Son of a Rambler.

Chapter 5.

A/N: Please ignore the time-line for the sake of the story. I've watched all of SoA, and I know that some of these events are off and don't make sense in comparison to the show itself. I hope you're enjoying the story!

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What hurts the most.

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I lay out on the diving board of my pool, feeling the warm sun beat down on me. I run a hand through my newly changed hair, it has been cut into a collarbone length bob and I dyed it a chocolate brown color, feeling the need for changing and generally changing my hair when I've gone through something emotional and somewhat life-changing. I take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of freshly cut grass from my neighbour.

It's a long weekend for the school, with Friday and Monday being a PA day. It's been a few days since I've seen anyone, or really have left my house aside from work and my hair appointment. Deciding to jump in the pool, I stand up and dive into the cool, yet refreshing water, swimming around and doing laps then eventually floating in the middle of the body of water. I close my eyes and try to relax in the pool, focusing on my breathing and the sun beating on my face.

After my swim, I pull myself out of the pool and wrap the towel around my body, briefly drying myself off before walking back to the deck where I have a jug of lemonade sitting on the patio table. I pour myself a glass and take a gulp of the sugary liquid before opening the French doors and walking into my home.

I walk to my bedroom and change out of my black high-waisted bottoms and bikini top, walking them over to the bath tub, in my master bathroom, to dry. I take the towel and roughly dry my hair before tossing the towel over to my laundry bin. I pull out a pair of black leggings and a cut off, baggy Pink Floyd tank top. I look at the mirror and grin, my hair is parted down the middle and falls down a bit past my shoulders. My hair starts to wave as it begins to slowly dry.

My phone starts to go off and I look over to it, picking it up and looking at the newly received messages from Jax. My eyebrows knit together as I read through the first one.

You home? We need to talk.

That message is followed with another one.

It's serious, Al. We need to talk ASAP.

I sigh and text him back.

I'm home, come by whenever.

My heart starts racing, thinking of all the possibilities that could come from this interaction with Jax. Something is clearly wrong, and apparently very urgent due to his stern messages. I grab a water bottle from the fridge and take a seat on the couch, sighing as I stare down the hallway and out the French doors, looking at the large tree that stands in the middle of the yard. I take a sip of water and continue my gaze out the massive glass doors, feeling like I'm in a trance.

I snap out of it due to the sound of a bike humming in my drive-way and then immediately turning off. I listen closely as his footsteps become closer and closer, and eventually the door opens. I continue my gaze out the door and am interrupted by his voice, "Hey, Al." he says softly, looking down at me and then doing a double take, "What did you do to your hair?"

I shrug, "Decided it was time for some change." I say shortly, and he gives me a confused look. I feel like I know exactly what this conversation is about, and I feel my stomach twisting into knots, "What do you want to talk about?" I ask him bluntly.

He goes to compliment me, but instead shakes his head. Heading over to the large chair in the corner, Jax clears his throat and takes a seat. He lets out a loud sigh and looks over at me, "It's about us, Al."