Angela sat on the porch swing in front of her mom's house, lazily rocking it back and forth with her foot, a hot cup of tea in her hand. She didn't know what her aunt did to make the tea actually taste good, but she was grateful for it. She'd made the trip up to Bakersfield out of pure boredom and the promise of a home cooked meal. Juice had been acting distant ever since Clay had been sent inside. There was a serious chill in their house coming from his cold shoulder. She didn't know what was wrong with him. Every time she asked, he'd dodge the question, tell her he was fine. But he wasn't fine, and she knew it.

The sound of a motorcycle interrupted her thoughts. Looking out onto the street, she watched Happy pull into the drive and get off his Dyna, hanging his helmet on the handlebars before heading up the walk. He stopped at the porch, his dark eyes looking her over, a brief look of concern crossing his face. "You all right?" he asked, foregoing walking inside and sitting down next to her.

"Yeah, just tired and pregnant," she said on a nod, leaning over to put the mug on the floor by her feet. Her eyes landed on a new patch on his cut. "Sergeant, huh?"

Happy smirked proudly. "Bobby gave up his seat. Chibs got VP, so Jax offered me the patch."

"Congrats." Angela smiled, running her fingers over the familiar lettering. Kozik had worn a similar patch and had been damn proud of it. She hated herself for getting choked up about a stupid patch, but she remembered when Kozik had gotten his; how proud he'd been. He'd given her a big ole smile, his chest puffed out, and told her he wouldn't have been able to do it without her. That if she hadn't gotten him clean, he'd never have been considered for the patch. She sniffled a bit and wiped at her eyes, taking in a deep breath as she nodded. "Looks good on ya."

If he saw the tears in her eyes, he didn't comment on them. "Thanks," he stated before changing the subject. "Surprised you're here."

She rubbed a hand over her belly, pressing on a tender spot where the baby had just kicked her. "Needed a break from all of the Charming bullshit. Nice to be here and be doted on for a bit."

"Idiot not takin' care of you?"

"He's so wrapped up in his own shit right now, he doesn't know what to do with himself half the time," she replied honestly. "Him being a part of the whole Clay thing really fucked with his head. I don't know what to do about it."

Happy shrugged a shoulder. "Nothin' you can do."

She smirked, rolling her eyes at him. "Helpful, Hap. Thanks."

He just shrugged again. The only advice he could give her was to give the idiot some space, but he knew that would upset her. She was pregnant, looked about ready to pop. He was not about to tell her to give the person she lived with space. If something happened to her because Juice wasn't around to help her, Hap would never forgive himself. "Where's your car?"

"Don't get mad," Angela started, watching as his brows furrowed in response. "I was hangin' out with Chlo when your Ma called to say she was making flan. I told Chlo, and she said I shouldn't be driving so far away by myself with Monk since apparently being seven—almost eight-months pregnant means you can't do shit so...she drove."

Happy's eyes scanned the street, landing on the familiar Audi. "You serious?"

She nodded slowly. "Monk wanted flan. Badly," she replied nonchalantly.

He didn't believe that for a second. "Don't mess with my shit, kid."

"What shit?" she asked playing the innocent card. "I didn't tell them you're fucking her, if that's what you're worried about. I'm not a rat. I honestly just needed someone to come out here with me and Juice was busy."

He tried not to look relieved, but he could tell by the smirk that graced his little cousin's face that she knew he was. "Good," he said, ruffling her hair. He heard the three women laughing inside and grimaced wondering what stories they were telling Chloe. "You gonna head inside soon?"

Angela shook her head, her eyes falling back onto the street. She'd texted Juice to invite him to dinner and was still holding onto the hope that he'd show. If not for her, than for her aunt's cooking. Juice was a sucker for a good meal. "Your Ma pulled out some albums. I'm not in the mood to listen to embarrassing stories right now."

Happy saw right through that. Angela loved those albums. They were the only ones that had pictures of her father. She never missed an opportunity to look through them. "Idiot comin'?"

She smiled sadly and shrugged. "We'll find out."

----------------------

Juice checked his watch and sighed. Angela had mentioned she'd be at her Mom's place for dinner and flan. His stomach grumbled hungrily, the promise of a homemade meal was making his mouth water. It'd been months since Gemma had had one of her dinners, and he'd been so angry at his own Old Lady, that he'd been missing the dinners she cooked preferring instead to grab something unhealthy and greasy at the diner. He was trying to get over his anger at Angela, mostly because he knew deep down it was unjustified. She hadn't known what she was getting into when Gemma brought her to the house, hadn't been the one to plan it or even go through with it, but still...she'd been there. She hadn't stopped him nor would she have if she'd known. She was happy about Clay's indictment and had made no secret of it. That's where his resentment came from. How could she be so happy about an event that had placed an insurmountable weight on his shoulders?

He looked over at the office where Gemma was sitting typing away at the computer. Wiping his hands on a rag, he leaned against the doorway. Her hazel eyes lifted from the screen and fell on him. "How you doin', baby?" she asked, that maternal tone in her voice.

He shrugged a shoulder in response. "You hear anything new?" he asked, knowing the older woman would know exactly what he was talking about.

"Not a word. What are you still doin' here? Don't you got a pregnant Old Lady to attend to?"

He shrugged again, looking over his shoulder at the few workers that were still milling about. "Yeah. Guess so. Was tryin' to finish up..."

"You gotta stop pushin' her away, Juice," she advised, a knowing look in her eyes. "That girl loves you. She had nothin' to do with what happened. You need to let it go."

Juice nodded, looking down at his dirtied hands. "Her aunt's making a family dinner tonight," he stated, choosing not to comment on her suggestion.

"Go."

"I'm not done cleanin' up."

She looked at him as if he was the biggest idiot on earth. "That's what prospects are for. Grab Rat, tell him to clean your shit, and get outta here," she ordered, before going back to her screen. When he didn't move, she looked at him over the rim of her glasses. "I ain't tellin' you twice."

Juice gave her a small smile before turning away to find Rat boy. He stopped when he heard Gemma's voice call his name. He turned to face her again raising an eyebrow in question. She smirked at him. "Might want to shower and change first," Gemma suggested, looking over his mechanic shirt and dirty jeans in distaste. "Make yourself somewhat presentable."

"Right," he agreed, telling Rat to finish up before heading off to the clubhouse to change.

Freshly showered and dressed in a nicer outfit than his usual t-shirt and pants, he headed out to Bakersfield ready for what he knew would be an amazing meal. He pulled up to the house, parking his bike next to Happy's and setting his helmet on the handlebars, looking up towards the front of the house. Angela was sitting on the porch swing, her dark hair pulled away from her face in a braided style that was more intricate than usual. He was willing to bet her aunt did it for her. She looked beautiful, calm and content, her eyes closed in sleep as she rocked the swing back and forth. He knew this was her getaway spot. Three hours away from their house with her family who loved and cared for her. No matter how crazy her mother made her, Angela loved being around her and her aunt. It gave her peace of mind to be out here far away from the craziness of Charming.

He walked up the steps, leaning awkwardly against the porch railing as studied her face. He knew she'd heard him pull up, heard his boots clunk against the steps; he wasn't the stealthiest guy in the world. "Hey," he greeted.

Angela's dark eyes opened slowly, her gaze raking over him before landing on his face. "Hi," she replied, trying her best to stand. He quickly closed the distance between them, offering her his hands and helping her get to her feet. "Sorry. Monk's got me a little unbalanced."

" 's all right. I got you," he said, letting go of her hands as soon as she was balanced.

Her hands gently straightened out the collar of the black button up shirt he was wearing underneath his cut. "You look nice. Haven't seen this shirt in awhile."

"Thanks." The corners of Juice's mouth lifted in a small smile; the last time he'd worn the shirt was for Opie and Lyla's wedding. Her hands smoothed over the front of his cut as she looked up at him. Had this been just a week before, he would've kissed her, his hands roaming over her body like an overeager teenager, but he didn't have it in him. He was too tired for that. Sleep had eluded him ever since Roosevelt carted off Clay. He spent most of the nights tossing and turning, comforted by the fact that Angela was blocked off from him by her pregnancy pillow so he couldn't accidentally hurt her. He couldn't touch her either, something he blamed on the pillow but knew it was more of his own blockage. The disconnect that used to drive him crazy was welcomed now. He felt so far away from her, literally and figuratively. "Been here long?"

She shrugged. "I guess. Ma and Lena are showing Chlo old pictures. Hap's in there too. Not sure if he got them to stop or not."

A small smile crossed Juice's face at the idea of seeing Angela's baby pictures. He was reminded again of the little girl that would be entering his life soon. God, he needed to sort this shit out before Monk came. The family that he was building was currently in pieces and it was all his fault. "Nice. You guys eat yet?"

"Nope," she replied on a sigh. Her eyes studied his features, a sad look in them as she toyed with the flap on the front pocket of his cut. "You okay?"

He grimaced. There was that question again. Over and over, the same damn question. No, he wasn't okay, but he didn't know how to tell her that. Didn't know how to explain the inner turmoil he was going through. He shrugged a shoulder. " 'm fine."

"Are we okay?" she asked, softer this time.

That question was even worse. "Ang..."

"Juancito!" Graciela's voice exclaimed from behind her, cutting him off.

"Hi Graciela," he greeted, giving her as big of a smile as he could muster.

Graciela made her way outside, wrapping her arms around Juice's neck and kissing his cheeks before slapping her hands against them lovingly and holding his face. "Look at you! You get handsomer every time I see you, mijo! My grandbaby is going to be beautiful!" she gushed with a bright smile, ignoring the way her daughter rolled her eyes at her. "What? It's true! Come, come inside. Dinner's ready."

Juice turned to follow her but was stopped by Angela's hand on his wrist. Her eyebrows were raised in question, obviously wanting him to continue what he was going to say. "Dinner's ready. We can talk later," he dodged.

She hesitated, knowing that was total bullshit. He wasn't going to talk to her about it later. "Juice..."

"Now's not a good time," he insisted, a tired look on his face. "Your cousin's right there."

"I don't give a shit," she said, keeping her voice low. "You need to talk to me. I can't fix things if you won't talk to me about them."

Juice shook his head slowly. "Just let it go. It's fine," he assured her, kissing her cheek quickly. "Come on, let's get some grub."

Angela let him go, watching the Reaper on his back disappear into the house. Taking a deep breath, she followed after him, plastering a smile on her face to mask the inner turmoil she was currently feeling. She took a seat next to her aunt, watching the older woman hug and kiss Juice.

"Juancito!" Elena exclaimed with a wide smile. "So good to see you, mijo."

"Good to see you too, Elena," he replied before nodding to Hap. "Hey Hap." He looked over at Chloe, a confused look on his face as he took a seat next to Angela. "What're you doin' here, Chlo?"

Chloe shrugged a shoulder. "I was the chauffeur."

"She thinks I shouldn't drive," Angela explained, glaring at Chloe half heartedly as they started to pass the dinner plates around. "Apparently, pregnant ladies are not supposed to drive which is a lie because I read in the baby books that it's totally okay."

"It is," Chloe agreed with a nod, "but you drive like a crazy person, so you're not included in that category."

Happy hid a laugh behind a cough, trying to avoid his mother's dark knowing gaze while the table erupted into laughter and stories of his cousin's infamous driving record. It wasn't until dinner was over, and he was helping his mother to bed that she spoke up. "I like her, mijo," Elena stated softly, a warm look in her eyes as she got into bed.

He nodded in agreement, sitting down by her hip. "Best friend the kid's had in awhile."

"Not for her, for you," Elena clarified, patting his hand lovingly. "You know, I'm not getting any younger."

"Ain't havin' kids, Ma. Ang's got that covered."

Her smile grew at that. "Can you believe our little one is having a baby?"

Happy smirked and shrugged a shoulder; he still was unsure of how to feel about Angela's kid. He always thought of her as being so young. To think the kid he practically raised was having a kid of her own was a little weird. When had he gotten so old? "She'll be a good mom."

"Por supuesto!" she exclaimed before her face grew serious again. "I just want you to be happy, mijo. You spend all of your time thinking of others and doing things for your family. I just want you to be happy." (Of course!)

"I am happy, Ma," he replied, smirking at the comment. She'd named him 'Happy'; there was never a time when he wasn't 'happy.'

Elena scowled at him, lightly slapping his cheek before kissing it. "Let that girl in, mijo. Angelita is a grown woman now. You don't need to be her protector anymore. That's Juan's role now. Let her go."

Happy nodded slowly, more to end the conversation than because he agreed with her. He didn't trust Juice with Angela. Not for a second. There was a reason he hadn't given the idiot his blessing to propose to her. He knew it was only a matter of time before the idiot screwed up and left Angela in pieces. His kid was strong, but he knew if anything happened between her and Juice, she'd be a wreck, and he'd be right there to clean up the mess as best he could. "Whatever you say, Ma."

"Love you, mijo."

"Love you too, Ma," he replied, standing and kissing her forehead. He walked back out to the living room, surprised to find it empty. Glancing out the front windows, he could just make out the couple sitting on the swing on the front deck. There was a small space between them that surprised him. He'd smacked his brother on more than one occasion for having his hands all over Angela. The idiot couldn't seem to keep his hands off of her nor could Angela stay away from him. He took a step closer, wondering if he could make out what they were saying and earn some insight as to what was going on with them.

"Stalker," a soft voice came from behind him. He turned to find Chloe sitting at the kitchen table, a huge book open in front of her. He raised an eyebrow at her in silent question, and she gestured to the window. "Let them be. Last I heard, they were talking about cleaning out the baby room. Nothing interesting."

"And I'm the stalker?" he asked, pointing to himself as he moved towards her. He grabbed a chair, turning it backward and moving it closer to her before sitting down on it backwards. "Where's my aunt?"

"Went to bed. Told me to tell you goodnight so...goodnight," she replied, looking over at him.

He nodded in response, reaching out a hand to flick her glasses forward. He'd never seen her wearing glasses before, but they suited her well. "Whatcha reading?"

"Some old school nursing book your aunt swears by," she answered pushing her glasses back up her nose. "It's really, really antiquated. I worry about how she practices medicine."

Happy chuckled. He appreciated how candid she was despite the fact she'd only just met Graciela. "They got her in records or some shit. Spends the whole day gossiping."

"Good," she mumbled, engrossed in what she was reading. He shut the book on her, smirking when her hazel eyes finally met his stare.

"You really come for Ang?" he asked, not one to beat around the bush. If she came to pry into his private life, whatever little fling they had would be over. He hated nosy bitches.

Chloe smirked and nodded. "I tried to convince her to come another time when you or Juice was home to drive her, but she insisted that she needed to be here tonight with or without my escort services. She promised she'd make sure your mom and aunt understood that I was her friend, and I had nothing to do with you."

"Didn't work so well," he muttered, thinking of his mother's comment. "Ang likes you, Graci likes you, my Ma likes you."

"I'm a likeable person," she commented on a shrug as if it was no big deal.

Happy nodded in agreement. She was likeable. Too likeable. The more time he spent with her, the more time he realize he enjoyed her company for more than just the physical side of it. He checked the clock on the wall and sighed, rubbing a hand over his head. "We should head back."

"Okay." Chloe pushed away from the table, grabbing her mug and heading to the kitchen. He angled his seat, so he could watch her clean it and the remaining dishes that he was almost positive his mom and aunt told her to leave behind. He strode over to her, moving to stand at her side. He didn't know how to be affectionate with people outside of his family, but he had the strong urge to touch her in some way. Slowly, he set his hand on her lower back, moving it slowly before curling his fingers around her hip. She leaned into him, her hand rubbing up and down his back as her head tilted against his shoulder. The movement relaxed him in a way he wasn't used to, but he had to admit, he kind of liked it.

" 'm worried about her," he admitted, something he'd never feel comfortable telling anyone else. He used to be able to talk to his mother about that kind of stuff but lately, he was too worried about stressing her out. "Kid won't talk to me about him."

"After the beating you gave him a few weeks ago, can you blame her?" she asked rhetorically.

Happy's stare darkened slightly. "Idiot had it comin'."

"I'm not saying it wasn't well deserved," she clarified quickly, "because after hearing what he did, I wanted to smack him myself. But that's why she won't talk to you about him."

He smirked at the idea of Chloe hitting Juice. He would love to see that. "She talk to you?"

"Yeah," Chloe admitted, looking up at him. He raised his eyebrows expectantly, but she shook her head. "I can't break that trust. If there is something you need to know, I will tell you. If that idiot ever lays a hand on her, you'll be the first to know so you can help me hide the body."

Happy chuckled. "Lil' killer, huh?" he teased, tugging on her ponytail.

"I'm serious," she said, her hazel eyes fierce. "You don't fuck with my friends and live."

On instinct, he dipped his head down, placing a rough kiss on her lips. She grabbed onto the front of his cut, her responding kiss just as rough. Girl gave as good as she got; he could get used to having this one around. He pulled away when he heard a door close, smirking at the dazed look on Chloe's face.

She caught his smirk and narrowed her eyes at him, bumping her hip against his, a look of disappointment on her face. He turned around, leaning his back against the counter next to her and crossing his arms over his chest. She dipped her head, washing the glass again, keeping the rouse that they hadn't just been kissing. He appreciated that she wanted to keep things on the down low too. It made his life a hell of a lot easier.

He watched Angela and Juice walk in. Something was definitely off between them. Juice had his hands in his pockets as Angela's eyes roamed over the house, looking for something to look at. Anything but her Old Man. This was not the happy couple he was used to seeing.

He glanced over at Chloe who seemed to have noticed the same thing. She planted a smile on her face. "Ready to go, Ang?"

Angela nodded, pecking Juice's cheek before heading out to Chloe's car leaving the other three behind. Chloe patted Happy's arm reassuringly and headed after her. Happy narrowed his eyes at Juice who was focused on the floor. "She okay?" he asked the idiot.

Juice lifted his head up. "Huh?" he questioned as if surprised by the question. "Ang? Yeah, yeah. We're...we're fine. She's fine. I'm...I'm takin' care of her."

"You hurt her, and you're dead," he threatened, pointing a finger in his face. "Now get out."

----------------------

Angela stared straight ahead at the dark road in front of her as Chloe drove. She wished her friend would put the radio on, that she could roll the windows down...that she was driving. Anything to drown out her thoughts. She played with the charm around her neck, rubbing her thumb over the head of the crow as her mind replayed her whole interaction with Juice back in her head. He'd never been so distant from her, and she was trying. God knows, she'd been trying for days now to get him back to normal, but he barely touched her anymore. She was surprised he even came home lately.

"So...what's going on with you and Juice?" Chloe asked, breaking the silence.

"Nothing," she answered out of habit. Hide it away, act like nothing was wrong, that they were fine. That was her strategy. Maybe if she believed it enough, it would come true.

Chloe snorted. "Bull shit. Something's off. I saw it tonight. Hap's worried."

Angela raised her eyebrow at her friend. "Hap's worried? He told you that?" she asked incredulously. Happy never, ever talked about his feelings with people outside of their family. Whatever was happening with him and Chloe went deeper than some fuck buddy.

"He knows you talk to me, Ang. Wanted me to reassure him that y'all are okay. That he doesn't have to start bashing in skulls."

"We're fine."

Chloe shook her head slowly. "Stop telling yourself that because you're not. Whatever is happening between you and him is serious, Ang. You guys are about to bring a baby into this world, you really want to be in this weirdo state when Monk makes her appearance?"

"I don't know what's going on with him because he won't talk to me, okay?" Angela finally snapped, completely frustrated. "I didn't do anything, Chloe! I don't know why he hates me so much!"

"He doesn't hate you. He could never hate you."

"Then why does it feel like it?" she exclaimed, raking a hand through her hair. Tears had sprung to her eyes and she was trying desperately to hold them back. "He doesn't touch me anymore, Chlo. Not like he used to. He doesn't smile or joke. He does everything he can to be away. He says it's the club, but sometimes I wonder if he's making shit up. I called TM the other day to ask Gemma somethin', and she asked why Juice came in on his day off. He went to work on his day off to...to get away from me. Why would he do that?"

Chloe shrugged a shoulder. "Ask him."

"He won't..."

"Then leave, Angela," she cut her off harshly. "If you're unhappy then leave. If you don't think he loves you then leave. That idiot needs a goddamn wake up call. You even start packing your bags, and you'll have him begging you to stay, to talk."

Angela was surprised by Chloe's suggestion. It was a manipulation that Gemma would've suggested, not her kind-natured friend. "I'm not going to play with him, Chlo. That's not what a healthy relationship is."

"It's not a play. I think you need to get out of that house. It is stressing you the hell out, and that shit is not good for you or your baby."

She sighed, her eyes going to the side mirror where she could see Juice's headlight. He was following behind them while Happy drove in the front, their own personal escorts home. "It'd be harder without him."

Chloe shook her head. "I don't think that's true," she said honestly. "Just...think about it, okay."

"Whatever." Angela shrugged before rolling down her window, letting the roar of the wind signify that she was done talking. She didn't want to hear anymore of Chloe's advice. It was starting to sound too logical. She didn't want to leave Juice, no matter how right it was. If she left him, even for just a short period of time, she wasn't sure she'd ever get him back.