Chapter 23

Disclaimer: As always all rights to SOA belong to Kurt Sutter/Sutter Ink

Walking out of the café Maria struggled with a multitude of emotions. Maria adored her family - they were always so close knit. Growing up she knew that she and her sisters were sheltered more than most kids but she didn't mind. Turning back to face the café, she noticed her parents watching her from the large front window. Her mother she noted looked sad. Her Poppy on the other hand looked angry. For the life of her she couldn't understand why. Sure she was young. She was still struggling with trying to finish school and work at the hospital. Yes she expected her parents to be surprised possibly even shocked. She never expected her father to be so angry. Regardless of her sheltered childhood, she was not oblivious to the stories and rumors regarding SAMCRO. You could not live in Charming without knowing something about SAMCRO and its legacy around town.

Moving across the parking lot, she noted Philly leaning against SAMCRO's black van smoking a cigarette. Crushing out his cigarette, Philly rushed around to let Maria in the passenger side of the van. As he made his way back around the van he was kind of surprised that her family lunch had broken up quite so soon. He wasn't sure what that meant but from the look on her face – obviously nothing good.

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Inside the café Alberto and Sophia watched as their daughter pulled out of the parking lot. Turning to her husband with a deep sadness in her eyes "Whatever she has done – she is still our daughter Alberto."

Alberto turned to face his wife head on. "I'm well aware she's our daughter Sophia. I'm aware just as aware that her having a baby with a low life biker is going to ruin her life."

"She is a grown woman Alberto – we have to let her make her own decisions. We raised her to be a good person, but we cannot protect her forever. If she is happy about this baby; then we should support her and be happy for her."

Alberto rolled his eyes in complete annoyance "Have you lost your mind Sophia? How can you stand there and ask me to be happy about our baby girl wanting that damned biker. Have you forgotten where we came from?"

Sighing deeply Sophia moved to Alberto placing her hands against his chest – gazing at her husband with love and understanding in her eyes "sweetheart, no one remembers more than you and me how far we have come, but this is her life not ours."

"How can you say that?" Alberto screams "have you forgotten the hell we went through to get our girls a better life? Why did we put ourselves through that hell, if all we're going to do is idly by while our baby girl throw away her life?"

"Once upon a time I made a choice to – remember? I have never regretted my decision. If this is the life that will make her happy; who are we to judge? How can we stand here and assume to know better than her what she feels and wants?"

"I'm assuming nothing," Alberto assured his wife "What I know is this biker will leave my daughter looking over her shoulder for the rest of her life. My grandchild will never be truly safe. Maria will wonder everyday of her damn life if this is the day that son of a bitch won't come home. She will always wonder if this day is the one where she's called to identify the body."

Stroking her husband's cheek Sophia sighed "I understand what you're saying dearest, but she is a grown woman and this is her life. Do you really want to cut us out of her life and the life of our unborn grandchild? Think Alberto this is our first grandchild; don't you want to watch he or she grow up?"

Taking his wife's hand kissing her palm – then wrist "You know I do Sophia; you know I do. I'm just willing to choose my grandchild and that damned outlaw over my daughter's life and well-being!"

Kissing his wife one last time Alberto released her and turned storming past his oldest child he headed for the café office. Delia watched as her father stormed into the office slamming and locking the door behind him. Cautiously she approached her mother. Reverently touching her arm she whispered "Momma?"

Sophia faced her eldest daughter with tears in her eyes. Seeing her mother's pain Delia pulled her into a warm hug. Patting her mother's back, Delia murmured "It's ok Momma – Poppy will come around. He just needs to cool off some first – I'm sure of it – you'll see."

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Sitting on the small front porch Amanda and Rachael talked animatedly about school, life, TV, clothes, and music while enjoying their chocolate milkshakes. As Rachael was talking about this weird substitute teacher they had today – Amanda's cell phone began to ring. Checking the id display, Amanda was a little disappointed that it was simply Katie calling. Answering on the second ring, Amanda questioned cheerfully, "Hey roomie, what's up?"

Katie nervously worried her lower lip as she debated how to say this to the woman who was fast becoming her very best friend. "Have you checked any of the messages here at the apartment today?"

Amanda's smile faltered, "No why? Is there something wrong Katie?"

"I just came in and there are three here from a Tacoma detective named Kirk and two from your mother demanding that you call back immediately."

Amanda sighed as she felt the bottom of her stomach drop out. Her parents had gone home alright – gone home and stirred up more shit thought Amanda bitterly. Asking Katie to hold on just a second, she asked Rachael to run in the house and grab a pen and paper. Once the younger girl was safely inside the house and out of hearing distance Amanda continued "Did the detective say what it is he wanted?"

"Not exactly," answered Katie "said his name was detective Chris Kirk and that he worked missing persons – asked that you call back as soon as possible."

The queasy sickness signaled the return of her stomach. Rachael quietly handed her pen and paper "Go ahead Katie," Amanda murmured "give me the number." As she hurriedly jotted down the number she promised to call Katie back soon.

Amanda laid the phone on the porch beside her – staring off into space for long moments. Finishing her milkshake Rachael became worried about Amanda. Waving her hand in front of Amanda's face she giggled "Hello…Hello Amanda anyone home?" she smiled again.

Amanda shook herself out of her day dreams "Sorry Rach…guess you caught me day dreaming." Scooping Rachael's empty cup up off the porch, "why don't you head inside – start your homework. I'll be right in – in just a second." Sitting anxiously Amanda watched Rachael race off into the house.

Picking up her cell phone, Amanda debated the wisdom of calling Abel. She began dialing the phone not once but twice – before hanging up. 'I'm I really ready to deal?' she wondered. Picking up the phone again she dialed her mom instead.

Picking up on the second ring her mother answered "Oh thank Goodness Amanda Lynn – you got my message. I'm so glad you called back."

"Mother if this is about the detective – I haven't talked with him yet. I honestly don't have anything to say to him."

"Amanda darling, Dean has been missing since you left Tacoma. People are concerned. You were his girlfriend it is only natural that the police would want to speak with you."

"Only natural…Only natural – Mother please there was nothing only natural about mine and Dean's relationship."

"Amanda dear, I understand that you're upset but that is no reason to be ugly with me dear – I am your mother after all."

Rubbing the bridge of her nose, Amanda could feel a headache brewing. "Yes" she sighed almost miserably "you are my mother – and because you I'm going to hang-up now rather than continue this argument. I will talk to you after I've spoke to the detective. Good-bye Mother!" Without waiting for a reply Amanda simply hung up the phone.

She sat staring at the phone – she needed to call Abel. When it came right down to it she was a chicken shit and she knew it. She knew better than anyone that Abel Tellar was no saint. Over the last weeks since coming home and the accident she thought they had grown closer that maybe there was a chance for them. She accepted that Maria was pregnant – she didn't expect that would lead them back to bed.

Deciding against the phone she stood up and wondered into the house. "Rachael" she called out. Wandering into the living room she found Rachael laying on the couch head-phones in her ears listening to her favorite song; as she read the latest book in a long string of book reports. Walking over to the couch Amanda leaned down and began to tickle Rachael along the stomach.

Jerking up from the couch, Amanda pulled out her head-phones "Hey Brat" she yelled with a girlish giggle "what's the big idea?"

Smiling Amanda plopped down on the end of the couch next to her. "I was thinking; how much homework do you have left to finish?"

Looking down at the book in her lap the young girl smiled "All I gotta do is finish like two pages in this chapter and then I'm all done. Why?"

"Well I was thinking…that maybe if you we're all done with your homework – well we might take a little road trip down to TM maybe see your dad, big-brother, and the uncles of course.

Rachael began to squeal with delight. Her folks always told her that TM was no place for a young girl. Trips to TM were few and far between – and always limited. Her time with the 'family' was usually at the big family dinners at Gramma Gemma's or here with her folks. Jumping from the couch Amanda raced to the bedroom to hurry and change her clothes. Amanda smiled at the younger girl's obvious delight. Amanda could remember feeling much the same way when Abel first took her to TM. Growing up in Charming she had heard many of the stories. Her first trip to TM with Abel had her giggling like much like Rachael. She always remembered her first trip to TM as a grand adventure.

Within thirty minutes Amanda and Rachael were pulling into the TM lot. Amanda was both relieved and anxious when she noted Abel's bike parked in the lot. When she made the decision to drive over to TM – she almost prayed that he wouldn't be here when they arrived.

As Gemma was entering the office she noticed the girls pulling into the lot. Rachael immediately noticed her Gramma. The minute the truck came to a stop – she had her seat belt off and was racing across the lot to her Gramma's office.

Amanda sat behind the wheel watching Rachael and Gemma across the way. Sitting on the porch coming over to TM had seemed like such a brilliant idea – now Amanda didn't seem able to get out of the truck. 'This is silly' she thought to herself – I didn't need to come all the way over here, I should have just called the detective myself; just to see what he wants. Picking up her phone she dialed detective Kirk and waited for the phone ring. On the third ring she heard "Detective Kirk – Tacoma PD."

"Hello Detective, my name is Amanda Stevens you've been trying to reach me."

"Yes…Yes Ms. Stevens I wanted to talk to you about Dean Crandall. The report filed with my department states that you and Dean were a quite an item."

"I'm sorry detective it appears that someone has given you false information. Dean and I spent some time together yes, but I broke it off weeks ago – months ago now really."

"If you don't mind me asking Ms. Stevens why did you end things with Dean?"

Her stomach rolled with dread as she thought quickly about the question. She was so not discussing her violent past with this man. "We were simply in two different places in our lives – different dreams – different goals; I guess you could say."

"Your goals led you back to Charming California is that correct?"

"Yes detective," Amanda replied cautiously "they did."

"Have you seen or heard from Dean since leaving Tacoma?"

'This is it," thought a panicked Amanda "I did once or twice – yes"

"Did he say if he was going to stay in Charming or where he was going?" asked a curious detective Kirk.

"He tried to convince me to come home to Tacoma with him. When I said no, he seemed upset, but he never said where he was going or what his plans were. I haven't seen him since."

There was a long pause, Amanda was not entirely sure her cell phone had not dropped the good detective. Soon enough he spoke again "Well thank you for your time Ms. Stevens if I need anything further I will be in touch."

Did he sound convince or suspicious wondered Amanda briefly; she simply could not tell for sure. "One thing before you go detective – do you mind my asking who reported Dean missing?"

Detective laughed rich and hearty "I would have thought you knew Ms. Stevens – your parents did." With that said the call was quickly disconnected.

Laying the phone in the seat beside Amanda suspected it had been her parents all along, but to hear the detective confirm it only made her feel worse. 'Damn why couldn't I have been adopted?' she thought bitterly to herself as she stared across the lot at the clubhouse, garage, and TM office.

Starting across the parking lot she headed for the clubhouse. Before she could actually make it to the clubhouse she heard Gemma calling out to her. Changing direction she made her way towards the office door where Gemma stood waiting.

Abel and Amanda had known each other a lot of years and in that time she had always giving Gemma her space. She had easily developed a close relationship with Tara – Gemma was another story. She always felt the older lady was watching and waiting – for what she didn't know. She had heard stories about Gemma Tellar-Morrow for years. Everyone knew that she could bring about hell on earth if you threatened her family or her club. Amanda always felt that Gemma was just tolerating her rather than an actual like or dislike of her. As she drew even with the doorway she couldn't imagine what the 'queen of mean' could possibly want with her.

"Hi Gemma," Amanda began only to be cut off.

"It's good you brought my grand-daughter by for a visit – don't see enough of my peanut."

Looking into the office, Amanda noted Rachael sitting at Gemma's desk playing cards on her Gramma's computer, "she's a great kid…I love being around here."

Gemma smiled that cagey little grin that only she was capable of "and my grandson…do you love being around him as well?"

Initially taken aback by the question Amanda replied "what are you asking me Gemma?"

"It's a simple question honey; do you like being around my grandson?"

"Gemma – Abel is my best friend of course I enjoy being around him."

"So you're saying that's all – just friendship nothing more between you two is that it? So you're ok with this time he's spending with that little Mayan bitch?"

At the mention of Maria Amanda felt something she couldn't explain shift inside her. On the one hand she wanted to be happy that Abel was going to be a father. Why did fatherhood have to come by way of Maria? Dammit! That baby should belong to me and Abel – not Maria she thought Amanda angrily.

Gemma missed nothing she saw the conflicting emotions crossing Amanda's face. She knew instantly that the younger woman felt something more than friendship for her eldest grandson. She watched Abel and Amanda together over the years. In the beginning she didn't think too much of the young girl – not the type of woman she would have picked for her grandson at all. As time passed she began to see a different side to the young woman – loyalty. Amanda Stevens was loyal to a fault to her grandson – she just might make a decent ol'lady after all. "Listen honey" Gemma began "I see the way you look at Abel. If you want him – you gotta get your ass in the game and fight for him."

"What are you saying Gemma?" questioned Amanda "It's not like I can go and pick a fight with a pregnant woman."

Laughing loud and vividly Gemma smiled "I'm not saying beat her ass – although the thought had crossed my mind once or twice." At the look of shock on Amanda's face – Gemma laughed "kidding sweetheart kidding – as long as she's carrying my great-grandchild the little bitch has nothing much to worry about from me. All I'm saying is that you need to make yourself known. Put them both on notice that you're here and that you're here and not going away anytime soon."

"What if Abel decides he wants Maria more than me. I mean she is the mother of his child after all."

"Honey my grandson doesn't know what he wants right now. He's so busy running around chasing his damn tail trying to protect his child – he ain't thinking straight. You have to do that for him," replied Gemma lightly tapping the center of Amanda's forehead. "You have to be the constant in his life. You have to step up – make him see you in a different light. If you can do that – you have a chance."

"If you don't mind me asking Gemma – what do you have against Maria?"

Amanda studied Gemma's face; not at all surprised that she gave nothing away. 'Remind me to never play poker with this woman,' thought Amanda with a silent giggle.

"Although he would probably deny it – Abel is much like his father. He need's this club. He needs an ol' lady who can stand beside him long term. Sure the little Mayan princess might be great pussy right now, but she isn't an ol' lady."

Looking around briefly, Amanda asked "Why are you telling me all this Gemma?"

"I want what's best for my family, and it isn't that knocked up Mexican Mayan Princess."

Before Amanda could even think to reply – she heard voices coming from inside the office. Abel it seems had entered the office from the garage side. Smiling at Gemma, Amanda stood silently listening as Abel teased his little sister about taking Gramma's job away from her. Before either woman could enter the office they over-heard Abel "Is mom with you Rachael?"

Without looking up from her winning hand of solitaire she answered rather blandly "No Amanda did."

It was then that Abel noticed the open door leading to the parking lot – he could see his gramma leaning against the frame. He could only assume it was Amanda she was talking too. He thought about the last time he saw her – speeding away from the TM lot like the devil himself was chasing her. 'Dammit' hating that he was the reason for her pain. 'How do I make this right?' Was his last thought before exiting the office. As Abel came to stand next to his Gramma Gemma he couldn't take his eyes off Amanda. He took in everything; her black jeans with holes in both knees, her black and white v-neck t-shirt, and her old beat up sneakers. Typical common every day wear for his best friend – nothing special. So why did she have to look so damn good wearing it – he wondered. 'Because' a little voice whispered in his head 'you ass – admit it you missed her – and now you need to make this right.' Gemma turned and kissed her grandson's cheek "Abel" she acknowledged before turning back to Amanda "think about what I said darlin'" she whispered before leaning in and kissing Amanda's cheek as well. Quickly turning she went back into the office and shut the lot door behind her – effectively giving the young couple as much privacy as they were likely to find on the TM lot.

Amanda touched her right cheek where Gemma had just kissed her. It felt strange as the conversation replayed over again in her mind. Personal conversations with Tara or Katie were common but Gemma Tellar no way!

Pushing Gemma and their little chat to the back of her mind; Amanda turned her attention to Abel. Why did he have to look so damn good – even with the tired haunted look shadowing his eyes? "Abel my parents…" began Amanda without preamble – only to be interrupted by Abel.

"Amanda I am so…" he began – smiling when interrupted by Amanda.

Amanda giggled gently and the gestured for him to continue. Abel smiled once more "No please…ladies first"

Releasing a long held deep sigh, Amanda struggled for the right words. Quickly resuming her straightforward approach she began again "Abel my parents," Amanda began with a quiet tone – almost a whisper "went home and apparently reported Dean missing…" Placing a single finger against her lips – Abel could see this conversation was going nowhere good. Before she could object, Abel quickly took her hand and led her away from the office. Looking around the lot, Abel headed for the empty picnic table outside the club door.

Running a frustrated hand through his long blonde hair, Abel leaned against the table top and wondered aloud "What the fuck did they go and do that for?"

Taking a seat atop the table – next to Abel Amanda knew that was probably a rhetorical question but she answered anyway "I wish I knew," her only comment. "I went ahead and called him back," continued Amanda quietly.

'Like I need this shit right now,' Abel thought in frustration "Well what did he have to say? Do you know if he is here in Charming or just making calls from Tacoma?"

"I don't know where he's calling from – I didn't ask. He just asked why I ended things with Dean. He wanted to know if I had seen or heard from him since coming back to Charming. Oh and he confirmed that it was my folks that reported Dean missing."

Abel felt sick – he trusted Amanda with his life, but something inside him pushed him to ask the obvious. Turning to stand directly in front of Amanda he asked "you didn't tell him anything did you?" Rolling her eyes, Amanda was shocked that he would even have to ask such a question – didn't he know her better than that. Without thinking, Amanda placed both hands on Abel's chest and shoved him away from her and the table. Sliding from the table, she fumed "Seriously Abel? You seriously think you have to ask me that?"

Waiting a beat for some sort of response Amanda stood with her hands on her hips facing off angrily against Abel. When no answer was immediately forth coming, "Dammit Abel you've been my best friend since I was fourteen years old. After everything you have done for me - do you really think I would say anything to some damn cop? I know I've been away for a couple of years but do you really believe that?"

Abel knew he was wrong – deep down he knew Amanda would never say anything. So what had possessed him to ask such an asinine question? Watching him stand there so silent was more than Amanda wanted or deserved to deal with "You know what Abel just forget I came by – I'll leave you out of it and deal with this shit myself." Turning Amanda started to make her way back towards the office to find Rachael.

Reaching out Abel grabbed her by the wrist "Amanda wait…please…Manda Lynn I'm sorry."

Without turning to face him Amanda laughed mirthlessly "Sorry for what Abel? Are you sorry for doubting my friendship…my loyalty to you or are you sorry that I walked in on you and Maria the other day?"

Abel expected his mom and Gramma Gemma to call him on his shit, but Amanda…well he wasn't expecting that. If he had been having this conversation with a crow-eater or sweet-butt he would have simply said 'fuck-you' and walked away. Truthfully, he wasn't even sure he would have this conversation with Maria – and she was the mother of his child.

Abel removed his hand from her wrist – taking her hand in his he gently tugged silently asking her to look at him. Amanda debated giving in. A part of her knew she had every right to say nothing and keep walking. The bigger part of her knew that this was Abel and she simply could not do that. Slowly turning Amanda held his hand a little tighter. Watching his best friend Abel whispered "don't go Amanda...talk to me."

Without looking at him Amanda began again quietly "I told the detective that Dean and I spent some together – nothing serious. I said that I saw him once or twice since coming home to Charming. He wanted to get back together – I didn't. Told him I didn't know where he was now."

Abel smiled, he felt like a real ass for doubting his best friend – he should have known better. "Don't worry about this detective Amanda…I promised you once that none of this would ever blow back on you and I meant that. I won't let that son of a bitch hurt you ever again." Despite everything Amanda believed Abel meant the words that he said. She wondered idly if that made her loyal or naïve?

Standing in the silence Abel knew he owed her more. He hurt her the other day. With the shit storm that is life was becoming he couldn't lose Amanda in the process. "My life is a veritable shit storm right now Manda Lynn. I have no right to ask you for a damned thing, but I'm asking anyway. Don't walk away from me – not yet."

After an emotionally charged silence Amanda finally met his eyes – her smile small and bittersweet. "Charming is my home now Abel. I'm not running anywhere." She opened her to mouth to say something more when Gemma's words began to ring loud and clear in her mind. 'If you want him – you gotta get your ass in the game and fight for him. Make yourself known - Put them both on notice that you're here and that you're not going away anytime soon.' Without slowing down to think it through, Amanda pushed forward heeding Gemma's words. Looking down at their joined hands, she closed the distance between them. Laying her free hand briefly against his chest she slid it up across his shoulder and into his long blond hair – before leaning to take his lips in a long, soft, deep, and wet kiss. She controlled this kiss and she knew it. She toyed with his hair as she thrust her tongue deep into his mouth tangling with his passionately. She savored the taste that she had come to know as uniquely his. Using her tongue she thrust herself in and out of his mouth quick and repeatedly.

Abel was shaken at first – a kiss was not what he had been expecting. In all honesty, she had only been back in his life full time a few short months – if that long. Yet he was already addicted to her kisses. After all the hurt he had caused her over the last couple of days – he knew he needed to let her control this kiss. A kiss – deep down he knew he didn't deserve. Abel was torn between the feel of her fingers in his hair and her tongue pushing in and out of his mouth. He struggled to control the reactions of his body. A reaction he was fairly certain she would not appreciate or welcome at this point. Just as Abel was poised to wrap her in his arms and pull her closer – she pulled back ending the kiss just as quickly as it had begun.

Sliding her hand across his cheek she smiled once more smile and bittersweet. "I'm not going anywhere Abel. I'm your best friend and I'm here if you need me. You have to decide whether or not friendship is all you want. I understand that she is the mother of your child. I respect that you want to protect her and the baby. If you want to make things work with her let me go. I can't and won't share you that way Abel – it would destroy me." With that said she kissed him once more soft, brief and bittersweet before turning and walking away.

Gemma had tried to do the right thing – she shut the door and tried to give her grandson some privacy. In the end her inner curiosity was too much for her. She opened the office door just in time to see them standing together at the picnic table. Too far away to hear anything – Gemma silently watched as she listened to her granddaughter play solitaire. Just as she was about to write them off as a lost cause – she watched the younger woman plant one hell of a kiss on her unsuspecting grandson. Smirking to herself "Game on" Gemma laughed silently before fully re-entering the office and closing the door behind her.

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Meanwhile across town – Philly wasn't sure what to do with Maria. Since she climbed into the van back at the café she had said relatively little. He had asked her twice if there was someplace she wanted to go – only to be met with complete silence. Sitting at a local red light he watched as she stared vacantly out the windshield. Just as his concern was beginning to grow – Maria seemed to come around a little. "Where are you headed 'Philly'?" She asked the question – feeling a little silly for using his club nickname and not his given name.

"I was headed back to the clubhouse – unless there is something you need or someplace you want to go."

Maria grew silent a moment longer. 'Oh great' thought Philly 'after like nearly twenty minutes of nothing – she starts talking again and you manage to shut her up again with one stupid ass question. Way to go Philly – way to fucking go!' Concentrating on the road, Philly knew she was upset and tried to give her as much privacy as the front of the van would allow. After a few minutes more Maria finally spoke again.

"No…I'm not ready just yet to go back to the clubhouse. Do you think you could take me by my place for a little bit?"

Philly had not seen the damage first hand but he had heard the brothers talking about it. He wanted to go by her place like he wanted an ass whipping from Happy. "Maria" he began with extreme concern "obviously this is not my business, but Jax and Abel have tasked me with keeping you safe. Is going by your place just the two of us a great idea?" Abel had made it very clear that if Philly valued getting his top rocker anytime soon – not to mention his very life he would keep Maria very very safe.

Maria smiled at Philly humoring him slightly "I can only imagine what Abel and his father said to you, but I assure you we won't be there but a few minutes. The very first sign of trouble – were both back in the van and gone. Ok?"

Against his better judgment Philly relented and turned the van away from the clubhouse and headed towards Maria's house.

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Amanda stood near the office desk watching Rachael play what had to be her tenth hand of

solitaire. Watching Rachael she felt Gemma's eyes trailing her around the small crowded room. She

was certain the older woman had much on her mind. She didn't think that she was ready to deal with

anymore of the older woman's wisdom. Before either woman could speak – Amanda's cell phone began

to ring. 'Saved by the bell,' she thought gratefully. "Hello" she answered on the second ring.

"Hi Amanda it's Tara – I'm home a little earlier than expected. Where did you two run off to this

afternoon?"

Amanda smiled broadly relieved that it was just Tara on the other end of the line. "Hi Tara, I

needed to see Abel for a second so Rachael and I came down to TM for a few minutes. I hope that's ok,

I know how you and Jax feel about her hanging out down here."

"Actually Amanda this works out perfectly. I actually need to come down to TM myself to Jax

and Abel. Why don't you and Rachael just hang out there to I get there?"

"Sounds good" smiled Amanda "see you soon" she replied as she disconnected and placed the

phone back into her pocket.

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Since his daughter's hasty exit from the café earlier today – Alberto Velez had remained locked

inside at his desk alone. Over the years he had sacrificed much for his families happiness and safety. He

would do anything within his power to protect his girls. Deep down in his heart he heard what Sophia

was saying. He wasn't a heartless monster. He wanted to be happy about this baby. This was his first

grandchild. His baby girl's baby no less. He just could not stand by and watch his little angel baby throw

away her life over some damn red-neck small town biker. Maria was to young, naïve, and sheltered to

fully understand or appreciate the dangerous life she was asking for – but he did. He sat staring at the

phone for a very long time weighing his options before deciding to dial. He was about to hang-up, when

on the fifth ring a familiar voice answered "Alberto my brother is it really you – calling home after all of

these years?"

Author's Note: I hope that your all continuing to read and enjoy Abel's story. Special thank-you's go out to those of you who faithfully read and review every chapter. I'm so glad that your all along for the ride.