Out of the Blue

Chapter 10

The clouds sat over Charming. The roar of Harleys rose and died down as they cruised through the town between the clubhouse and Gemma's house.  It was the first day of sending familiies to other charters. The goodbyes were usually conducted at the clubhouse before the families were sent off to Nevada, Ohio or Washington. 

Despite everyone going separate ways, the day represented the unity of a real family. Everyone helped everyone- from carrying suitcases to changing diapers. 

Gemma was the last to leave. 

"Look after our boys," she ordered Courtney as she gave her a hug. Courtney nodded. "I think I'll be the troublemaker around here," she joked, adding a little humour to the bleak day. "Yeah probably. On that note, take care of yourself and don't do anything stupid." Courtney stared at her. "Too much to ask ay." "Yeah. Take care." 

Jax and Courtney waved Gemma off, watching her drive off into the sunset. Jax took a deep breath, saying goodbye to his mother was the final factor to make him realise that shit was getting real. "It'll work out Jax," Courtney assured, placing her arm around his shoulder. Jax looked down next to him. "You're turning into a real old lady," he commented. "Really?" "Yeah. It's scary." "Good," Courtney smilled. "Stop," Jax demanded. "What?" "What are you even doing here Courtney? You're not meant to be an old lady. You're meant to be in college and studying law, eventually living in New York and dining at the finest restaurants," Jax explained. "Who says I can't do both? Besides, I start college in August," she mentioned. Jax sunk his head into his chest. "Sorry. I know. Hap told me. Just ignore what I said," he chuckled. "Sure." 

"So what the hell am I supposed to do here when the lot of you are running about like it's some wild west movie?" Courtney asked as she walked back into the clubhouse. The rest of the boys turned around in their seats. "You lay low. You don't do anything stupid and you study. Or you just annoy the hell out of whoever is on Courtney duty," Happy explained. "Oh I'm sure everyone will absolutely love Courtney duty. Who doesn't want to spend their time stuck with such a character?" Courtney stated sarcastically. Tig, Juice, Hap and Rat raised their hands in the air. "Don't worry sweetheart. Now you know who your true friends are," Chibs joked. "Yeah. I do. Crystal clear now." "Love you babe," Juice teased with his cheeky grin. "Screw you asshole," she replied. The clunhouse erupted in oooohs. "Would you like some ice for that burn Juicey?"  Chibs wondered. "Love you too darlin'," Courtney answered with an even cheekier grin. "Whatever," Juice scoffed. 

Nero returned a few hours later, stopping by the clubhouse. Everyone was still there, mainly because there was not much point being at home. He walked in to find Tig whistling to the tune of Here I go Again by Whitesnake. Chibs was unconventionally standing behind Chucky's counter. Considering Chucky was helping take care of the families, nobody was exactly manning the food bar. Courtney was sitting on Juice's lap, eating a tub of strawberry cheesecake ice-cream. "I can see the liveliness of you people," Nero scoffed, taking a candy snake from the bar. "Oh trust me- I am as content as I ever will be right here thanks," Courtney replied, taking another huge spoonful of the ice-cream. "And it's all because of me," Juice teased...but didn't really tease. Courtney looked at him puzzled. "Slow down big guy. Don't steal the ice-cream's thunder. All credit goes to the ice-cream," Courtney mentioned. "Fine then...I see how this is," Juice mumbled, suddenly lifting her up off his lap. Somehow, she managed to continue eating as he carried her to the back area of the clubhouse. The rest of the boys just watched on, almost unphased. Within a few seconds, Juice walked back in like nothing happened. "People are weird," Bobby muttered. "I know," Tig replied. 

The rain pelted down in a random fashion in Charming on a Thursday morning. Happy had already left for the clubhouse by the team Courtney woke up that morning. Courtney's official bodyguard was Rat- only because he wasn't allowed to deal with stressful situations. However, one cannot be blamed if they consider Courtney a stressful situation herself. Happy had told Courtney that one of the boys would be looking after her if he wasn't there. Courtney just assumed it would be Gomez or West. She wasn't expecting Rat.