{Charming, March 3, 1993}
Sometimes things start with a good idea. You realize there is a need and you come up with an answer to that need. Other times things just begin. The Sons of Anarchy was the name I came up with in 8th grade for me and my best friends. We were going to change the world. What we really did was do the things that most kids do in a small town. Raised a little hell, drank a few six packs and smoked a little dope. Took a few things that didn't belong to us. We loved cars and motorcycles, but most of all the feel of the wind on our faces. Didn't matter that we didn't have much money, the material items others desire and lusted for we of little importance. We had true freedom. If you are reading this and have ever tasted true freedom you know there is no amount of money that compares. In that moment in time we were at our richest, and we didn't even know it.
When we returned from the war, society, the system treated each of us like an outcast. That's when the Anarchy became more to us than just a name we had come up with as children. It became more than just a name, it became out life, our world, or own social system. Each brother filling for the other what society simply couldn't provide a sense of belonging ….
Placing the typed manuscripts in the leather bindings he had purchased the day prior, John closed his eyes hoping that peace would wash over him. Peace eluded him. Peace never came anymore. He wondered if there would even be peace in death. Leaning back in the kitchen chair he could only stare blankly at the stark white ceiling. The color white holding no semblance of innocence for him any longer, his virginal status long gone. Not virginal in the respect of him bedding a woman, but all of it. His lifeless brown eyes looked down at his hands, they were not innocent any longer, and they had killed for his country and his brothers.
Grimacing as if in excruciating pain, he brought his hands to his face rubbing his eyes. It was late and the run was going to begin early the next morning. Looking down he knew what lay in front of him was way more important than the run. It gave him a momentary sense of renewed energy. He knew the words typed on the paper were much more important than the few hours of sleep that may or may not come. Each word resembled hope for the future. He was entrusting the copies with his best friend, one for Jackson, and one for her. John signed deeply only praying that she wouldn't hate him, and would have pity on his poor wicked weary soul.
Gathering the original manuscript along with the three copies John's feet felt heavy as he headed towards the long hallway. He wondered if this was how criminals felt like walking the last mile before entering the gas chamber. His feet stopped when he reached the outside of Thomas' room. His fingers touching the knob, but no turning it. Quickly he released it unable to enter the ghost filled room. I'll see you soon son, he whispered the words as he leaned his forehead up against the hard wood.
Forcing his unwilling feet to move, he began his walk once again, stopping outside of Jackson's room. Placing his hand on the door knob, this time he was able to open the door. A weary smile crossed his face as he beheld the beauty of his son sleeping. Jax, the son that didn't bear his name like Thomas, but was his kindred spirit. Leaning his masculine stature against the smooth wall by the door he continued to watch his son's chest rise in fall in synchrony. The boy was already reminding him so much of himself it sent chills down his spine at times. His fingers formed a death grip around the manuscripts that now rested in both hands. He will triumph where I failed, his thoughts shifting to her for a moment. The strength and influence she had over Jax already was huge. They will both triumph where I failed. The silent unspoken words rang throughout his entire being, and for the first time in a very long time he felt a miniscule flicker of hope that were in his typed words. The flicker was soon snuffed out as cool breeze wisped around him. John allowed his eyes to browse the room. He knew the reaper was close he could feel his icy breath on him constantly. The time was drawing near, he smirked for a moment, and eventually we must all pay the reaper.
{St. Thomas, June 13, 1996}
Piney felt as if an earthquake were shaking his entire being as the violent tremors coursed through him. The mix of endless coughing and lack of booze was taking its toll on him faster than he had expected. Emphysema was bitch he snarled under his breath, even more of a bitch than my ex-wife. Inhaling deeply the oxygen pumped through the uncomfortable plastic prongs in his nose. The doctor had been clear that this was now a permanent part of his daily life, no longer an option. His nasal passages burned and itched from dryness. Resting his head back on the less than luxurious pillow he forced himself to close his eyes and attempt to rest.
"I feel like throwing in the god damned towel." The words mumbled, not even spoken loud enough for the fly on the wall to hear him.
"That's not an option my, old friend." The familiar voice drifted to his ears.
Bolting straight up, Piney shook his head in disbelief as he stared at the ghostly image in front of him.
"Stay strong just a little longer, Piney. They need you, Jackson needs you." The deep voice drew closer, "The time has come for hope."
"I know it has JT." Piney watched as the comforting image of his best friend dissipated from the room. Hot tears welled in his eyes as the loneliness washed over him, and he rolled helplessly in the wave of regret.
Gemma leaned her willowy body against the door pane of the TM office, as her arrogant hazel eyes roamed the parking lot. The heat of the morning sun already pounding down on the black top pavement, a polluted haze developing in the air. Another beautiful Cali day, a sneer graced her lips as the familiar rumble filled her ears. Stepping out onto the pavement allowing her hips to move sinuously, Gemma walked towards the sweet music.
"Hey Baby." Clay reached out placing his large hands around her waist allowing them to rest in the small curvature of her back.
"Hey Baby." Gemma searched his eyes.
Clay fixed his blue eyes on her hazel ones. He knew without verbalizing a word what her question was and what she expected. Leaning his large forehead against hers, he closed his eyes for just a moment. Opening them only when he felt her slender fingers cupping the sides of his bulky cheeks.
"Baby?" Gemma searched his eyes deeper.
"The Doc said it's downhill from here." Clay heaved out a large breath from his gigantic chest, "Fuck may not even be able to ride his damn bike anymore."
"So, it's time for him to step up, Clay." Gemma massaged his face with the flesh of her palms, "We knew this time was coming, at least Jax is 18 now."
"Fuck babe," Clay dreaded the next words, "He's so out of whack lately getting arrested every five minutes. I just don't know." Nervously he shifted his eyes from hers.
"Clay, a little police record ain't shit." Gemma narrowed her eyes as she moved his head so he could no longer avoid her gaze, "We have a whole wall full of mug shots we proudly display for all to see."
"Ain't a matter of him having a record so much as the carelessness that brought the charges about," Clay knew he could voice his feeble arguments all day long, but he had made a pact with Piney. His wife Gemma had certain expectancies as well. The vote had already been decided when he took the Presidents seat. The VP chair would go to Jax and Jax only. To go back on his word now would make him lose face with the men he led. The fuckin' old man would make sure of that even if it took his last breathe to carry out the task.
"Jax will fall into line with you, Clay, he respects you." Gemma gently she pressed her sinewy body into his dense muscles.
He pondered her words for a moment as her body began to coil around him like a damned boa constrictor. Fucking pussy of hers makes me a weak man every damned time.
"Lets' go to the office so we can talk about this in private, sweetheart." Her demeanor and words becoming that of a seductress looking to tame her next victim.
Fuckin' Christ! You are screwed now, Morrow! Clay's subconscious rang out as Gemma guided him towards the office. Her ass still looked good two kids and a few years under her belt. His mouth watered as he watched it swing back and forth like a pendulum on an old grandfather's clock.
Hannah's sang along with the music on the radio as she drove towards Teller-Morrow. The tune was catchy and had lifted her spirits somewhat. She had agreed to help Gemma with organizing the office of the garage a few weeks before graduation. A few weeks before the cabin, she thought regretfully. Trying to take the coward's way out of her embarrassing predicament, she had attempted to tell Gemma "No". Hannah had forgotten what it was like to tell Queen of the MC no.
Turning off the main street her car passed through the large wrought iron gates of the garage. She could feel her heart begin to pound against the wall of her chest as she saw the bikes, one in particular, parked in its usual resting spot. Hannah raised her delicate hand to her cheek which felt warm to touch. She knew it was because her face of was already a crimson shade. You haven't even walked inside yet, chastising herself the door handle she hesitated for just a moment. Now or never I suppose.
"Hey doll." Tig wrapped his lips around Twix candy bar as he watched Hannah get out of her expensive sports car.
Happy walked up behind Tig his eyes fixated on the girl. He could feel the corners of his mouth giving way to a small smile. Attempting to fight the movement his mouth lips moved as if he had no voluntary control over them. She was beautiful, breathing taking in his opinion. He found himself shifting his weight nervously trying to find a comfortable position to stand in.
"Fuck you got ants in your pants or somethin' man?" Tig shifted his eyes to the side suspiciously eyeing his tattooed brother.
"Screw you." Happy mumbled.
Happy was always a man of few words, and when he spoke the words were usually simple. Standing before this girl though he felt as though his tongue wouldn't work at all. Simple words were even impossible to speak. He wondered for just a moment what it would be like to just hold her hand.
Hannah looked up at the tall man who towered above her. She could see his muscles through the white wife beater tank that he wore. The sleeveless top allowing several colorful tattoos to be on display, and several ripped muscles as well. He was intimidating to say the very least, but as she studied his eyes closer, Hannah noticed a kindness that he was obviously trying to hide. Beaming a radiant smile at him their eyes met for just a moment before he looked away nervously. Tilting her head slightly she continued to study him unsure of why she would be making him nervous.
"Hey Tig and …" Hannah paused she didn't even know the man's names.
Tig looked over at Happy with a trace of amusement on his face.
"Names Happy, Miss." He nodded his head.
"My name is Hannah." Her smile broadening. He's nothing but a teddy bear, she thought with amusement.
"What brings you our way, doll." Tig twitched both his eyes brows up and down quickly in a flirty way.
"I'm helping Gemma for a while." Hannah narrowed her eyes; she didn't much care for Tig Trager. He reminded her of a pervert in a trench coat flashing everyone.
"She's in the office, doll face." Tig licked his lips as he spoke, fresh meat she's bound to have turned 18 by now, the thought swirled in his sadistic mind.
Happy squinted his eyes at Tig in disapproval stepping between his brother and the girl.
"I'll walk her over." He nodded for the girl to proceed.
"Thank you, Happy." Hannah replied softly, shooting Tig a go to hell look.
"Friends here." Happy announced as they entered the garage where Jax was working along with Opie.
Hannah breathed a deep sigh, and her body relaxed when she didn't see Aiden present with them.
"Darlin'" Jax walked over hugging her immediately, "Ma said you would be here this summer lending her a hand."
"I am." Hannah blushed. Shit maybe it would have been better to see Aiden. The thought barely leaving her brain before the sound of rolling wheels under the car next to her could be heard. Then his voice, SHIT!
"Hey Hannah," Aiden peered up at her from underneath the car he was working on.
"Hey." Hannah muttered weakly.
Jax's eyes observed Hannah as she spoke to Aiden. Something seemed off between them, but he couldn't seem to put his finger on it.
"I'll just let Ma, know your here." Jax brushed her cheek with a friendly kiss before strutting off towards the closed office door.
Aiden wiped his hands with the grease rag as he stood up stretching his back. His eyes fixated on her, he could tell she was nervous.
"Can we talk, privately?" He whispered in her ear.
"No." She responded without thought.
"We really need to talk." Aiden looked at her, Please, his eyes said.
"I… I… really need to get to work." Hannah quickly made a bee line for Jax and the office door.
"Fuck me." Aiden growled as he followed closely behind her.
Opie looked up from the old Harley he was restoring for a customer as he watched the confusing exchange take place between Hannah and Aiden. His eyes closed in on the scene as his mind began to register why it looked so uncomfortable for them. Holy fuck. He shook his head cursing Aiden under his breath knowing once again he was going to be mediator again. The shit is certainly going to hit the fan this time!
"Ma, Han…. What the F…" Jax stood paralyzed at the view of his mother bent over the desk with Clay behind her.
"Fuck!" Clay growled as he looked over at his step-son, "Don't you kids ever fuckin' knock anymore? It's like you were raised in a barn."
Hastily he retreated from her zipping his pants.
"Damn it, Jax." Gemma huffed the irritation in her voice. No fucking orgasm for me this morning!
"Hey Gemma." Hannah's innocent voice rang out her eyes growing wide with shock as she stood behind Jax. Pivoting her body quickly she fell into Aiden's firm chest.
Aiden caught off guard by Hannah's quick turn and found her pressed up against his chest before he could step out of her way. He could feel her stumble and placed his arms to steady her stance.
"Do you mind?" Hannah wiggled free from Aiden's arms.
"Hannah, babe I am so sorry about that," Jax rolled his eyes, "My damn parents are like …" He stopped mid sentence as he noticed the tension between Aiden and Hannah. What the hell?
"It's fine." She snapped jerking free of Aiden's hold heading straight for the open garage doors.
Jax watched as Hannah walked away a scowl on his face as he focused his harsh gaze on his brother.
"What gives man?" Jax questioned his voice monotone.
"What?" Aiden arched his brow straightening his stance.
"Between you and Hannah." He looked over watching her scurry towards the door, "What the hell have you done now, Aiden?" Jax barked the words in a low irritated voice.
"Yo, Hannah." Jax called out, "Stop right there, darlin'"
Wasting no time Jax strutted over to Hannah.
"What's going on, Hannah?" Jax reached out grabbing her elbow spinning her gently around to face him.
As his clear blue eyes explored her brown ones he didn't need to ask what was going on a second time. His eyes caught Opie's for a fleeting moment before the color red took over. Tightening his fist he turned swiftly the sound of his boots pounding loudly as a dead silence fell over the entire room.
"Mother fucker," Opie grumbled as he watched his best friend move towards Aiden looking like a rooster on his way to a cock-fight. Laying his wrench down swiftly, Opie rose to his feet. As he watched the scene unfold, he knew there was no diffusing the atom bomb that was Jax Teller. When his brother was pissed, he moved fast, God damned day late and dollar short.
"YOU MOTHER FUCKER!" Jax yelled moments before his fist made contact with Aiden's face.
The sound of the small bones in his knuckles could be heard crunching as they connected with Aiden's right jaw causing him to stumble back into the wood bench behind him. Aiden could feel the bruises forming along both flanks as the wood abruptly halted him. His face already tightening, immediate swelling forming from the impact to his face. He could taste the metallic warm substance in his mouth.
The cans stored on the old rickety wood shelves above the work bench, only increasing the confusion as they began to fall on the concrete. Not waiting for the next hit to arrive Aiden immediately pushed his body away from the hard wood. Plunging at Jax he with all his force they both stumbled almost falling to the ground, Aiden jabbed his fist forcefully into his brother' abdomen.
"WHAT THE FUCK, MAN!" He spat at him.
"FUCKER!" Jax pushed back at Aiden.
"That's enough!" Opie grabbed Aiden's arm as he was about to strike out a Jax again.
Jax smirked as he watched Opie grab Aiden's arm. He knew what he was about to do was a cheap shot, he did it anyway. Tightening his fist up he moved to hit his brother with all the rage that was welling within him.
"Jackie Boy that's enough!" Chibs wrapped his arms around Jax pulling him back before he could strike his fellow patched brother. A brother that was standing defenseless now restrained.
Bobby stepped between the two young men that were being held back from each other.
"Fuck guys, what the hell is up with you both?" Bobby glared at Aiden harshly before turning to give Jax an even harsher glare. He knew like the others that his time to step up had come, but his short-tempered outbursts were going to have to stop if he wanted the full respect of others.
"Pussy, that's what's up." Tig sang out as he stepped next to Hannah intentionally allowing his eyes to roam her goods before turning his attention to the group of men.
"What do you think you are the fuckin' virgin whisperer, Aiden?" Jax jerked against Chibs grip trying to go at his brother again, "Wasn't enough you had Amelia was it? You sure fucked that one up brother. Well, I'll be fucked and go to hell if you wreck Hannah like you did her." Jax's anger raged through his entire being, "Do you hear me fucker, she's off-limits! She's mine!"
All eyes turned their attention to Jax as he spoke the last words. A pin could be heard dropping the room was so silent. All eyes turned to Hannah and then back to Jax.
Tig chuckled as he stood beside Hannah his eyes now giving her his full attention again. Happy looked over at Hannah, the shock on his face apparent. Aiden?
Hannah stood completely mortified unable to move her body forward or backwards as all eyes glared at her. She swallowed; the lump in her throat was so huge even her own saliva seemed unable to pass. Commanding her feet to move she walked back over to the two young men. Aiden's face covered in blood and Hannah was sure Jax had several bruises forming on his chest where Aiden had struck him. Her eyes fixated on the center of his tight-fitting grey t-shirt before she lifted them.
"Jax nothing happened." She whispered.
"Yeah sure! The pussy magnet just passed up the opportunity." Jax's nares flared, "When the fuck did this happen? WHEN? The cabin?" He shot his blue eyes back in Aiden's direction.
"Jax, please." Hannah pleaded her voice almost inaudible. God just kill me now. She could feel the hot tears pooling under the lids of her eyes. Her vision becoming blurrier by the minute.
"Jesus fuckin' Christ a man can't even bury his dick in his Old lady around here for five minutes without some sort of shit hittin' the fan." Clay barked the words loudly as he exited the office.
Gemma followed him, her fingers working feverishly to button her top as she made her way over to Hannah. She had heard Jax call out the words "she's mine" and Gemma's instantly knew he was talking about Hannah. She had actually expected this day to come a lot sooner than it had. Sighing deeply she closed her eyes for a moment as she wrapped her slender arm around the young girls shoulder. For the first time since his death she wished that JT was by her side.
"You ok sweetheart?" Gemma pressed her lips to the young girls head.
"Break this shit up!" Clay fumed, "All you fuckers get back to work, except you two."
Tara stood in the door of the garage her mouth gaped wide open. The words spoken by Jax stung her worse than anything she had every experienced in her life to date. She's mine! I fucking knew it! I fucking knew it! Her anger began to spiral out of control.
"Tara, NO!" Roxy screamed out as Tara bolted from her side.
"You fucking whore!" Tara grabbed Hannah by the hair pulling her from Gemma's hug.
Jax, Opie and Aiden stood stunned beyond belief as they watched Tara's anger blaze at Hannah, dragging her by the hair.
"I am going to smash your fucking face off the curb." Tara pulled a whining Hannah by her long brown hair.
"Tara, stop! It's not what you think!" Hannah shrieked unable to gain footing.
"Get your hands off her." Happys commanding voice filled the room as he stepped in front of the girls blocking the way.
"Tara!" Gemma walked up briskly behind the girl, "Get your fucking hands off her and bitch!"
Tara released Hannah who would have fallen to the ground if it had not been for Happys large arms catching her. Turning Tara found herself face to face with the queen bee.
"GO FUCK YOURSELF, GEMMA!" Tara screamed in her face.
The room which had already grown stunned and silent from the fight and Jax's confession now became hushed. All eyes turned to face Gemma and Tara.
"Why you little croweating bitch!" Gemma's hand sprang out rapidly, her palm meeting Tara's cheek with enough force to cause her head to snap back.
Tara's face stung as Gemma's hot palm slapped her flesh. The sound of flesh on flesh contact echoed through the room long after the impact had taken place. The room became even more painfully quite, even breathing had temporarily halted. Time stood still. Slowly Tara raised her head back up. Strands of hair splayed over her face as she felt her warm flesh reddening, the burning sensation almost unbearable. Fighting tears back, I will not cry, her eyes locked once again with the queen bee.
"I am not taking your shit any longer, sweetheart." Tara's voice dipped with sarcasm as she spoke the last word.
Without thought to the consequences of her actions, Tara drew back her own petite hand and smacked Gemma in the face with all her might. Years, months and days of pent-up rage coursed through her veins as her palm burned from contact with Gemma's right cheek. Before even allowing her mind to wrap itself around what she had just done, Tara spit in the Queens face. The gasp of several brothers could be heard.
Gemma's hazel eyes burned with hatred as she let out a scream of pure rage. Moving closer to Tara, determined to wring her fucking neck, she felt what she knew was Clay's strong-arm holding her back.
"Simmer down babe." Clay growled in her ear, "Now is not the time or place." He lowered his voice to a whisper as he spoke the last words.
"We will have our day you little whore." Gemma spat the words at her, "I promise you, we will have our day."
"Let's go, Tara." Roxy pulled her friend towards the door her eyes blazing fury at Aiden. Mother fucker!
"Tara, wait." Jax moved hastily across the room, "It's not what you think, babe."
"You get the fuck away from me, Jax Teller!" Tara raised her trembling hand to keep him pushed back, "Don't come near me."
"Babe, please." Jax pleaded.
"DON'T COME NEAR ME!" Tara's screams echoed off the walls of the garage.
"Come on." Roxy implored, "Let's just go." Her eyes still fixed on Aiden's which offered her no remorse for what had just occurred. Cold mother fucker!
Tara felt numb as she allowed Roxy to direct her to the passenger seat of the Camaro. Only once inside did she let go, her body racked with uncontrollable sobs as they pulled from the TM parking lot. She was sure her broken heart would never repair itself.
Sitting at the bar stool Aiden picked up the cold brown bottle taking a large gulp. The cool liquid rolling down his throat providing a tiny bit of relief. He felt as if he were a whore who had been rode hard and hung up wet, Clay's loud voice still ringing in his ear. Pulling out his soft pack of Marlboros, thumping them on the bar counter, he pulled one out placing it to his mouth. He felt numb, more so than he had in a while. Several minutes passed before he even attempted to light the cigarette that hung loosely in his mouth. Tossing the pack on the bar he reached for the matches sitting in front of him, not having the energy or want to hunt for his lighter. Staring blankly he allowed his mind to drift to a place it shouldn't; a place he knew would only bring more pressure down on his shoulders. Aiden exhaled the smoke watching as it danced around him in a circular motion. Slamming the beer bottle down on the bar, her image consumed him. Fuck me!
Opie stood in front of the ladder in the hallway of the TM. Just as he was about climb upwards to comfort his best friend, he caught the view of Aiden sitting at the bar. Placing his gigantic foot on the first wrung of the ladder he paused and looked back at his brother once more. Opie felt a tug at his heart; he knew that Jax always came first, Aiden last. He honestly didn't mean for it to happen that way, but in this case he was glad it had. Opie irritated beyond belief at Aiden.
He didn't know what in the fuck his brother was thinking messing around with Hannah. Everyone in Charming and the next three counties for that matter knew better than to mess with her. David Hale had just gotten lucky, but Opie known if they had stayed together longer, Jax would have ended it for David. He would have splattered his ass all over the football field for the fine folks of Charming to see. As it was they had gotten into a few slug outs in the parking lot while they were dating.
Opie adored Tara, he knew Jax was head over heels in love with her, but he wasn't blind to history. History his father had said sometimes pulled at your shirt tails regardless of what your heart was drawn. History with Hannah hung around Jax's neck like a fuckin' noose. Opie supposed it probably did for her as well. Stroking his thick beard he contemplated the triangle of bullshit that Aiden had created. Allowing a large breath to heave from his chest Opie moved from the ladder heading towards the bar.
"Don't start your shit with me, Opie." Aiden's monotone voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Listen, I am trying not to judge you here, but fuck man." Opie narrowed his eyes as his hand continued to stroke his long beard, "You should have known better."
"Fuck, do you two ever bother to give me the benefit of the mother fuckin' doubt? I get so tired of being the third wheel with you both." Aiden spit out the words harshly.
"Damn brother, what the fuck, how would you feel if patched brother made a move on Amelia?" Opie offered up the comparison, "Yeah, she ain't yours anymore but it would hurt like hell wouldn't it?"
Aiden inhaled deeply he knew Opie was right. If a patched brother were to ever make a move on Amelia he would come unglued. He had already proved that truth when that Fucko from Reno just flirted with her a little in the parking lot. Fuck, Aiden chided to himself, he didn't even flirt with her you just flew, flew into a jealous rage. Just like Jax. Relaxing his body for the first time in the last few hours he realized he should have cleared things up immediately with Jax. He knew what he needed to do; Aiden just hoped she forgave him.
Jax sat on the roof of the TM, shaking his head weakly from side to side in disbelief over the events that had taken place. Clay had just finished reaming not only his ass hole but Aiden's as well. Just when he thought the reaming was over, Clay decided to keep him over for an extra thirty minutes. . Jesus Christ! Dropping his head he ran the pads of his fingers through the sun glistened blonde strands. I have to go talk to, Tara. Her image running over and over in his corridors of his mind. Jax knew he should have gone over to her immediately instead of standing by as an onlooker in the crowd. Standing by like a damned Coward, he criticized himself harshly.
Turning his head to the faint sound of footsteps, he nodded as Opie approached, followed by Aiden. Jax knew the stirring to pound his fist into Aiden's face again was wrong, but god damn it he couldn't help it. Taking several cleansing breaths he attempted to regain his composure and tame the inner beast that raged.
"Jax, brother, can we talk?" Aiden approached him cautiously knowing that if another confrontation ensued one or both was going to be hurt. Jax was tough and fast Aiden would give him that.
Nodding his head for Aiden to sit, Jax once again filled his lungs with air. Jesus Christ get ahold of yourself it's not like he slept with Tara.
Opie hovered in the background deciding not to sit incase his brothers tempers flared once again. The roof of the TM wasn't exactly an ideal place for that to occur. They were both short-tempered fucks when they wanted. Opie shook his head in agitation knowing he too would be a short-tempered ass when it came to Donna.
"Jax, I didn't want you to find out about Hannah like you did." Aiden paused before continuing, "I wanted to talk to you about it when we got back from the cabin."
"So, you were fucking her at the cabin? Damn, Aiden you are a piece of mother fuckin' work!" Jax could feel his blood boiling once again as Opie placed his enormous hand on his shoulder holding him into place.
"Jesus Christ!" Aiden ran his fingers through his already tussled curly hair, "Man, we didn't have sex….Shit, I didn't even touch her."
"Don't lie to me!" Jax raised his voice attempting to stand once again, held in place even stronger by Opie's firm hand.
"Man, listen she's going to hate me for telling you this," Aiden once again paused, "She approached me."
Both men looked at one another then back to Aiden with their brows arched in disbelief.
"It's true. Fuck, I promised not to tell anyone." Aiden let out a weary sigh, "She only approached me because we were friends, and ….."
"And what?" Jax eyed him curiously along with Opie.
"And she couldn't have you….." Aiden let out an even heavier sigh as he spoke the last words.
"Well, there it is can't say this was a total surprise." Opie interjected.
Both Aiden and Jax looked up at him with disapproval on their faces.
"Oh, come off it, Jax." Opie huffed, "You and Hannah have chased each other around this damned town long before Tara Knowles entered the game."
Aiden lowered his head, he knew what Opie said was true. Like Opie though he liked Tara, although he had noticed a lot of changes in her since she had befriended Roxy. They weren't changes for the better either. If he didn't know better he would swear she was wired on something. He had seen too many porn stars wired up on coke not to recognize the signs. Aiden knew about Roxy's habit but didn't give a fuck either way. Tara though was a different story.
"Jesus Christ!" Jax grumbled, "What am I going to do? Fuck! I can't see my life without Tara, and I can't stand to see Hannah with another guy! SHIT!"
"I don't know what to tell you, brother." Opie cast his eyes down.
"I am not going to pretend to be some freaking Romeo expert. Shit, man. You are right I fucked things up royally with Amelia. I know this though, if I ever get her back in my life, I'll make it work. I don't give a shit what I have to do." Aiden lowered his head. "Don't let the girl you love slip away."
Jax could only stare straight ahead. He knew what he had to do, there were no options. He couldn't be without Tara. I gotta make things right with Tara, and then I gotta let Hannah go. A sense of dread filled him as he realized the damage may have already been done. Christ how could you be so stupid, Teller.
Aiden pulled up at his apartment a frown creasing his face the instant he saw Roxy's Camaro parked and her with her leaning lazily against the side waiting. Will this damned day ever end, he thought as he killed the engine to his Harley. Dragging his feet as if he were walking the miracle mile, Aiden finally found himself face to face with the girl he had fucked for months now. Yeah, she was hot as shit, but she was just a fuck. He knew that was all she was ever going to be, it was all any of them were ever going to be.
"What do you want, Roxy? It's been a long day and my mood is a bit shitty at the moment." Aiden spit the words out at her his lack of patience both plain in his voice and on his face.
"So, did you fuck her?" Roxy glared at him with daggers in her eyes.
"No Roxy, I didn't fuck her," Aiden's cold eyes met hers, "But if I had it would be none of your damned business. We fuck, Roxy, nothing more." He knew the words were cold but he suddenly felt dirty just standing close to her.
"You are a cold-hearted son of a bitch, Aiden." Roxy bit her lip in trying to hold back the tears, "No wonder she left you."
"Don't you even go there, bitch!" Aiden screamed in her face, "Listen, get your croweating ass out of here, we are done!" He turned quickly walking towards the first floor apartment.
"I'm pregnant Aiden." Roxy called out loudly her voice flat.
WHAT THE FUCK! The internal scream shook his body as he pivoted turning back towards Roxy.
"It's not mine, and you know it!" Aiden yelled at her, "I don't take those kind of chances, especially not with whores!"
Roxy choked on the last words, she knew he was right it wasn't his mistake. She needed the cash though, not to take care the little mistake growing inside her, but for… she broke the thought off. Roxy knew she needed to focus if she was going to be successful.
"God help you Aiden….you truly are a cold bastard," Roxy fought to keep back the tears, his words hurt more than she imagined they would. She knew she cared for him way more than he ever would for her. It had always been that way, but she had hoped he would change. She realized there was no hope for Aiden Janowitz.
"Here," Aiden reached in his pocket grabbing his wallet to retrieve several one hundred-dollar bills, "Solution to your problem is on me, but bitch if you ever tell anyone it was my kid." He inhaled deeply his eyes centering on her, "I won't be responsible for what I do." Not ever bothering to wait for a response he turned his back and walked away.
Roxy watched as he walked away from her. The wave of nausea consuming her as she bent down to pick up the money scattered all over the cold hard black pavement. She thought for a fleeting moment how the pavement was like Aiden's heart.
The Harley bolted through the vacant streets; Jax hit the throttle to make sure he made the light that was turning yellow. He had known he had to get business taken care of. Get his girl. Turning off he pulled into the drive, his eyes looking vacantly at the house. Taking his helmet off and placing it on his handle bars, he ran his fingers through his hair one last time before beginning the walk to the front door. The walk that was hopefully going to fix everything, make things right. Ringing the doorbell he stood waiting, the cool evening breeze made him almost feel refreshed in a way.
"What do you want?" Her angry voice spit out at him.
Jax could only gaze into her eyes all the words he had planned to say to her had escaped him.
"What do you want?" She asked again her voice rose even louder.
I want you, was the only thought that rolled through his subconscious as he reached out cupping her face in his hands. As he pulled her into his body he knew Hannah Marshall would be a perfect fit.
"Are you sure you won't need this money?" Tara looked small stack of hundred-dollar bills Roxy handed her.
"No, the cad that's really responsible for the mistake has already paid in full." Roxy replied her voice devoid of emotion, "It's your ticket to freedom, Tara, just don't let Jax know please. I still have to stay here if you decide to go to San Diego. Luann will kick my ass to the curb if she knows I helped you get the money to get out of Charming."
The tears filled her eyes as she looked at the cash in her hands as if it were a deadly snake. Roxy had told her a few weeks ago she was pregnant, but that the baby wasn't Aiden's. Tara had been shocked at first, but then thought of the jokes that Jax and Opie always made about Aiden being the cautious one of the group. He was just like Amelia, hated the thought of ever having children. Tara didn't pretend to understand the dynamics of Roxy's relationship with Aiden. As she stood looking at the cash, recalling the day's events, Tara realized she didn't understand a lot.
Dr. Martin was right though she needed to leave the Charming, with or without Jax. Swindling the money from Aiden had been Roxy's idea. Roxy didn't have the money to loan her when she had asked before graduation. Roxy had only the money to take care of her problem. Taking care of her problem was going to require she be off work a few weeks. Being off work meant no money, and while Roxy made good money working for Luann, she spent every dime of her earnings as quickly as they arrived. The money that Roxy had swindled from Aiden was Tara's ticket out of Charming if she decided to leave.
Tara sat down on the corner of the bed; Jax's image was all she could see. The tears streamed down her face uncontrollably at the thought of leaving without him. Until the events at the garage had occurred, she had planned on begging him to go with her. Now, she didn't know what to do. He apparently had very strong feelings for Hannah, and then there was his mother. In all honesty while Tara was hurt about his unspoken feelings for Hannah, they didn't come as a complete surprise. She wasn't blind and like many others had seen the writing on the wall.
Gemma though her love for Jax was terrifying, unnatural even. Tara had seen it in her eyes when she had slapped her. She knew in her heart that Gemma was never going to let the love of her life, her son go. She would fight for him forever if she had too. Even though her heart was heavy, and filled with hurt and rage, Tara knew she would fight for Jax. She also knew it would be a fight to the death.