New Characters:

Hannah Marshall ~ Face Character ~ Natalie Portman

David Hale ~ Face Character ~ Taylor Sheridan

Jason Johnson ~ Face Character ~ Kerr Smith

Suzanne White ~ Face Character ~ Selma Blair

Chapter V

{Charming, May 25, 1995} Jax leaned up against the seat of his Harley watching the main door of the high school anxiously waiting for Tara to emerge from the double doors. The last day of school had finally arrived, and he knew she was eager to have a few months of freedom. Since Tara was only close to their group many surrounding her didn't realize she was a perfectionist in several areas of her life. One of those areas was the grade department, Tara spent countless nights with books scattered over her bed, Jax's bed, and the clubhouse bed, always diligent with her precious time so no area was neglected. He admired her for the effort knowing there was no way he would ever be able to maintain her daily schedule, and a 4.0 GPA. Shit he had barely passed most of his exams with a C average. Jax Teller wasn't an ignorant individual by any means but unlike Aiden book smart grades didn't come easy to him, he was more of a hand on type of guy. Aiden had the luxury of being both hands on and naturally book smart. Opie was more like him more like Jax books didn't do him much good.

Allowing his eyes to wonder around the well manicured grounds of the campus, Jax knew he didn't miss the high school scene one damned bit. The endless cackle and giggles from the bitches walking past was enough to make him come to that realization at record speed. He was content with his decision to drop out at the beginning of the school year, and obtain his GED. Jax like Aiden had originally planned to drop before the school year had begun; his parents were willing to sign the necessary papers since he wasn't the legal age to make the decision on his own. He was grateful to the big man upstairs, Buddha, kismet whoever, or whatever in the fuck was responsible for the twist of fate that had resulted in him starting the school year. If he had not, it was very possible his path might not have crossed with Tara's. Jax couldn't imagine what that would look like, their paths never crossing.

His attention turned back to the double doors just as two of the most popular girls on campus passed in front of his bike. He recognized the longer haired, brown eyed brunette as Hannah Marshall, girlfriend of the football captain. The friend in tow was Suzanne White, the cheerleading captain and girlfriend of the quarter back, who was also best friends with the football captain. They all traveled in a confusing cluster fuck that was often a headache to keep up with since they played musical chairs with their relationships when bored. The incestuous socialite cluster fuck was what they called them around the MC, because when they got bored with one another they just rotated around.

They all got bored a lot, the music playing to walk around and pick a new chair, more than it remained stopped. Jax supposed some could argue the MC had its own version of this game as well. There was one exception to the socialite chair rotation, Hannah and the Captain she was just too good for that kind of shit in more ways than one.

Jax huffed crossing his arms not understanding what a girl like Hannah saw in David Hale. It was no secret to anyone that he fucked around on her at every opportunity that presented itself, even with her best friend the cheerleader who stood so close by her side. The old saying, "keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer" certainly applied to the Charming socialite group. Jax gave her friend a look of disgust, Suzanne was tossed about more than the football on the field. In some ways she worse than the Croweaters that hung around the MC, Jax shook his head knowing they were treated with more respect than Suzanne got, and that was pretty damn sad. He always found it amazing these were the very people that judged the MC for their life style, when their own moral zip code wasn't much better, just different numbers.

Once upon a time Hale had been childhood friends with Jax, Opie, and Aiden, but now there was nothing but tension between them that often ended with fist flying. A coy smirk crossed Jax's face as he recalled the last altercation outside of the football stadium. Ms. Cheerleader was actually in on that one caught with her knickers down around her ankles when the Princely threesome had tapped on the window of Jason's Porsche that was parked discreetly out of sight. Suzanne did have a nice set of tits he would give her that.

The coy smirk grew upon his face as he thought about what a couple of real pussies Hale and Johnson were. When they all fought last Jax had make his feelings for Jason clear as mud by rubbing his face along the dusty path outside the football stadium. Hale showed up unexpectedly with Hannah in tow thinking he was going to man him up, and ended up with his own face as well as his ass covered in dust from being knocked out. Jax's only regret was that Hannah had been present to see the whole scene unfold.

The SAMCRO Princely Trio often joked that Hale and Johnson were chummy for each other dropping the soap in the shower stales, taking turns picking it up. Jax didn't care for either of them but out of the two he despised Hale the most. When he started dating Hannah the tension only escalated further. Everything about him screamed Hello my name is cocky ass. Hale thought he was king shit of Charming High since his family was not only floating in money, but also holding several official political titles.

Hannah wasn't so bad, except for the fact she hung around Hale and his robotic idiots. She was a lifelong resident of Charming. She liked to float about with an air of prissiness better than you bullshit swirling around her, but Jax knew better. The real Hannah was kind, generous, and had a good heart. Other than Amelia, her family was probably the next in line on the Forbes Charming list of rich and wealthy, followed closely by the Hale family. In the old days though you never would have known this about her, she had kept herself pretty grounded and real, until Hale arrived on the scene anyway.

His mouth curved to a smile as he watched Hannah. Despite the higher social standing, Gemma was friends with her mother. They had even been friends once upon a time before Gemma flew the coup to ride the whirlwind with JT. Hannah's mother had always preferred men with a healthy pocket book, and Gemma well pocket books didn't impress her much in those days. Even though they had chosen different paths the two women had reconnected, and remained friends when Gemma returned to Charming pregnant with Jax. To everyone's surprise Hannah's mother became pregnant shortly after Gemma's return to Charming, quickly marrying her much older Fiancé Peter Marshall in one of the most elaborate weddings the town had ever seen. Gemma had even been one of the bride's maids, proudly showing her baby bump in front of the town at the altar.

As a result of the friendship Jax had actually grown up around Hannah, shit they even had pictures of them rolling around on the same baby blanket together. The embarrassing type of shit that mothers, even Gemma, tended to pull out and show everyone as the most inopportune times. He recalled many scolding's he had received from Gem for teasing the young girl until she would cry. Oh, and then there was the time he had tied her long braided pig tails into tight knots. That shit had not been well received by either mother. He smirked as Hannah passed by glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.

"Hey Hannah, "Jax flashed his best panty dropping cheeky smirk her way, followed by the famous Jax Teller brow arch, "How you been doing, Darlin'?" He intentionally allowed darlin' to roll off his tongue as if he were using a sexual innuendo, knowing that really got her on edge. Jax had always loved getting Hannah on edge.

Hannah peered over at Jax leaning against his bike. She paused for a moment to ensure her emotions were in check before giving him a very polished formal smile. Inside her smile was bright as sunshine at seeing him, but she was careful not to let the bright smile she felt on the inside surface to the exterior. Inhaling deeply she refrained from speaking immediately afraid her voice might be a traitor and give away her excitement. Hannah had not seen Jackson much since he had dropped out of school. She had often gone over to his house at night to help with his school subjects, but since he had dropped out and obtained his GED, she knew the visits would only look suggestive. Plus he was dating that overly possessive Tara Knowles. Everyone knew that crazy bitch had laid claws in him so deep, claiming him like he was some sort of gold strike. Her possessiveness was way out of control. Hannah didn't think much of Tara Knowles, not because she was poor, but because she felt Tara wasn't good for Jackson. She had watched them from afar and was fearful Tara would only create an ever more destructive path for Jackson than he was already on.

Trying to prevent her eyes from roaming over his handsome features which seemed to grow more breathtaking each time she saw him; she diverted them to the ground for a moment. Hannah could feel her cheeks growing warm, and prayed they wouldn't look blushed. She had, had raging crush on Jackson Teller since they were children but had never acted on it, and kept it buried deep within her. Hannah was thankful it was her secret, and no one was aware of her deep dark secret.

Unfortunate for Hannah her crush on Jax Teller wasn't buried as deep as she thought. Her feelings were common knowledge to many. Those that had been around them since childhood Gemma, Clay, her mother, Opie, and Aiden all knew she had a crush on Jax, and to the on lookers it appeared Jax had a little infatuation with her as well. They were known for their childhood bicker fest, which for those surrounding them had always extremely entertaining.

Opie was never fooled by either of them bitching about the other, and saw their cat and mouse game a mile away. He had spent countless hours encouraging Jax to ask the girl out, but he never did. He even mentioned it to Gemma once who told him it was best to leave them as is and not push anything. Then Tara arrived on the scene, game over.

"I am doing fine, Jackson," She replied in a polite tone with what she knew was the perfect smile having spent hours perfecting it in front of her bedroom mirror.

Jax intentionally allowed his eyes to roam her body not trying to hide the fact, as he reached inside in his leather cut to fish out a cigarette, and the Zippo lighter with a crow engraved upon the side. The lighter had once belonged to his father, JT.

"You're lookin' real fine, Hannah." He winked at her playfully as he placed the cigarette to this mouth flicking the lighter. Jax normally like his women a little curvier but Hannah would definitely be the exception to his curvy rule.

"Well, thank you Jackson," She replied feeling her cheeks growing warm at his words, "I will be sure to let David know you said so." Her tone dripped with the mixture of sarcasm and innocence she was famous for.

"You do that, Darlin'" Jax smirked back at her.

"Jax…." Tara approached the scene not even trying to conceal the irritation in her voice, her eyes immediately shifting over to the girls until they focused on Hannah.

Tara hated her, hated everything about her, and she knew if the circumstances ever presented themselves right she would attempt to make a move on Jax. She knew about their childhood friendship, and like everyone else she saw through the brother, and sister bicker festivals that often occurred. Tara missed having Jax in the hallways of the school, but in a way it was a relief because it had created a distance in his friendship with Hannah.

"Tara, Hello, feels like we haven't seen each other in ages," Hannah paused to flash another well practiced smile before proceeding, "We must get together one day for lunch, when you aren't serving the customers at the diner of course."

Tara eyes narrowed with hatred for the young girl, knowing she wouldn't even be giving her the time of day if she weren't dating Jax. She never had before; even now if Jax wasn't present it was as if Tara were transparent. Hannah had just passed her in the hallway earlier that very day and she sure in the fuck didn't bother to say hello. Much less invite her to lunch, when she wasn't serving the customers of course. Fucking hateful bitch! She cringed every time the name Jackson rolled off her lips. Everyone else around called him Jax except her, as if she had some sort of special privileges to him that no one else did. Fucking gash whore! Tara's lips curved to smile in response to Hannah only because of the image projected through her mind of bashing Hannah's face off the pavement.

"We better get over to the football field you know with this being the last day of school there is much to be done," She tilted her head to the side very deliberating directing her attention solely towards Jax, "Will any of you be joining us for the bonfire party?" There was a hint of eagerness that escaped the protective barrier she prayed no one else picked up on.

"Naw, darlin' got our own private festivities going on tonight," Jax had picked up on a certain eagerness in her voice that perhaps he would be making an appearance, he knew she liked him.

"Well, let's not be strangers over the summer," She continued to smile sweetly ignoring the look of hatred being cast upon her by Tara as she turned with her friend heading towards the football field. Only once she was out of sight did she allow a sigh of relief to overtake her and let the guard down she had been projecting.

Damn Tara Knowles she thought to herself. She looked ahead to the football field as they walked disgusted. Deep down Hannah had to admit that Tara wasn't entirely the problem with Jackson Teller. They had grown up together but now everything was so confusing. When they had been younger it was almost as if their mothers had encouraged the friendship between them, and now that they were older it was almost opposite. The two women almost seemed to discourage them from spending time together. Hannah had chalked it up to being the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in the area. She knew that with wealth came certain expectations. One of those expectations was dating the right boy, and while Jackson had been just fine for a childhood friend, he was not what her family considered dating material. David Hale however was perfect from the box seats her parents were watching her from.

She rolled her eyes thinking if they only knew what a pervert he truly was they would be revolted. Fighting off his unwelcome advances to push their relationship in directions she wasn't willing to go was exhausting. Glancing over at her friend Suzanne she felt grateful she was around, not for the friendship mind you, but the simple fact she was willing to swing her legs wide for David anytime. Suzanne's willingness to accommodate David allowed Hannah much needed time outs. He was enough to make a girl want to slit her wrist open. A heavy sigh left her as she thought about Amelia Tate. She knew last year had been rough for her but she wondered if Amelia knew how lucky she really was. She got away with dating one of the SAMCRO boys, and her mother stayed away most of the year. Sounded like heaven to Hannah. She envied her not being a puppet on the stage as the parents watched from box seats like the rest of them.

"What a fucking bitch," Tara hissed as the girl passed by them, "I would like to take a skate board to her face."

She could feel the anger coursing through her as the final words left her mouth. The way the girls flung themselves at Jax disgusted her. He was hers, and she would be damned if any of them got close enough to him to change that. When they had become intimate her eyes had been opened to so many things she had never seen before. One of them being the whores that were constantly hanging around Jax hoping for just a moment of his time, it drove her insane with jealousy. He's mine bitches.

"Damn, baby," Jax reached out with the spare helmet, "I think it's sexy as fuck when you are in the mood to brawl over me, darlin'."

"Sexy," Tara arched her brow as she repeated the word back to him, "You best not give me a reason to be kicking ass over you, Jax."

"Tara," Jax spoke her name softly as he reached out pulling her body into his, "You have nothing to worry about, trust me."

"She likes you, Jax, oh wait Jackson." Tara could feel her annoyance building over the situation as she let out a deep breath that almost sounded like a groan of agony. Loving him was not easy because everyone wanted him. They wanted her Jax and he was hers, all hers.

She loved Jax but he really pissed her off sometimes. He could be so damned blind, she paused for a moment wondering if he was blind or just playing stupid. Tara honesty believed in her heart when it came to Hannah he was playing stupid. Shit the whole town knew she had a crush on him, how could he not know. Deep down she knew Jax cared for her in some strange way.

"The writing is clearly in jumbo print on the large wall in the middle of Charming High for all to see, Hannah Marshall likes Jackson Teller as more than a childhood friend." Tara crossed her arms as a pout formed on her lips.

"Hannah? No, she's just friendly like that with everyone. We grew up together and stuff that's all." Jax placed his black sunglasses on his face in hasty manner to hide his eyes from Tara. Turning almost as hastily to mount his bike and get the fuck out of the parking lot.

He knew Tara had been right Hannah did like him. He liked her. She always had liked him, but just wouldn't admit it to herself or him for whatever reason. He didn't share the fact with Tara that he had chased her skirt for years, until finally reaching the point of exhaustion. He really liked her but it finally got so frustrating he couldn't be bothered with her anymore.

Just a few short weeks later Tara Knowles had entered his life, and he couldn't see himself being with anyone else. What they had was some kind of forever shit, scary as hell forever shit, couldn't breathe without one another forever shit, but definitely forever. A partial smile formed as he felt Tara sit behind him on the bike wrapping her delicate arms tightly around his waist, almost possessively. He reached down touching her hands that were joined together around him, her fingers interlaced. The warmth of her flesh alone calling out to him, Christ I love her.

"Tara, I love you," The words were just a mumble as he cradled her intertwined hands underneath his. He could feel that familiar stirring of excitement deep within him as he inhaled deeply, the smell of her perfume permeating the air around him.

Tara leaned into Jax as she heard the faint words drift from his lips. She closed her eyes for a moment envisioning their future; she could see nothing but his face. He was her future, he was her everything. He's mine, she thought again as her eyes opened.

"Jax, I love you, I really do," The words were just a gentle hum drifting in the wind that gently caressed them as it breezed past.

Squeezing her hands once more, Jax reached up to start the engine of the bike, a certain peace and contentment washed over him as he speed out of the parking lot, his woman Tara, on the back of his bike, grasping him tightly.

"Is this the last of it?" Opie asked as he reached down with his massive arms to pick up the box of supplies sitting next to the front door of Amelia's house. "You know we are only going for a couple of days," He added before walking towards his father's truck that they had borrowed for the weekend.

"I know that," Amelia quickly followed behind him, "But it's not as if there is a store close by we can pop into once we arrive. Why not be prepared with all the essentials that are needed for a good camping experience."

"Ok, first of all A true camping takes place in a tent, outdoors not in a cabin with electricity, running water, and a bathroom. Second how important is something this to survival in the wilderness? " Opie reached into the box holding up three packages of unopened black elastic hair ties.

"We are putting up tents around the cabin; doesn't that count as camping in a way, Opie?" She reached out snatching the packages from him his hands placing them back in the box. She paused for a moment wondering how they got in the food box to begin with. Christ I hope nothing else got into the food box that was meant for my bag, she shifted nervously at the thought.

"I'll have you know a woman being able to pull her hair back when she needs is very important, Opie Winston," She tilted her head giving him a sassy look before continuing, "You can't just use any old thing to pull your hair back, these hair ties have to be covered in this fabric to prevent the hair from being damaged."

Opie stood with his mouth partially open, he liked Amelia he truly did but he was so grateful she was Aiden's to deal with, and not his. Christ he thought she must be good in bed he couldn't imagine having to deal with all her girlie shit 24/7. Prime example what the fuck difference did a hair tie make? Christ when he felt like pulling his hair back he just grabbed a god damned rubber band. Fabric covered hair tie, fucking rubber band, shit what the hell difference did it all that make. He could already feel his head throbbing as he lowered the box into the bed of the truck; just as the roar of two Harleys entered the driveway. Thank fuck the Calvary is here.

Amelia looked toward the rumble of the engines with a brilliant smile on her face as Aiden followed by Jax with Tara in tow rolled up the long driveway towards them. She hadn't seen Aiden in several days, or the other boys for that matter they had been off on club business as they called it. The cycle had been going on for a few weeks now. Home for a day or so out again for several days, and she had missed him immensely. Running toward him as he walked from his already parked bike she jumped into his arms.

"Hey baby," She spoke the words breathlessly against his lips before gently lowering her mouth to his.

Aiden breathed in with a sigh of relief as he held her in his arms, her soft, moist lips brushing against his. The last few days had been bloody; he had washed his hands a hundred times but still felt as if they were stained. The end result, which was the Mayan's backing the fuck off them, had made it well worth the gruesome acts that had occurred. To Aiden one of the best things about a peace treaty being reached with the Mayans was that the SAMREN Charter heading back to Reno tomorrow morning. He was ready for them to leave, he paused for a moment knowing that wasn't entirely true, it wasn't the entire charter he minded having around. He was however grateful that Fucko was leaving Charming, and hopefully not returning anytime soon, and if that meant not seeing the other Reno brothers then so be it. Adios Fucko!

Clay and Piney known past several days had been bloody ones even for the seasoned members. The fact that the boys were still young hadn't entirely eluded them. Piney had suggested to Clay they be allowed to just be young men for a few days after all the blood that had flowed upon the ground. He remembered how it was when he and JT were young, serving the country in Vietnam. Those young years you never got back. Some things left permanent stains that couldn't be removed. Surprisingly Clay had agreed with his VP for once and rewarded each of them with a few days to just have fun with the girls, no club or worries he had told them. Even insisting they leave their cuts at home, be normal he had said. Piney had handed Opie the keys to the cabin, and his truck, suggesting they go up there and blow off some much needed steam with the girls.

When the freedom was offered to them they decided to grab at it with both hands. Aiden had called up Amelia, and she had set Marie into motion obtaining everything they would need. Opie over with the truck to get it loaded so they could leave Charming and all the demands of the club behind for a few days.

"Great, not even on the road and the A Team is at it, fuck I am not watching ya'll paw at one another all weekend." Opie leaned up against the truck shaking his head, his thoughts drifting to Donna who was finishing her packing. He was going to stop and pick her up on the way out of town. They had decided to drive the truck, and let Jax and Aiden take their bikes. He needed time alone with Donna anyway and the drive in the truck was perfect.

Jax and Tara burst out laughing at the ongoing banter that was nonstop between Aiden and Opie about his very public display of affection with Amelia. The usual response was given by Aiden as he flipped Opie off not even pausing from kissing Amelia. Opie turned his head to eye Jax.

"You have no room to laugh, brother" He eyed his friend with a knowing smirk upon his face; "You and Tara are running a close second place."

"Amelia, don't forget your bag up stairs honey." Marie called out from the massive double doors of the cathedral as she waved at the new arrivals with a welcoming smile on her face.

"Jesus Christ, another bag Amelia?" Opie eyes narrowed at her "Thought I had already loaded your bag in the back of the truck."

"It's just a small one it won't take up much room, Opie." Amelia lowered herself from Aiden's reluctant arms grabbing his hand leading him towards the doors to collect the final bag.

"Aiden, fuck we aren't going to have room for the other shit at this rate. I am not taking the god damned van." Opie arched his brow as he spoke his warning with a true parental tone.

Aiden pulled on Amelia's hand lightly turning her around to him, stepping close to her the need already gnawing at him. He hadn't been with her for days and it was making him feel truly insane.

"Baby, we are camping around the cabin you don't need that much stuff," Reaching out he brushed a lock of hair from her face, a broad smile crossing own as he looked at her.

"Just this one last small bag, please," She grinned at him her eyes twinkling as she leaned closer to whisper in his ear.

"The bag is coming so get over the fuck over it, Opie." Aiden called out as her lips moved away from his ear, he smirked at Amelia as they disappeared into the house.

"What do you suppose is in the bag?" Tara inquired looking from Jax then to Opie.

"I don't even wanna to fuckin' go there." Opie stepped towards the house followed by the Jax and Tara.

"So, did hear about all the strange murders that have been taking place around Charming the last couple of weeks? My parents were really worried about allowing me to come, but they love Opie and he was able to convince them that it would be safe up here." Donna held the marshmallow towards the camp fire as she spoke the words.

Amelia reached out taking the joint from Tara that they had just lit. Inhaling deeply she closed her eyes for a moment before exhaling as she looked up at the night sky. The moon was full its light bursting through the darkness. The stars shown bright twinkling down at her as if they were winking. She could hear the sounds of the night coming alive all around her.

"No, I don't watch the news that shit is boring as fuck," Amelia plopped back on the blanket she was sitting upon continuing her exploration of the sky, "The only universe I give a shit about is the one that includes you guys and Aiden, the rest of it I could care less about."

"What type of murders, Donna?" Tara asked before placing the rolled joint to her lips once again inhaling deeply, she motioned towards Donna who declined immediately.

Donna had always been a little reserved about getting high, and drinking. Only occasionally partaking with the rest of them, Tara had noticed in the last few weeks though even the occasional indulgence had stopped. She eyed Donna closer, her gut kept telling her something was going on but she just couldn't place her finger on it. Tara had asked Amelia's her opinion a few days prior, after they had shared a girl's night together. Amelia was oblivious however, and had not noticed anything unusual about Donna over the last few weeks, other than the stomach virus that she couldn't seem to shake. Tara looked over at Donna a possibility entering her mind; quickly she discounted it knowing that it simply wasn't a plausible theory.

"Well, I heard it on the news, and then later my parents were talking about it. They have been finding these men beaten and tortured to death at various locations in Charming. It all started a couple of weeks ago. They said the torture was like something out of one of those horror movies. Really bad stuff, must be a sick minded individual that would do that don't you think?" Donna removed her marshmallow from the fire inspecting it closely before taking a small bite.

Amelia rose up from her blanket her eyes locked with Tara's for a moment before looking over at Donna.

"Did you say the murders started a couple of weeks ago, Donna?" Amelia looked over towards the boys who were crowded around passing a joint amongst them laughing heartily.

"Yes, my dad really feels it's probably some sort of gang activity. All of the men they found were Mexicans." She replied in a carefree manner returning her attention to the roasted marshmallow.

Amelia looked over at Aiden once again who hadn't been with her most of the nights over the last few weeks. Really since the night of the incident at the TM, when she had inquired he had been very vague replying it was club business. She had heard him mumbling to the others about a Mayan issue though.

One night he had shown up at the cathedral very shaken and heading straight for the bathroom not even stopping to kiss her. After an hour she had grown concerned walking into the bathroom picking up his t-shirt from the floor as he stood under the shower staring blankly at the tile wall. She could have sworn there was blood on it, but the dark coloring prevented being able to tell for sure. When he stepped out of the shower she had dropped the shirt quickly to the floor. He had collected the items abruptly and she had not seen the shirt again.

Tara watched Amelia as her face grew slightly pale at the words Donna had spoken; she knew what was going through her head. She looked over at the boys huddled around laughing; they were more carefree than Tara had seen them in weeks. That was one good thing about being around the clubhouse she could keep better track of what was really going on with Jax, not just what he decided to tell her. She knew that Aiden had forbid Amelia to be near the TM or clubhouse after the parking lot incident. Personally she thought it was a mistake for him to try and keep the two parts of his life so separate, but he hadn't asked her opinion on it so she hadn't offered.

"Hey lets go get some beers from the fridge inside," Tara looked over at Amelia as she spoke the words.

"Sure," Amelia muttered standing up almost as if she were a lifeless zombie following Tara towards the cabin entering the kitchen.

"It wasn't Aiden," Tara spoke the words casually as she reached inside the refrigerator. She knew her words were partially a lie knowing that he had shot one of the men in head. From what she had heard circulate around the TM it was more of a self defense thing. Kill or be killed.

"But if they were there ….." Amelia's face grew paler, "He … they were involved if they were there, Tara."

"Stop it, Amelia. Get your shit together." Tara spoke the words sternly and for a moment she felt as if she were Gemma Jr, "Listen, what I am going to tell you, you have to swear not to speak a word of it. Not around the guys and especially around Donna." She narrowed her eyes searching Amelia's as she waited for a response.

"Ok…." Amelia's words barely audible she felt unsure if she really wanted to hear what Tara had to say, already feeling as if she had heard more than she cared.

"That Reno guy, the one from the parking lot," Tara handed a few of the cold beers to Amelia as she continued, "The tortures they were him, well and Tig, but from what I hear circulating the really, really bad stuff was the Reno guy."

"You mean the guy, the one that helped me with, Donna?" Amelia shook her head in disbelief walking over the counter sitting the beers down, fearful they would slip from her numb fingers, "I … I don't believe that, he seemed nice. He wasn't much older than us. Tara you have to be wrong."

"Nice? Fuck he pulled a gun on your man," Tara looked at Amelia curiously wondering why she was taking up for a complete stranger, "How nice is that really? He pulled a gun on Aiden. Anyway I hear whispers he is pretty sorted."

Amelia attempted to process the words Tara spoken but her mind was cluttered and she could feel a headache building.

"What about Aiden?" She glared at Tara hard, "What have you heard about him? Has he killed someone, Tara?" She could hear her voice raise an octave.

Tara caught off guard by Amelia's question could feel her face say the words her mouth did not. She cursed herself for the lack of control over her emotion. Fuck me! Jax is going to be so pissed and Aiden also! Tara hoped she didn't get herself banished from the clubhouse.

Amelia stood staring at Tara in shock; she didn't need a verbal confirmation from her, her face clearly showed she had heard whispers about Aiden. She thought back to the shirt on the bathroom floor.

"You girl needs some help," Aiden stepped into the kitchen smiling followed by Jax who was grinning from ear to ear.

Both smiles dropped as they looked from Amelia and then back at Tara. Glancing at each other with arched brows not sure what had just taken place between the two girls.

"Baby, are you ok?" Aiden approached Amelia and noticed she stepped back from him slightly almost as if she were scared.

"I am fine," Amelia looked down at the floor unable to make eye contact, "Just getting a headache, think I smoked a little too much, too quickly." She looked up offering a feeble smile that she could tell Aiden wasn't buying, "I just need some air…." Her voice quivered slightly as she slipped around him rushing to the front door of the cabin.

"What the fuck?" Jax spoke the words as he watched Amelia head to the door as if she were frightened, he turned his gaze back to Tara searching for an answer, "What the hell is going on?" He continued to eye her curiously as he asked the question.

"I'm….. I'm not sure she just started complaining of a headache," Tara eyed the floor nervously she could feel both guys glaring at her for a better answer.

"You feeling ok, baby?" Opie pulled Donnas' small frame into the curvature of his side as they sat in front of the campfire. He watched the flame as it danced around the circular area created by the large stones.

"We need to tell them soon." Donna whispered the words softly as she rested her head against Opie.

"Yeah, I know," Opie sighed knowing their news was definitely going to come as a huge surprise to their close knit group, "Let's tell them once we get back, maybe in a couple weeks." He brushed the top of her forehead with his lips.

Truthfully it wasn't just his friends that he wanted to give a little more time, but himself as well. Opie needed to digest the news that Donna was pregnant a while longer. He supposed he had realized it the night she was sick at the TM, he knew Gemma was aware immediately. Opie had actually sought her advice after Donna had confirmed what he already knew. Gemma had been her usual wonderful mama bear self offering Opie advice, but also listening to him. She had hugged him tight before he left that day reminding him regardless she was there for him and the club as well. She had also promised not to tell Jax until Opie and Donna were ready. He was truly grateful the club would be there, because he knew Donnas parents were going to hit the fucking roof when they found out. He knew the news would rock both of his brothers also.

"I love you, Donna," He peered down into her face as he spoke the words, the flickering flame of the fire silhouetting around her. His heart burst with love. She was the best part of him, he knew that.

"I love you, Opie," Donna looked into his eyes lost in them; she knew he tried to give the outward appearance to others that he was all rough, and gruff.

The real Opie though, the one she loved wasn't rough and gruff. He was like a big cuddly teddy bear with her. His heart was full of love for him, unconditional love. She was scared about being so young, but she was confident he would always love her, be there for her. She reached up to brush his lips with her own just as Amelia flew out the front door of the cabin, making sounds that to Donna sounded like uncontrolled sobs.

"Amelia?" Donna lifted her from around Opie.

"Hey, A?" Opie called out as she disappeared quickly into the trees surrounding the cabin. He was just about to stand to go after her when he saw Aiden burst out of the door. Opie immediately pointed his finger in the direction that Amelia had gone, the trees quickly concealing Aiden's frame as he ran towards her.

"Tara, babe I am not angry at you, but you have to understand what you hear at the clubhouse, you don't repeat that to anyone," Jax looked up at the ceiling a scowl crossing his face, he slowly lowered his head lifting his hand as he did to running his fingers through his blonde strands, "You have opened up a huge can of worms, baby. FUCK!" He shook his head looking at the ceiling again.

"I am sorry, Jax." Tara spoke the words in a humble manner as if she were a child being scolded.

Jax stood for a moment with his eyes closed unsure if he should remain in the kitchen or go help find Amelia and attempt to explain things to her. Opening his eyes he decided to remain in the kitchen and let Aiden attempt to handle her first. He couldn't pretend not to be concerned however he had seen the way she stepped back from Aiden, he had also seen the look of fear in her eyes. Not a good combination.

Jax looked Tara in the eyes he wasn't angry at her, it was his own fault for not explaining to her that she wasn't to discuss club whispers with Donna, and especially not Amelia. He knew Opie felt strongly about keeping Donna sheltered from the ugly side of the life, only wanting her to see and experience the good that the MC had to offer. Despite the hardships there was good in the MC. Jax knew from talking to Aiden he wanted to keep Amelia from it all. The good and the bad, he wanted her to be separated from it all. He actually thought Aiden's decision was not the correct avenue, unrealistic for the long haul, but it was his brothers' relationship and he had to respect what he wanted.

Tears began to well in Tara's eyes as she watched Jax stand before her in deep thought, she knew she had messed up and desperately wanted to fix her mistake. She made every attempt to hold back the tears, but finally a solitary drop escaped finding its way down her cheek. Then a dam broke and the flood began.

"Darlin' don't cry," Jax heart broke a little when he looked up to find tears flowing from Tara's eyes; he reached out pulling her into him.

"I'm sorry, Jax," Tara nuzzled her head into his chest, "Please don't be angry at me, I just can't take you being angry with me," her voice almost pleading with him the sobs now coming uncontrollably.

"Shhh… Shhh its ok Tara. I love you, baby. It's ok." He touched the top of her forehead with his lips before raising her face so he could look into her eyes.

This was so not what he had planned for their evening, and he suspected Aiden felt the same. Shit! Life was so confusing lately one small fire would erupt, get stomped out and another would follow. Little did Jax know the small fires they were now all facing on a regular basis were just a preview to the full blown four alarm shit they would be facing in just a few short years.

He looked into Tara's eyes not knowing what he would do if she ever looked at him fearful as he had just seen Amelia look at Aiden. Cupping both his hands on each side of her face he gazed even deeper into her hazel colored eyes with his blue ones. He was unsure how long they remained entranced with one another, he just knew that when their lips touched a wave of relief flooded over him that they were balanced once more. The warmth they had created from that contact had righted anything that was not correct just seconds ago. He knew it was insane the feelings they had for one another. He knew it was a whirlwind that could very well tear them to shreds, but he didn't care. All he knew was he had to have her, be with her, breath her in, love her, he had no say, no option in the matter. Jax knew in his heart there was nothing Tara Knowles could ever do that would quench the fire of his undying love for her. Slowly he reached down picking her up into his arms not even speaking as he headed straight for the bedroom stopping only to kick the door, open and then closed behind them.