Chapter 2: Faded Ink and Unspoken Truths
The folded paper felt heavy in Jax’s trembling fingers. It was a letter, written in a delicate, looping script that he recognized instantly. It was Sarah’s handwriting. For nearly a decade, Jax had convinced himself that running away was an act of mercy. He had been drowning in debt, wrapped up with local gangs, and headed straight for a cell. Leaving Sarah behind had felt like cutting an anchor to save the ship. He never knew she was carrying his child when he vanished into the night.
Clara walked over, setting down a steaming mug of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows in front of Leo. Her stern demeanor softened into gentle pity as she looked at the young boy. ""Drink up, sweetheart,"" she said softly before turning a hard look toward Jax. ""We need to talk in the back, Jax. Now.""
Jax stood up slowly, his tall frame looming over the counter, but his knees felt weak. He motioned for Leo to stay put and followed Clara into the kitchen. The scent of fried onions and bleach surrounded them as Clara turned around, her hands on her hips. ""Is that your boy, Jax?"" she asked point-blank.
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""I didn't know,"" Jax gritted out, running a hand over his face. ""I swear to God, Clara, I had no idea. Sarah never told me. If I had known..."" He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. What would he have done? He was in prison by the time Leo took his first steps. ""I'm a convicted felon working minimum wage. I live in a trailer with a leaky roof. I can't be what he needs.""
""He doesn't need a saint, Jax. He needs a father,"" Clara snapped gently, her tone laced with realistic grit. ""Look at him out there. He traveled miles on a bus alone because he has nowhere else to go. You can run again, but this time, you won't just be running from your past—you'll be abandoning your own blood.""
