Son of a Rambler.

Chapter 8.

The only thing a rambler needs is a suitcase and a gun.

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I sit at the picnic table out back of TM, picking the skin around my finger nails. I let out a loud sigh, focusing on my hands as I hide in the shade. Jax has been making me stay here for the last few days and even though I know it's for my safety, I hate it here. I hate the croweaters, I hate the crime, the drugs, the alcohol and the porn stars.

"Hey kid." I look up and my dad gives me a soft smile before taking a seat across from me and lighting a cigarette. "You look more like me with your hair dark." He chuckles and analyzes my dark, wavy bob, "I like it."

I just let out a small chuckle, "Thanks, dad."

"What's up? You've been off lately."

I look up at him, meeting his eyes with my own. "Well, given the circumstances..."

He rolls his eyes playfully, "No shit, sherlock."

I shrug, "I don't know, Dad. Maybe I'm not meant for this. I can't be around this and be a teacher or do half of the things I want to. People breaking into houses and knowing where and who I am without ever meeting me? Do I really deserve to be walking on glass for the rest of my life because of a love interest? Is it even worth it?"

Dad sighs, "I can't decide that for you, kid, but you know that we're here to protect you no matter what. I will go to the depths of hell for you and to make sure you're happy and safe. I'm sorry this shit is happening with you 'cause no, you don't deserve it. I knew that you and Jax have always had a thing for each other, and I knew that this would be a potential outcome of it. It's tough, Ally girl."

"Who could it be, though? I don't get it." I shake my head, "It's obviously someone who's out for me, but what have I done to deserve this?"

"You're with Jax Teller, that's what you've done." My dad responds bluntly, "Chicks go nuts for the guy, and he doesn't exactly have the cleanest track record."

"I just can't stay in this club house, dad. I'm miserable here and surrounded by all of these..."

"Whores." He laughs, "I get it. No one is really happy here, but we do what we've gotta'." Dad looks out to the lot, "What are you doing today?"

I shrug, "Maybe go downtown, get some retail therapy in."

Dad chuckles, "You mean food? You're going to buy food." I raise my eyebrow with a smirk plastered on my face, "I know you too well, Al."

"Maybe I was going to actually shop for things that weren't food!" I defend myself and dad laughs, giving me a playful shove before we both stand up.

"Well, if you're going downtown, take your little friend..." he signals to the gun he gave me, "and take one of the TM cars." Dad tells me and I just nod.

"Alright, well, I'm going to get going. I'll see you later, I'm sure." He nods, kissing my cheek before tossing me the keys to a TM car and waving me off. I get into the car and drive off to the downtown area of Charming. Downtown was full of little shops and I've always admired the small town look it stays true to.

I decided that my black, knee length jersey dress was the right choice for today due to the beating sun. I park downtown in front of a small clothing shop and get out of the car. My phone starts to go off, but I ignore it, keeping it in my small purse. After going through some shops and not seeing anything eye catching, I decide to go to the Ma and Pop shop, sitting down and ordering a strawberry milkshake.