Frank POV
(day before Stephanie and Ranger left)
I just left my Pumpkin's apartment with the gift of a lifetime; my bat-shit crazy of a mother-in-law was going to be living in my Pumpkin's apartment for the next six months. I drive in silence as this euphoric feeling of having my bathroom back washed over me. What, I know this wrong but you try getting older and not being able use the John first thing in the morning. Not only that but having the cops come to the door to drop her off at the front door cause she was off doing some asinine thing or another. Internal deep sigh…then the old bat spoke.
"You know Ellen is fit to be tide about Steph leaving. She's going to be tippling even more when I leave are you able to handle her?" she asked.
She left me with a cold feeling from that one question. I was so engross in the happy happy thoughts of Edna being out of my house I forgot how this will affect my wife.
"I'm sure she will be fine. Besides it's not like this is forever, she will be back." And so will you, damn.
"Really, are you gonna keep that big melon of yours up your ass? Ellen will never be fine with Stephanie. Do you listen to a quarter of the things that she says to her? I have never talked or used guilt towards my daughter the way she does with hers." I glance over to her and I see the sadness of what she is saying come over her face. The weight of what she is saying makes Edna seem much older that she normally does.
"Edna, Ellen just worries about Stephanie because she is so unique. There isn't anyone in the 'burg or hell the world that is like my Pumpkin. Ellen loves Stephanie and just tries to guide her in the only way she knows how." I try to re-assure her.
"Pfft, you still have that melon planted in your shit covered garden. Seriously pull it out and take a good look at what is being said and what people's actions are to Stephanie. I can already tell that she really isn't going on assignment and I'm proud that she's going to take a chance with that Cuban Sex God."
"What do you know old woman?" she is always trying my patience.
"I have watched over the years on the chaos in Steph's life. She has been through a lot and that was before she became a bounty hunter and she did it all on her own. Since working for your nephew she has been put in some crazy situations but it has always been that fine package that has helped her or protected her. Do you know what he asks for in return? Nothing! He just does it, why do you think he does? It's because he loves her, that love will not blossom here in Trenton. I'm telling you little boy watch and listen while they are gone, you won't believe Stephanie's world without her."
We drove the rest of the way home in silence because I had no comment, she was right I had been a dormant parent in my daughter's life. I would never admit it to the bat but I will take her advice I will watch and listen.
A/N: I make no dollars or cents for this, the characters all belong to Janet.
