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.
Author's Note: Big thanks to everyone who takes the time to read and review my work. Special thanks to Michael the Archangel, just when I think I have the whole story – beginning to end finished in my head – your suggestion gets my head spinning in a totally new direction. I LOVE IT thanks.
Chapter 15
The cool breeze blowing on his face was a welcome distraction. "I kissed Amanda…I actually kissed Amanda," The words were a mantra that wouldn't stop repeating in his mind. Sitting at a stop-light he thought "I kissed my Manda Lynn and she didn't bitch slap me," he laughed out loud. Despite the nightmare of the previous night hanging over their heads; Abel felt pure joy singing through his system. The way Amanda looked at him after that first kiss, had him feeling ten-feet tall and bullet proof. Looking into her eyes made him feel good, not just physically, but like he could take on the world and win. Through the club, Abel knew he had done some really bad shit. Through Amanda's eyes, he saw possible redemption. Having her back in his life made all the bad shit worth it.
(Meanwhile) Tellar Household:
Smiling bright and warm, Amanda stood at the curb and watch Abel pull away. Standing very still, she watched until she could no longer hear his bike in the distance. Reaching down she picked up her towel off the ground and headed inside. As she approached the door, she worried briefly about the goofy grin – currently making itself at home on her face. "Oh well!" she thought as she re-entered the house. Moving back towards the kitchen, she was grateful to find Tara there alone.
Tara watched Amanda looking around the room. Sensing her unease, she spoke "Jax went to get ready to meet Abel at the clubhouse," she offered. Despite her Gemma like curiosity, Tara spared Amanda the questions, "The hospital just called, they want me to come down and consult on a newborn. Rachael is out with her friend Annalisa and her family today. Jax will be leaving soon. Please feel free to stay, hang-out if you like. Just lock up when you leave ok?"
Amanda watched as Jax re-entered the room wearing his SAMCRO hoodie and cut. Looking at him it was easy to imagine what Abel would look in a few years. Occupying herself with folding her towel, Amanda looked away as Tara and Jax said their daily goodbyes. Leaving first, Jax gave the girls a final chance to talk briefly.
Standing in the doorway, they watched as Jax pulled his bike out into the street. Turning to face Amanda, Tara smiled. Impulsively Tara pulled Amanda in for a brief but intense motherly hug, stepping back she whispered "so much like me," just the trace of a bittersweet smile crossing her lips. "Amanda" she began "you up for some advice from an old lady?"
Amanda laughed "you're far from old Tara." Taking her hand Tara squeezed "Damn right I am" she replied with a smug laugh. "However," she continued "for what it's worth – don't let whatever but don't stop living, don't let it consume you. Hang on to my son, be there for each other. I know I'm meddling, damn Gemma would be so proud." Amanda laughed, pulling Tara into another brief hug. "Thank you for everything" she whispered. As they separated, Amanda wondered out loud "Why couldn't you have been my mother?"
Tara laughed boastfully, chucking Amanda under the chin she smirked "then you would be Abel's sister, a relationship I'm sure only Tig would understand," stated with pure giggle. With the shock evident on Amanda's face, Tara kissed her cheek "don't forget to lock up," she called over her shoulder as she went rushing out the door.
Closing the door, Amanda looked around the house. Heading back to the bathroom, Amanda tried to do something presentable with her quickly drying hair. A few minutes later she was at loose ends, wandering around the house. As she moved down the hallway, she stopped to admire the many family photos lining the walls. There were photos of Abel, Tommy, and Rachael as babies. There were numerous photos of Jax and Tara over the years. The one that caught her eye was the one of her and Abel at graduation. After the ceremony, the senior class was standing around with friends and family celebrating. It was then, as Tara was snapping photos that Abel scooped her up like a groom carrying his bride over the threshold. He looked so handsome in the dark suit that Tara strongly suggested he wear instead of his typical cut and hoodie. "I look so young" she thought bitter sweetly. Tara and Gemma had taken her shopping. It was Tara who had found the perfect graduation dress for her. She felt so pretty and sophisticated in the soft pink knee length dress. She remembered Gemma campaigning for this racy little black number that would have all the boys drooling. She was so happy that night. Who would have thought that nearly an hour later her life would be irrevocably changed forever?
The sound of her cell phone ringing brought Amanda back from memory lane. "Hello" she answered more pleasantly than she actually felt. Relived that it was just Katie, Amanda relaxed immediately. After a few minutes of idle girl talk, they agreed to meet at the diner down on Main for lunch in about a half hour.
Collecting her purse, cell phone, and keys Amanda locked up the house and headed out to meet Katie. Climbing into Abel's pick-up, Amanda was overwhelmed with the feel of his presence. Lying in the seat next to her was his black fear the reaper hoodie. Reaching for it, Amanda held it close to her face – loving the rich deep scent that was all Abel. She smiled to herself as she laid the hoodie back in the seat and headed out of the driveway.
Approaching the diner, Amanda noticed a small store front for lease. A few minutes early, Amanda parked the pick-up in front of the diner and walked two doors down. The store front was a little larger than it appeared from the street. The large plate glass window would look great with stenciled lettering. Running her hand along the natural oak framing the door, "nice touch of character," she thought absently. Daydreaming she could imagine two or three separate work stations along the back. She could see a wooden counter with register at the front of the store. Peering in the window, it appeared to have a small office in the back. With a small desk and maybe a bookshelf it would make a perfect office would-be office. With this space she could do both tattoo work and work on her other designs. Day-dreaming Amanda didn't hear the beautiful dark haired beauty approach. "Well you look better than the last time I saw you – Mandy right," asked Maria a little tartly.
Pulled abruptly from her day-dream, Amanda was a little startled to find she was no longer alone. The woman looked slightly familiar, Amanda simply couldn't place where from. "It's Amanda actually – do I know you?"
"Not really," Maria answered giving Amanda a brief once over and obviously finding her lacking. "You know, I really don't understand what Abel sees in you? You're a little on the plain side dear."
"Excuse me! I don't know who the hell you think you are, but my relationship with Abel is none of your damn business," explained Amanda rather angrily.
Continuing on as if Amanda had never spoke, Maria reached out and lightly fingered the faded cotton of Amanda's oversized t-shirt with a slight sneer "don't miss many meals do you honey?"
Knocking her hand away, Amanda exclaimed "Look Bitch!"
Katie, parking at the curb, could see that things were about to go from bad to worse. Parking her car, she ran over to stand at Amanda's side. "Amanda everything ok here" she asked with great warmth and concern. At Amanda's slow nod she turned and to face the other woman, "Maria" she greeted coldly. Amanda turned "Katie, you know this crazy woman?"
"Katie," Maria practically purred - dripping with sarcasm, "how nice to see you again." She smiled. I didn't realize you two were so close," she remarked chillingly.
Smiling spitefully at Maria, Katie regarded Amanda "yeah we've met a couple of times."
"So" Maria began regarding the pair with extreme disdain, "So where's Abel today? Way I hear it you don't go anywhere these days with your SOA guard dog."
Stepping into Maria's personal space, Amanda replied "Look Bitch, I don't know who you think you are but I suggest you step back right now. I will say this one more time – my life is none of your business. Do I make myself clear?"
Angry, Maria placed her hands on Amanda and gave her a good shove. "Stay out of my space little girl," retorted rather bitterly. Taking a step back Amanda removed her bag from her shoulder and swung it at Maria's head and shoulders. Surprised by Amanda's reaction, Maria was taken completely off guard by the swing. Catching her upper shoulder – along the neck Maria stumbled. Regaining her balance, Maria began to lunge for Amanda.
Hoping to avoid a full blown cat-fight, Katie attempted but failed to get in between the two women. Mere seconds later, Sheriff Roosevelt rolled to a stop in front of them. Stepping from the squad car, the sheriff approached the sidewalk. "Good Afternoon ladies, is there a problem here?"
Katie smiled, not usually grateful for the good sheriff Roosevelt – she admired his timing today. "No sheriff, there's no problem here. We were just having a friendly conversation, isn't that right ladies'?"
Without taking her eyes off Maria, Amanda spoke softly "No problems sheriff, but I appreciate your concern."
Maria angry at the disrespect shown her in public – no less, cursed gently under her breath in Spanish seconds before answering the sheriff with much the same reply. Sensing that the sheriff was not moving on anytime soon – Maria decided to bide her time. "Charming can be such a small town, dear I'm sure that we will see each other around soon." With that said, she quickly turned and headed back down the sidewalk.
Thanking the sheriff for his time, Amanda and Katie made their way to the diner. After placing their orders, Katie demanded "What the hell was that all about?" Amanda laughed as she sipped her Coca-Cola. "I wish I knew," she replied. "I was a few minutes early. I walked two doors down, to look at that little store front for lease. One minute I was standing there alone. Next thing I know, that Maria woman was standing there. I'm sure I know her from somewhere I just can't place where. Who is she Katie?"
Katie smirked, "A real bitch would be the easiest answer," she replied with great laughter and sarcasm. Amanda simply rolled her eyes "Katie…" she began.
Choosing her words with care, "She and I graduated from Charming High together. She thinks she's all that; captain of the cheerleading team, honor roll, most popular girl in school."
"Ok, that's nice but what does that have to do with me?" Amanda asked curiously. Surprised Katie snickered, "You really don't know do you? I forget that all in all you haven't been home all that long. This is where things become interesting. Kenny told me they broke up right about the time you came home."
"So they broke up, that doesn't have anything to do with me, does it?" asked an irritated Amanda.
"Not really" answered Katie honestly, "way I hear it, they broke up over club issues. I don't much else, Kenny wouldn't say any more than that."
As they sat gossiping, like young women do, Amanda was surprised at how quickly she had come to trust and adore Katie. In a very short time, Katie's friendship had come to mean a great deal to Amanda. "That's all great I guess," Amanda started, "but I still can't place where I know her from."
Katie beamed, "That's easy, she was the discharge planner, the night you were released from St. Thomas after the accident."
Following lunch at the diner, the girls did some window shopping, picked up a few things for the apartment, gossiped endlessly and had ice cream at the local diary bar. Loosing track of time it was early evening before they went their separate ways, Amanda stopped to look at the vacant store front one last time. Watching her friend intently, Katie asked, "Amanda…What are you thinking?"
Smiling "it's no big deal," she replied quietly. Hugging Katie tight she promised to see her at home later. Going to Abel's truck, she drove away from downtown. At first she, drove a little aimlessly before realizing that she was headed straight to TM.
Pulling in, she parked towards the back of the lot. Walking towards the clubhouse, she felt the butterflies over take her stomach when she noticed Abel's motorcycle parked in the long row with his brother's bikes. As she neared the door, she could hear all the loud raucous voices laced with laughter coming from inside. Walking inside, she was assailed with scents as familiar as home, leather, smoke, whiskey, and strangely banana nut bread. As she approached the bar, she noticed Bobby Elvis. The only man she ever met who could mix whiskey with the best home-made banana nut bread she had ever eaten. Silently she snuck up on along his right and snatched the last bite of warm buttered banana nut bread from his little saucer. Popping the small bite in her mouth, she moaned with pure delighted satisfaction as she winked at Juice and Chibbs standing nearby. Looking down at his plate, Bobby grumbled "What the hell!" With Juice giggling like a school girl to his left, Bobby turned in time to see Amanda munching away on his last bite of bread. Leaning in she kissed Bobby's cheek, smiling gleefully, "still just as good I as I remember – Thanks Bobby."
"Damned women!" mumbled Bobby as he watched the younger woman go in search of Abel. Amanda nodded to the prospects as she made her way across the bar. Abel was standing at one of the larger tables across the room with Opie, Tig, Happy, and some of the members from Tacoma. Watching Amanda approach Opie smiled, her arrival would certainly put a smile on his young 'nephew's' face. Moving slightly to his right, Opie used his shoulder to not so gently nudge Abel. Abel turned giving Opie his best what the hell look, seconds before he noticed Amanda nearing the table. Reaching out he took her hand and pulled her to stand close to his side. Leaning close he whispered in her ear, "I'm glad you're here darlin'."
Happy was arguing with one of his former Tacoma brothers about the placement of his latest smiley face tattoo. "Your drunk brother – besides you do shitty work anyway."
Amanda looked between Happy and the Tacoma members. She heard the rumors; she knew that Happy had a serious reputation with the club. His reputation didn't faze her. Anyone looking into his eyes could see his absolute devotion to his brothers and his club. "What are they arguing about?" she whispered to Abel.
Abel smiled as if the answer to all the world's problems had just fallen from heaven into his lap. Taking her by the hand he pushed his way to the front of the small group. "Hey Hap; I think I have a solution for you and your happy face."
Happy looked first at Abel and then Amanda; not sure he was following Abel's train of thought. "I ain't lettin' that drunken ass do it. Abel, you can just forget that shit," tossed out a snarky Happy. Abel smiled, "No…Not him…Let Amanda do it." Amanda blushed hotly. "Abel…what are you doing?" Abel smiled looking into Amanda's eyes smiling "Come on Manda…it's a simple smiley face you could do it in your sleep…I know you could." Amanda was touched by Abel's faith in her, but the butterflies in her stomach were working triple time.
Happy appeared to mull the idea over in his mind for only about thirty seconds when he smiled "you do tats darlin'? Hell yeah you can do!" He exclaimed. Looking at Abel, smugly he continued "You're a damn site easier on the eyes than this drunken joker," he smirked as he flashed a pointed look at the drunken joker in question.
This whole thing was moving too quickly for Amanda. Attempting to think quickly on her feet, "I don't have a tat gun or anything here guys." Snatching the tat gun from the table, Happy exclaimed "problem solved," as he waved the tat gun happily in the air. Leaning against the table, Happy stripped off his SOA t-shirt and pointed to spot on his tattoo covered chest "Right there darlin'" he explained.
Turning her back to Happy, Amanda jerked Abel a few feet away. "Abel what are doing? I haven't done a real tat since my dad busted me with that home-gun back in high school." Abel placed both hands on her shoulders, "Relax darlin' – I got faith darling…you got this," he told her as he turned her back towards the others. Walking woodenly, Amanda felt more like she was headed to the gallows than to do a simple tattoo.
Taking a couple of deep breaths, Amanda took the tat gun from Happy and prepared to go to work. As Happy leaned against the table, Amanda kneeled between his feet and set to work; placing another small round smiley face on his lower abdomen.
Within moments Abel was lost in watching Amanda work. The look of pure concentration on her face was strangely arousing. At that moment watching her work was more arousing than imagining her in the laciest lingerie. Abel felt a severe pang of jealous course through him as he watched Amanda place her hand along Happy's bare abdomen turning him slightly for a better angle. "It's just a tattoo," he told himself repeatedly. Knowing it was just a tat in his mind did nothing to stop the irrational jealousy in his gut. Regardless of the reasons, he wanted her hands on him not Happy. The tat was simple work for Amanda; she was done within roughly ten minutes or so. Standing up she stretched her legs; as she handed the tat gun back to Happy. "All done," she smiled.
Looking down at his new smiley face, Happy smiled "thanks darlin' – its perfect." Pleased with her work, she leaned in and kissed Happy on the cheek "your welcome 'darlin'" she replied with a laugh. Putting his arm around her shoulder Happy laughed long and loud. Turning to Abel, he gave Amanda a slight squeeze pulling her close to his side "Brother, you better hang on to this one – this time." With a final squeeze for Amanda Happy left with a saucy little crow-eater in tow.
Beaming Amanda turned her dark eyes on Abel. Laying her hand gently on his chest, she smiled "Thank you Abel – that felt really good." Pulling her into a tight embrace, Abel whispered "Your welcome darlin', but I don't know if you doing tat work on my brothers is such a good idea." Looking into his eyes, Amanda was thoughtful for more than minute, before the answer dawned on her. "Oh my God!" she cried "your jealous…Abel Jackson Tellar…your jealous because I had my hands on Happy," she giggled with pure female delight.
Looking stern and slightly put out Abel looked cautiously around, if his brothers heard this conversation he would never hear the end of it. "I don't get jealous…" he replied with a little more force than necessary. "If it's not jealousy, then what is it Abel," asked Amanda innocently.
"My brothers have enough ideas on their own. They don't need to get any ideas about you," came back Abel shortly. Brushing her fingers softly across his lips, "Abel" she started "I'm like the club mascot slash little sister or something…they don't look at me like that."
Rolling his eyes, Abel placed his hands on her ass and jerked her close "You're a beautiful woman Amanda Lynn. If my brothers know what's good for them they will keep their eyes and their hands to themselves." Smiling smugly, Amanda could see the jealousy painted across Abel's face. Letting him off the hook, Amanda changed the subject. "So Tellar, what's this new ink you think I'm going to do for you?"
A complete sense of calm filled Abel. He was with the only girl he wanted. He was among his brothers. In that moment, there was nowhere else Abel wanted or needed to be. For the first time in a long time, Abel felt like all was right with the world. Looking into Amanda's eyes, he debated on how to answer her question honestly. He thought about how he imagined having "Manda" tattooed around the base of his ring finger. He thought about how he wanted her name written on his chest. Both of those tats sounded like really good ideas to him. The last twenty-four hours had been life changing for his Manda. It was probably better that he kept those ideas to himself for a while. Amanda looked up at him expectantly "I'm waiting Tellar, it can't be that bad. I know…I know" she teased, "you secretly want 'hello kitty' tattooed on your ass, is that it?" Before he could tell her his thoughts about 'hello kitty' Chucky came rushing over to them. "Um Abel… You have a visitor outside in the lot."
Enjoying this flirty, teasing, conversation with Amanda way too much for it to end now, he motioned for Chucky to go away. Chucky persisted, "Abel man I think you really need to come outside with me. Man, you're really gonna want to deal with this." Fully annoyed Abel turned his full attention on Chucky without releasing Amanda from the warm grasp of his embrace. "This had better be good Chucky!" Abel explained less than patient with the other man.
Abel waited for Chucky to explain what was so important that it could not wait. Chucky looked between Abel and Amanda and began to stammer unsure how to respond. "OH for crying out loud! Chucky dammit just spit it out already!" shouted Abel above the typical clubhouse noise. Thinking he was being clever, Chucky waited a beat before answering "There is a certain Mexican senorita waiting to see you outside in the lot."
"Son of a bitch – what the hell is she doing here!" wondered Abel angrily out loud. Turning his attention back to Amanda, Abel began to explain – only to be stopped short by Amanda. "Abel, I think Maria's here because of me." Surprised by that little tidbit of information, Abel pressed on "What the hell are you talking about? You and Maria hardly know each other – what you met one time at St. Thomas?"
It was Amanda's turn to stammer a little. "I was going to tell you – it's actually why I came by TM tonight. Earlier today, I met Katie downtown for lunch, and well, we sort of run into Maria." Abel could tell by her words, those both spoken and unspoken that there was more to the story. "You sort of ran into Maria – huh? What does that mean exactly?"
"It's nothing really – she ran into Katie and me outside the diner. We talked for a few minutes, and then I sort of hit of her with my bag." Amanda explained all rather calmly.
Abel snorted with wild laughter, "Manda Lynn please explain to me how you sort of hit someone with your bag. I would think you either hit her or you didn't – which is it?"
"Well" Amanda hedged "she and I had words…she kinda tried to shove me and well…well I swung my bag and clocked her with it."
Abel tuned out everything but Amanda's words "She put her hands on you?" asked with deadly calm. Framing his face between her hands, Amanda stroked his cheeks "Abel I'm not a fragile flower – it's all good Hun, I handled it….I know you would if you could, but you can't fight all my battles for me."
All business Abel brushed a soft quick kiss across her lips "Stay here" he demanded as he followed Chucky out of the clubhouse and into the parking lot. "Like hell I will" thought Amanda as she raced towards the door – hot on the heels of Abel and Chucky. Standing just outside of the door, Amanda watched as Abel and Maria had words. At first they just appeared to be fighting over the break-up. Maria seemed very upset that Abel had chosen his patch – his club over her. When that argument didn't seem to sway Abel, Maria switched gears. "As if it's not bad enough – you chose your club and precious patch over me. You then immediately take up with little fat bitch."
Advancing on Maria, Abel lowered his voice to a deadly whisper "I'm warning you Maria – leave Amanda out of this!" Maria laughed bitterly, "I see the way she looks at you – even now she stands over there in that damn doorway watching you such love in her eyes. I wonder Abel will she still have such feeling for you when she finds out I'm pregnant?"