Chapter 1

I pull into my driveway after being out all day, trying to find another job. I lost my job a month ago and can't seem to find anyone hiring. Sitting in my car, I feel nothing but despair. I know if I don't find something soon I will lose my house. Finally making myself get out of the car, I walk to the mailbox, that sits on the same post as the next door neighbor, Jax Teller. Opening the mailbox, I take out the mail and look to see Jax pulling up on his bike. He looks over at me and nods and I just nod back.

Jax Teller is a very attractive man. Father to two little boys, president of the mother charter of the Sons of Anarchy MC and lost his wife about six months ago. Walking into my house, I walk to the kitchen to see what I have to eat and see that there's nothing but crackers and water. Crackers it is then. Sitting down on the couch, I eat a couple of crackers while I am looking through my mail, I see the second notice from my bank about the mortgage. I bought this house when I moved to Charming. I love this house. It's my dream house. And now, if I don't find something soon, I'm going to lose it. Sitting there thinking about things, I see it's dark outside. Looking at the clock I see it's after Midnight.

The more I think about things the more stressed I feel but I have to get some sleep. Tomorrow is another day of looking for a job. I hope I find something soon. I don't want to lose my house. I can't lose this house. I think for a few minutes and decide I will call my parents in the morning and see if I can get a loan. Heading to bed, I lay down and sob.

Waking up the next morning, I get up and dressed. I do my hair and makeup, I eat a few more crackers before heading out the door. Walking out to my car, I see Jax heading out to his bike. "Morning Della." he says. "Morning Jax." I say but don't look at him. "You okay?" he asks. "Yeah. Just running a little late. Have a good day, Jax." I say. "You too." he says. I pull out of my driveway, heading out to Lodi to look at some job leads.

Walking into the diner at the edge of Lodi, I walk in. "How can I help you Sweetheart?" the waitress asks. "I was wondering if you were hiring?" I ask. "No baby. We aren't. Sorry." she says. "Thanks anyway." I say before walking out the door and to my car. It's Friday so I need to get as many applications in as I can. I can take the weekend and figure out another game plan.

Pulling into my driveway, I sit in my car and just stare off into space. I don't know how long I sat there but I jump when someone taps my window. Looking out the window, I see Jax standing there. I open the door and he asks "You okay Darlin?" and I can actually see concern in his eyes. "Yeah. I'm good. Long day." I say as I get out of the car. "You sure? You look tired." he says. "Oh yeah. I'm fine. Thanks Jax." I tell him. I grab the mail and head into the house. Sitting down, I see more bills that I don't have the money to pay. I turn on the light switch and nothing. Great. My power is turned off.

Pulling out my phone, I call my parents. "Hello?" my dad asks as he answers. "Hi Daddy." I say. "Hey baby. What's going on?" he asks. "I need help." I tell him. "What do you need help with?" he asks. "I need money for my mortgage." I tell him. "I can't help you. Me and your mom told you that when you bought that house that you were on your own." he tells me. "Then can I move home if I lose the house?" I ask. "What makes you feel like you're going to lose it?" he asks. "I lost my job a month ago and my savings are almost gone." I tell him. "You'll have to figure this out on your own. We told you that when you moved out and decided to move all the way to California." he tells me. "Thanks anyway Daddy." I say before hanging up the phone and sobbing.