Disclaimer: As always I own no rights to Sons of Anarchy. All other characters are mine.
Author's note: Chapter 22 is complete "finally" to all my loyal reviewers – Sorry for the wait. This was without a doubt the hardest chapter I have written yet. Much love and many thanks go to Micheal the ArchAngel for becoming my beta, fanfic bff, sounding board, and much more. Thanks again Arch Angel I hope you enjoy
Chapter 22
A said frightened gasp drew Abel from his fog. Rushing to the door-way, he steadied Maria. "I'm sorry" the only words that applied – seemed woefully inadequate.
"Why Abel?...Who?" the only words that Maria could seem to push past her numbness. She stared around the room at the mass destruction. As she looked down at intact TV lying among the broken ruins of the entertainment center – she felt the hysterical giggle bubbling deep inside. She remembered the day Abel came over to help her put the center together. Afterwards they had snuggled on the couch watching old movies. He teased her endlessly about her love of old Tracey and Hepburn films and of course about Shirley Temple.
Her gaze moved to the small book case across the room. Surprisingly the book case was still intact and upright. However, all her books had been pushed to the floor. Her various pictures and frames had been haphazardly tossed here and there. Reaching the box case she searched for her family photos. Moving aside broken glass with her foot she found her parents wedding photo laying on the floor in a small puddle – kneeling slowly she picked it up. The smell was instantly overwhelming. Hurriedly she dropped the photo onto the bookcase and turned quickly towards the bathroom. Slamming the door behind her – she promptly became sick.
Standing just outside the door – Abel waited. The mere sound of her retching was like a hot knife in his gut. Truly, the only mistake Maria made in all of this was being foolish enough to go out with him. She did not deserve this. He would make this right for her.
Five minutes passed before Maria came from the bathroom. Watching her take in the damage once more, Abel felt a loss for words. 'I'm sorry' just seem meaningless and lame in this situation. "Maria?" he asked gently. Turning at the sound of his voice Maria faced him her horror and despair written across her face. "I promise you" he continued I will found who did this – I will make this right." She said nothing in response simply stood watching him with guarded eyes taking in the chaos. Turning away from him she started for her small bedroom at the back of the house. Allowing her a moment's privacy, Abel stepped outside to the porch. There was no arguing the damage was bad, but repairable. Taking a deep breath of fresh air – Abel took a second to be grateful that Maria simply wasn't home when it happened. Reaching for his phone – he called his president.
Twenty minutes Jax and Opie arrived to find Abel sitting on the front porch. Climbing the steps the two older men asked where Maria was. "She went to see about her bedroom – hasn't come out yet." Standing he moved closer to his dad and Opie "Shit's bad in there guys – real bad. What they didn't outright break they trashed pretty damned good."
"How's she holding up?" questioned Opie
"Ok I guess – hell truth is I don't know" Abel shot back wearily. Looking out over the neighborhood he noticed Maria's elderly neighbor Miss Williams crossing the yard. Leaning heavily on her dark wood cane she came to stop at the bottom of the steps. "Hello Abel good to see you again, is everything all right with Maria?"
Smiling Abel jumped down from the porch, looking back at his dad and Opie, before continuing "Maria's fine, Miss Williams why do you ask?"
She smiled "I noticed a strange old white van lurking around the neighborhood yesterday. Maria has always been so sweet to me – I just wanted to make sure she was ok."
Taking Miss Williams by the arm Abel turned to escort her back to her place. "Thank-you darlin' for coming to check on her but everything is fine. Maria just doesn't feel well right now."
After getting her settled back into her own place, Abel crossed the yard back to Maria's. Addressing both men Abel reported "Miss Williams says he saw an old model rusty white van hanging around the neighborhood off and on yesterday, but couldn't tell me anything more. Listen; knowing Maria when she finally comes out here she's going to want to call the sheriff in on this."
Thinking briefly Jax turned to his V.P. "Whatta ya think vice prez, let the cops do their jobs for once. Maybe give the good sheriff something to do other than worry about SAMCRO?"
"Are you serious?" asked and incredulous Abel, "Fuck that – someone is threatening Maria and by extension my child. I'm not gonna sit back and what…wait for the damn sheriff to maybe solve this to maybe keep Maria and the baby safe. NO-WAY!"
Clapping his son on the shoulder Jax smiled "Relax son, I'm not suggesting that SAMCRO will do nothing. I'm merely suggesting that we give Maria, her well-meaning neighbor, and our good sheriff something to focus on instead of SAMCRO."
Opie smiled stroking his bearded chin, "It's not a bad idea – think about it Abel. Maria is an upstanding citizen. Her neighbor will make a great witness – it's a practically gift wrapped distraction for the sheriff's department. While there concentrating on Maria, we can concentrate on working things from our end. It might just be the best option we have now."
Quietly Maria stepped out on to the porch, holding a small worn but well-loved brown teddy bear in her right hand and an old silver locket wrapped around her left hand. Wiping at her face, Maria knew it was pointless – the remains of her tears streaking her face. Nodding at Jax and Opie, Maria asked "did I hear Miss Williams over here?"
Abel nodded "Yeah you did she just stopped by to check on you. She wanted to make sure you were ok." Abel watched Maria intently the shock still evident in her eyes. No one could blame her – in the last few days her life had been turned upside down. Abel was raised in this life – it was all he knew. Maria's folks protected her – gave her a sheltered upbringing. All of this chaos had to be turning her inside out.
Struggling to regain some semblance of normal Maria thanked Jax and Opie for coming over to check on her. She wished talking to Abel were as easy as thanking his family. Excusing themselves Jax and Opie moved towards the driveway – giving the young couple a moment's privacy.
Standing beside their bikes Opie watched the neighborhood looking for signs of anything outside the norm. Jax watched his son with Maria. Using his elbow, Opie nudge his best friend in the gut lightly. "Stop worrying brother, you're doing the right thing here for your family, the club, Abel all of it."
"Am I Opie? Looking at them I can't help but wonder."
"I got no doubt they care 'bout each other and will do their best as parents. But we both know that 'this' long term is nothing but a possible fatal mistake for both of them. It's best for all concerned if it simply ends now before anyone gets hurt."
Jax smiled jabbing Opie in the gut with an elbow of his own. "So wise brother – no wonder I wanted you as vice pres." He smirked broadly.
Abel jumped down from the porch and made his over to the driveway. "She's going inside to call the sheriff right now."
"That's good…real good" thought Jax out loud. "The more focus we can take off SAMCRO the better." Glancing towards the house, Jax questioned whether or not Maria had a place to stay.
Frustrated Abel raked his hands across his face absently, "I was going to take Maria to her sisters but now that doesn't seem like such a great idea. I was able to convince her to spend another night at the clubhouse; at least until we can come up with something else."
After a time, Maria returned to the yard – she informed the trio that the sheriff's office would be arriving shortly. Turning Maria cast a glance at the house over her left shoulder "They said that I shouldn't touch anything until after the police have been and gone." Abel assured her that it was nothing to worry about – it was standard operating for the police in situations like this. Saying nothing in response Maria turned and silently re-entered the house.
Jax and Opie exchanged a knowing glance. Abel stood for several moments only have half listening to his dad and Opie. As the conversation came to a natural end, Abel told the two men that he planned on hanging around till Maria was ready to leave and then he would meet the two of them over at the clubhouse. As the two prepared to head out, Jax promised to send the prospects over to help with the clean up whenever Maria was ready.
Abel watched his dad and Opie leave before heading back into the house. As he entered the front door he overheard Maria on the phone. "No No I'm fine really…yes I promise to explain everything later. Tomorrow at three sounds good – I will see you then. I love you too – bye-bye." Turning slowly she was surprised to see Abel had re-entered the house. "Oh Abel – I didn't hear you come in."
"Who were you talking to?" questioned Abel seriously.
Maria watched him cautiously for long seconds. She had always been so confident and sure in their relationship – until recently. Looking around the house, all of this, the baby, sleeping together again – it all left her feeling as though she were swimming in quick sand. "My mom – I was supposed to meet her for a late lunch today – instead were meeting tomorrow."
"Are you going to tell her about the baby?" was Abel's only question.
"Yes…Yes I am!" Laying her hands protectively across her stomach Maria beamed proudly. "I know I can be a great mom Abel. I want this child more than life itself and I will do anything I have to – to make sure he or she is safe."
As he watched he saw Maria turning a corner. She may never completely escape her sheltered upbringing or understand his life style but she would be a fierce momma protecting her young. As he started to speak he heard cars approaching outside. Moving to the large front window he pushed aside the curtain and watched as two officers made their way towards the house. "Sheriff's department just pulled up," he announced in a neutral flat tone – before moving to the door and allowing them access.
On a whole Abel found not fault with the officer's. They asked all the right questions. They took photos of the damage and even dusted for prints. They were competently doing their jobs, yet he was still annoyed and eager for them to leave. In just over two hours, the sheriff's office was finished and ready to leave. The older officer doing most of the talking took Maria's contact information and promised to be in touch as soon as they knew anything.
Grateful that all that was finally over "Why don't you go and pack a bag – say enough for two or three days. Tomorrow morning I will get the prospects over here and will start cleaning this mess up."
Until that moment Maria hadn't realized just how tired and hungry she had become. She had loved this little house since the moment she first laid eyes on it. Today however, it felt more like a nightmare than a dream come treat. A nightmare Maria was more than ready to escape. Within fifteen minutes she was packed and ready to leave.
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The day may have started out shitty, but it was ending on a high note thought Amanda as she pulled into the school parking lot. The thought of working at the tattoo shop had her simply bubbling. Sure she didn't want to be doing tattoos forever, she hoped to branch out and expand her work. However this opportunity could not have come at a better time. The tattoo shop allowed her to pursue her artistic dreams while allowing her to still hang with Rachael after school.
Waiting for Rachael to exit the building Amanda smiled. Rachael was more than just a baby-sitting / Nanny gig. Rachael was a surrogate little sister / daughter all rolled into one. A few minutes later she heard the final bell ring and watch as students began a mass exodus of the building. She smiled as she watched Rachael running across the lot with her best friend in tow. They were laughing over some shared joke. It was great see the young girl so happy and carefree.
Spotting Amanda, Rachael and her best friend raced over to the truck. "Amanda your back" screamed Rachael happy to see her favorite "big sis." Without missing a beat Rachael introduced Amanda to one of her two best friends Kelsey James.
Saying good bye to her friends, Rachael climb into the cab of the truck. "I'm so glad that your back Amanda – I missed you."
Leaning across the seat Amanda gave a Rachael a tight quick squeeze "I missed you too squirt!" Laughing and joking – they filled the truck with happy-go-lucky girl talk. As they exited the school parking lot they both decided that an ice cream cone was in order before heading home.
Catching up with one another - neither noticed the rusty old white non-descript van parked across; the occupants watching the school intently. As the girls merged into after school traffic – the younger of the van's occupants spoke "Are we going to follow them?" he asked his older brother.
"Not today!" replied the older man.
"Why not? I don't understand what we're doing here in the first place – she's just a dumb ass kid. That little Mexican bitch across town she is far more interesting." He stated the last with a very lusty sigh.
The older man was frustrated and annoyed with his younger brother. He didn't understand their cause. His dedication was seriously lacking. Being separated by the system after their daddy's death had left the younger man weak. He bought too much into the fairy tale crap his last foster family tried to sell him. Drawing on his patience once more he replied through gritted teeth "I told you…we are just watching and learning today."
With a liberal dose of whine he asked "Just what are we learning here watching a bunch of bratty ass kids."
Explaining himself over and over again was not something he enjoyed; nor was it something he particularly had patience for. "Well informed is well armed," he began with forced fake patience "we educate ourselves on all the options and pursue whichever of those options work to our best advantage."
"How does some whiney ass brat kid work to our best advantage?" he asked once again slightly whiney.
Starting the van and pulling away in the opposite direction he finally replied "That bratty ass kid is Jax Tellar's little girl – Abel's baby sister. Do you see where I'm going with this NOW?"
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Abel took Maria immediately back to the clubhouse. Helping her get settled into his dorm room. She sat wearily on the bed. Abel watched her from hooded eyes. He tried to see the clubhouse through her eyes. His dorm room maybe cleaner than most, but overall he knew the clubhouse must look like an over grown frat house. No matter how much cleaning Chucky and the prospects did there was only so much you could did to get rid of the alcohol, smoke, and pussy smell. He knew she would be safe here for tonight, but he couldn't ask her to stay here forever. The mother of his child deserved better than the SAMCRO clubhouse.
Pulling himself out his musings, he told her to go ahead and make herself comfortable. Handing her the TV remote he pointed towards the small desktop set. "Get comfortable – you have to be starving, I'll go see what Chucky or Bobby have going on in the kitchen."
Shutting the door quietly behind him – Abel made his way to the kitchen in search of something to eat. Noticing his dad headed into the chapel Abel followed – standing just inside the doorway. Jax smiled "What did the sheriff have to say?"
Moving to sit at the table, "The usual" Abel replied "said they would talk with the neighbors see if anyone noticed anything suspicious, took photos, dusted for prints, and said they would be in touch."
"I know this is hard for you to believe, but I really do understand how you feel about all of this. I know you want to go full tilt after the sons of bitches that did this to Maria." Gesturing towards wall he pointed out one of the club's oldest signs "brains before bullets." We have to handle this smart and quiet Abel. Pushing the sheriff in one direction while we move in another is for the best right now."
Abel knew where his dad was coming from that didn't mean he had to like it. "Where are with all of this? Do we have any info on who's responsible for this?"
"Until we know that the mother of your child is safe – this is the club's number one priority. Juice is reaching out to an old friend who may be in a position to give us some intel. He should know something by tomorrow I think. Where's Maria at with all of this?" questioned the father in Jax.
"Right now she's holed up in my room watching TV – waiting for me to come back with something to eat. After tonight I haven't a clue what to do next. She can't stay here forever but until this over she shouldn't put her family at any unnecessary risk."
"Are you going to stay here at the clubhouse with her tonight?"
Gauging his father's reaction Abel replied, "Yeah I think I will – no sense in all of us losing sleep over this."
Pushing back from the table Abel moved back towards the doorway. "Maria has a "date" with her folk's tomorrow afternoon. I'm thinking it might be best if I'm not there, thinking of sending "Philly" along."
"Anything you need son!" Jax reaffirmed.
Watching his son leave the room – Jax felt the urge to escape weighing on his chest like five hundred pounds of dead weight. Abel just too damn young to go through all this shit he thought. Tipping back in the chair, Jax closed his eyes enjoying a moment's silence. Since taking over the gavel he had made many a shitty decision for the best of his club – he feared the coming days would be the worst. He knew the man he would have to be to protect his club and his son. He feared the man this would force his son to become. Unable to bare the clubhouse a second longer; Jax shoved back from the table and headed for his bike.
For Jax riding alone after dark was like attending Sunday mass. It gave him the opportunity to be alone with his thoughts. The peace and quiet gave him time to sort through his thoughts and emotions. Whether he would admit or not it gave him a chance to talk with whatever higher being he believed in. Afterwards he usually felt better if even marginally; tonight as he finally pulled up at home that feeling was as elusive as chasing Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
Silently entering the house he knew instantly that Tara was still awake. Leaving his cut and keys on the kitchen table he made his way down the hall. Stopping at Rachael's room he peeked inside. At nine his little girl was already such a beauty. With her mother's dark hair and his blue eyes as she grew older and started dating she could quite possibly be the death of him. Standing beside her bed he watched her sleep for long moments – before going in search of Tara.
Quietly he closed Rachael's door behind him surprised to hear Tara moving around in the living room. Collapsing on the couch beside her he slid his arm around her and pulled her close. It was nice to simply cuddle on the couch as they had done from the very beginning. Snuggling in close to her husband, Tara sensed his need to talk. "What is it Jax – what can I do to help?"
Jax pulled Tara closer and silently counted his blessings for the woman in his arms. He was a lucky damn man to have a woman like her standing beside him. She always seemed to know when he needed her most. Whatever he did to deserve her – he prayed to continue doing it right for the rest of his life.
Softly Jax began to explain as much as he could – hitting the latest highlights regarding Abel and Maria. Shortly Jax grew quiet – with no comment from Tara he wondered if she had dozed off. As accepted that his wife was sleeping – Jax began to settle in and doze with her right there on the couch. As he was making himself comfortable, Tara pulled away from him. Standing she promised to be right back. Making her way down the hall to their bedroom; she searched her small corner desk until she came up with the keys she had been searching for.
Returning to the living room she reclaimed her seat on the sofa next to Jax. Taking his hand she laid the keys in his palm and folded his fingers around them. Looking at the keys in mild confusion "What's this?" questioned Jax.
Tara smiled "Those are the keys to our old place."
Jax could see that Tara was obviously pleased with herself, but he still wasn't sure he was following her line of thought.
Still smiling Tara pushed to explain "With Rachael we needed the extra space right – well nobody has really lived in the old place since we left. It's ours Jax – it's paid for and empty. I cannot think of anyone I want more living there than our son and future grandson. What do you think?"
Pulling his wife in for a long deep soft kiss Jax whispered "I love you baby"
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At three o'clock the next afternoon Maria in the company of Philly headed to her parents café for a late lunch. Arriving at the café a few minutes to three Maria asked Philly to wait outside. Not wanting to face angry parents Philly willingly agreed.
Entering the café was like coming home. Her folks had run this place since she was a little girl. Throughout high school and every summer break she and both her sisters had worked her. She'd done it all – everything from dish washer to busboy, too short order cook. Her parents had done their best to teach all of their girls the value of hard work and responsibility.
Moving towards the kitchen she was a little surprised to see her sister Delia preparing food. "I didn't think you would be here." Maria expressed as Delia wrapped her in a loving sisterly embrace. Whispering conspiratorially Delia winked, "I figured if you decided to tell mom and poppy – you might need a friendly face.
Hugging her sister again Maria was grateful for her love and support. Pitching in to assist with food Maria and Delia had the café's largest table filled and ready for lunch in a mere matter of moments.
"What is that wonderful smell?" questioned Sophia as she entered with her husband from the back office. Maria rushed to greet her parents "Mom Poppy" she exclaimed as she hugged them both in turn.
Delia urged everyone to sit and eat before lunch became cold. Taking their seats no one made much in the way of conversation as they all tucked into the traditional homemade tacos and burritos made by their eldest daughter.
As everyone ate their full, conversation eventually began to flow. Alberto "poppy" Velez was glad to see both of his daughter's so happy and healthy. Delia and Maria plus their sister Carmen really were the lights of his life. He would go to any length to protect and ensure their happiness in this life. As Delia began to clear the table, Maria cleared her throat "Mommy Poppy there is something I need to discuss with you."
Sophia knew her girls well – she could tell yesterday on the phone that something was bothering Maria. Judging by the look on her youngest daughter's face she was grateful to be sitting down. "What is it Maria – what has you looking so upset."
The dishes and leftovers forgotten Delia sat down next to her baby sister squeezing her hand in moral support. Looking to her sister for strength Maria took long deep breath praying for courage. "Mommy Poppy – I'm pregnant."
Sophia was shocked her baby girl could not have just said she was pregnant could she? Alberto instantly questioned "Where is the father of this child? Why is he not here with you?"
Expecting no less from her father Maria began "Abel Tellar is the baby's father," she replied as coolly and calmly as she could manage.
His emotions getting the best of him, Alberto slammed his fist to the table. "Please tell me you're not referring to that damn biker you brought to your birthday party?"
"Poppy – Abel is more than just some biker. I love him Poppy."
"Oh for heaven's sake Maria you just turned twenty-one you don't know what love is yet – lust maybe but not love."
"Can't you and mommy just be happy for me Poppy? I want this baby poppy. I have not given up hope that we may someday be a real family Abel, the baby, and me."
Standing abruptly from the table, Alberto did not realize that turned his chair over sending it crashing to the floor. "That piece of shit biker is not welcome in my home or business. You remember that lil' Maria," her father instructed.
Standing from the table, Maria was careful to not tip over her own chair. "I love Abel Tellar and I'm thankful he's this child's father. So if he's not welcome here – then neither am I" Retrieving her things she bent to hug her mom – calling out to her sister "I'll call you later Delia." With that Maria excited the café without another word uttered to her father.