks ago, I knew for sure that he had followed me here. I got a few disturbing phone calls, a set of pictures – proof he was here and following me. I prayed he would just get bored and leave…then tonight well….you know." There she thought – for better or worse it's out there…I'm done. A large part of her was shocked when Abel continued to lay there holding her close. She would not have been surprised if had run screaming from the room. She couldn't imagine that he would ever see her as anything more than damaged goods now. She prayed with desperate fervor that they would not lose their friendship. She would learn to adjust to never being Abel's lover, but losing Abel's friendship was a cross she could not bear.
Pulling her a little closer, Abel murmured "It's over now darlin' your safe – just rest." Pulling the afghan around them, Abel held her during the long moments before she finally drifted off to sleep. Abel watched as she finally slept – relieved that she getting the much needed rest. His gut roiling like poisonous acid, he knew sleep would probably not claim him this night.
It was closer to nine am the next morning before Amanda finally woke up. She was shocked to find Abel right there with her – never having left her side. "Morning darlin'" he whispered "How's your head this morning."
Amanda smiled as girlish glee spread through her body. "Abel stayed," her mind repeated over and over again like some catchy little jingle. Stretching, yawning – she felt a certain amount of stiffness in her joint, that plus the headache, she was truly grateful just to be alive. "I'm fine – nothing a couple of Tylenol won't cure." As much as Abel was enjoying the peaceful stillness there was still much they needed to discuss.
"Amanda," he began "I don't think it's a good idea that you go anywhere alone right now." Amanda cringed, "Abel, I can't let him control my life – I can't let him win." Climbing from the bed, Abel began to pace back and forth at the foot of the bed.
Frustrated he ran his fingers absently through his hair, "I'm not talking about letting him win, I'm talking about your safety. Christ! Manda you could have been killed last night. Let me and the boys look into this – hell watch over you for a while; at least until we know what's what."
Sitting near the foot of the bed Amanda toyed with the hem of her t-shirt. "I can't let him drive me from my home again Abel – I can't lose this place too." Plopping down next to her, placing an arm around her shoulders, pulling her in close "You won't darlin' I swear it, just let us look after you for a while, that's all I'm asking."
Battling her doubts, Amanda asked "When you say look after – what exactly do you have in mind?" Thinking quick on his feet, Abel tried not to smile, "First of all, I don't think it's a good idea that you and Katie are here alone at night, on nights your here one of us can crash on the couch, if that won't work you and crash at the clubhouse or with my folks. It won't be forever I swear, let me keep you safe."
Abel could see the wheels turning inside her mind. What he couldn't see is if she was going to agree or disagree. "You know how I feel about the club and all, but Abel I can't share this with them. I don't think I could deal with them here at night."
Relieved that she hadn't shut him down completely, Abel thought quickly, "The club knows what happened to you last night – that's enough; they never need to know about Tacoma. We can keep that between you and me. If you're really freaked about them being here at night – then I'll do it, or like I said the clubhouse or my folks whatever works to keep you safe from this crazy son of a bitch!" Amanda agreed.
A few days quickly turned into two weeks. Two weeks with no word from Dean at all. Abel's relationship with Amanda was just like old times – they were damn near inseparable. Most nights he crashed at her place. Those nights when club business kept him away, she stayed at the clubhouse with the prospects or went home with his mom. Amanda wondered if she should dare hope that Dean had grown bored and gone back to Tacoma.
Abel could not believe how much he was enjoying the time he spent with Amanda. Here time in Tacoma had changed her, in many ways she was stronger more resilient than the Manda he knew before. In other ways she was as skittish as a new born kitten. Abel was so proud of the woman she was becoming. Their friendship had never been stronger. Abel was honored that she trusted him enough with the truth. He just wished his body felt as honored as his heart and soul did. After everything she had been through; confided in him; he still felt like some young fifteen year whenever she walked past – rock hard, young, dumb, and full of cum. "You're a sick bastard, Tellar." He thought to himself for at least twentieth time in the last few hours.
Roughly three weeks passed, when Amanda grew complacent and let her guard down. She was staying at the clubhouse with the prospects. About an hour after Abel left with the brothers, she realized she left her sketch portfolio back at the apartment. Feeling safe enough, she snatched Abel's truck keys. As she walked into the barroom, she could hear the prospects right outside the clubhouse door. Certain she was safe; she just had to convince them of that. After about ten solid minutes of sweet-talking them, Amanda was on her way back to the apartment.
Tellar-Morrow / SOA clubhouse (twenty minutes after Amanda left):
Abel and the fellas pushed into the clubhouse. The rise in voices was deafening – everyone talking at once. Noting the prospects sitting at the bar, Abel approached them asking if Amanda was down in his dorm room.
Both prospects looked at each other nervously. Never making eye contact with Abel they attempted to answer the question. "WHAT THE FUCK!" Abel screamed "You two mother fuckers let her leave the clubhouse ALONE. On what fucking planet did that strike you as a good damn idea?" Turning he snatched his cut and keys off the nearest bar stool. Turning back to the prospects he declared simply "If you two ever hope to make patch – you better pray to whatever or whoever it is you believe in that when I find her she is safe and sound." Without another word to anyone, Abel sprinted from the clubhouse and back to his bike.
Parking lot / Amanda & Katie's apartment complex:
Amanda truly loved her time with Abel the last few weeks. However, it felt damn good to be out and about on her own for a change. Parking three or four spaces down from her front door, Amanda was whistling a happy tune as she climbed out and started for the apartment. There was no chance to even scream, before Dean grabbed her from behind forcing her into the apartment.
Abel pulled his bike into the lot just in time to see Dean forcing Amanda into the apartment at gun point. Assuring himself that his gun was still tucked into the waistband at his back, Abel climbed from his bike and head straight for Amanda's door. As he approached he heard Dean Slam the door shut. Moving quickly he stood crouched just outside the door listening.
Dean was irate; he was wielding a gun at Amanda talking about how she was his woman. Adamant that she was his fiancée not some two bit biker slut. He assured her that he had indeed been watching her the last few weeks. He accused her of whoring around with those damn bikers the last few weeks. After the accusations, he still insisted that he loved her and that she "would" go home with him.
Waiting for the right moment, Abel tested the door and found it unlocked. Bursting inside he focused on Dean standing in front of him with a large hand gun pointed at his best friend. Dean cackled a slightly off balance little giggle, "isn't this sweet – the biker came to say good-bye." Turning his attention back to Amanda, he instructed her to run along and pack a bag it was a long drive back to Tacoma – he would keep her biker friend company while she did as she was told.
Frantic for a while to help Abel and get them both of this, Amanda did as she was asked and left the room. Standing in the short hallway – just out of sight, Amanda turned to listen and watch Abel and Dean. The absolute fear was bursting through her system. Her mind was racing. "Think Amanda! You have to think – now."
As she watched Dean began to wave the gun around taunting Abel "Did she tell were engaged to be married? You know how some women get – cold feet and all. Guess she figured needed one last fling with white trash, before she settled down with a respectable man and all. We'll have a long talk about all of this when he get home. She needs to learn how to behave as a respectable wife and woman of society."
Abel stood watching biding his time, waiting for the right opening. He listened without saying a word. Dean continued "She really is a great piece of ass isn't she? I bet you're sorry you didn't tap that first when you had the chance huh?"
"A virgin…" the thought raced continuously through Abel's mind. The fury was blinding and all consuming. Without much thought, Abel rushed the slightly shorter man, toppling him over. They struggled for the gun. Abel slammed the other man's right hand repeatedly against the floor. Over and over the punished his hand until he bones crack. Eventually Dean dropped the weapon and staggered to his feet.
Dean leveled two strong left crosses at Abel's jaw and stomach. Moving back slightly, Abel moved once again to topple Dean to the floor. Abel continued with a serious of hard blows into his gut. Amanda seeing her moment to help darted into the living room and scooped up the forgotten gun from the floor. Stepping back out of the way, she stood silently for a moment the gun aimed at Dean.
Unable to stand any longer, Amanda shouted "STOP" Wrapped in survival; both men didn't immediately hear Amanda shouting. Suddenly Dean noticed Amanda standing off to the left with his gun in her hand. Turning Dean held out both hands "give me the gun baby…Give me the gun and will both go home – back to Tacoma where we belong. Will forget this ever happened. Just hand over the gun and this will all be over."
Amanda looked from Dean to Abel and back again. Dean shouted "I'm your fiancée, you stupid bitch don't look to the fucking biker, when I'm standing right here." Amanda took a long deep breath, "You're not my fiancé Dean – you never were. You were nothing more than my father's idea of the perfect man. When are you going to understand that?"
Calmly Dean replied "Your just all the rest – just a stupid biker whore, with that he rushed her – in an attempt to take back the gun. In panic, Amanda raised the gun slightly and pulled the trigger. Dean collapsed in a heap, the bullet landing his left leg just above the knee. "You stupid fucking bitch, I can't believe you shot me!"
Abel rushed Amanda and quickly took her from the room. Standing just outside the room in the short hallway; he took the gun away from here. Placing the gun in the waistband of his jeans he took her into his arms and held her tight. "Abel" she murmured "what have I done?"
Releasing her, he tucked a finger under chin and lifted her eyes to his. "Nothing you have done nothing wrong – do you understand me?" She nodded, he pressed on "You were defending yourself and me. We can call this in and he will be patched up and arrested for assault and stalking, but chances are good he would be released in a few years to do this all over again."
Crying Amanda beat her fists against Abel broad chest. "Abel I can't go through this again. I won't survive a second time – I know I won't"
From the living room, Dean screamed "You have to call an ambulance, Amanda Lynn don't let me bleed to death – baby please." He was silent for a beat then called "You stupid cunt are you listening to me?"
Yanking the gun from the waist band of his jeans, Abel told Amanda "Stay here," with that he stormed the short distance into the living room and emptied the gun into Dean Caldwell's chest.