It's Hard Not to Hate - An Outlaw Love Story

Chapter Two.

Taylor stood in front of the bathroom mirror, her eyes examining every inch of her exposed skin, scrutinizing her flaws; the scars. She still felt unsure, about her life and her future, about how to move on. But she knew it was time, she deserved happiness. She had earned it, she felt, after everything she had been through. And she was hoping that being back in Charming would be just what she needed.

She heard her phone ringing and she jogged down the hall to her bedroom, swiping the phone off the dresser and bringing it to her ear. "Hey, Ope," she said, slipping into a pair of shorts.

"How are you, Tay?" He asked.

"Oh, same old same old. What's up?"

"Well, I," Opie paused. He wasn't quite sure how to phrase his request. "I know you're looking for work and money right now, just being back and all, and I"

"I don't need you to pity me, Opie. I'm handling things," Taylor replied.

"No, no, that's not, that isn't." Opie paused again. "I have a favor to ask." There was silence on the other end of the line so Opie took that as permission to proceed. "You remember Jax, right?"

Taylor scoffed. "Why, of course. I've done nothing but think about him since the day I left charming thirteen years ago." Opie rolled his eyes and could practically hear her doing the same.

"Cool it on the sarcasm, okay?" Opie said with a laugh. "This is important."

"So let me get this straight," Taylor paused, collapsing on her sofa. "You have a favor to ask. Of me. That involves Jackson Teller."

"In a way, yeah. I mean, it involves me too. It involves all of us."

"What do you need, Ope?" she asked. Her voice sound strained, and Opie started to wonder whether or not this was a bad idea.

"Well, Jax has a son. His name is Abel, he's 10 months old. He's a sweet kid. His mom left town a while ago, no plans of coming back. But anyway, Jax had a nanny hired to help with Abel, but she had to quit. And I was wondering if maybe you would step in and help out?"

"I-" Taylor started, but Opie interrupted her.

"Just on a temporary basis. We have some club stuff to do this weekend. And it's gonna cause problems if Jax can't go."

"Jax agreed to this?" She asked.

"Yeah. It's important."

"But he doesn't even know me. Why would he want me taking care of his son?" Taylor furrowed her brow and chewed on her bottom lip. This was weird, she thought, and she wasn't sure why she was even considering. It was nothing against Jax, not really. She didn't know him, mainly just of him. The things she heard weren't great, even things she had once seen hadn't sat well with her. But maybe things were different. It'd been years. Over a decade. She had certainly changed. Who's saying Jax didn't?

"Because he trusts me. And I trust you. I trust you with my life, my own flesh and blood. I always have. I've seen how you are with the kids. They love you. And, you're my sister, whether Donna is here or not." Taylor felt tears pricking her eyes at the mention of Donna, and she could hear Opie sniffle.

"Okay," Taylor replied softly. "I'll do it."