Daughter of Mayhem

Tested Boundaries and Family Dinners

[[Author's Note: I know this one is long. I couldn't find a point where I really wanted to end it and I didn't want to split it. How is everyone enjoying it so far? Let me know!]]

—Charlie POV—

In all the excitement surrounding the Mayans, the baby, and Jax ravaging me most of the night, I'd forgotten that I overheard Wendy had overdosed while in the hospital. I decided I would bring her some flowers after we left Abel. I couldn't imagine the guilt she must have been feeling. I also discovered another problem when I arrived at the NICU. Tara was behind the nurses desk, writing stuff on a clipboard, when the nurse spoke to me.

"Good morning," she said. "How can I help you?"

"Yes, I'd like to see Able Teller."

"Are you family?" My heart sank at that because, I technically wasn't family.

"I'm a friend of the family."

"I'm sorry. Only hospital staff and family is allowed in the NICU." My eyes met Tara's and she smugly remained silent. I guess the battle lines were officially drawn.

"I understand," I said softly, trying to hold back tears, and smiled at the nurse. Policies weren't her fault. "Thank you."

"When a family member arrives, you can go back with them," the nurse said, meeting my smile. I nodded.

"That'll work. His dad wasn't far behind me. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

I met Tara's glare for a second before I walked from the nurse's station. Nothing much I could do but wait until Jax arrived. Two outdated magazines and twenty minute later, I caught sight of him sauntering down the hall. He saw me stand up and gave me a concerned look, kissing me when he reached me.

"Something wrong? How is he?"

"I don't know."

"Why are you waiting out here?" His hand ran softly down my arm.

"They wouldn't let me in the NICU until you got here."

"Why?"

"I'm not technically family. It's hospital policy."

"Aw, babe, I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. Although, I'm sure Tara got a kick out of it."

"Tara?"

I shook my head, laughing, and said, "she was standing at the nurse's station when I got here and watched me talk to the nurse."

"And she didn't say you could go in there?" If his expression was any indicator, he was not remotely amused. He looked both distressed and pissed off.

"Of course not. She knows we're together, Baby. And she's always hated me. She won't do me any favors."

"Come here," he said, grabbing my hand and tugging me to the nurse's station. The nurse I spoke to before looked up as we approached.

"Hi, how can I help you?"

"I was wondering how I can make it so my old lady can go back and see my kid if me or my mother aren't here?"

"Well, you can make her an emergency contact and fill out a form designating you as the baby's father allowing her to see the baby in your, any other family member's, absence."

"Perfect," he said. She gathered a couple of forms and handed him clipboard.

"Just fill these out with anyone you wish to allow access to the minor and I'll get his file. What's the baby's name?"