Nessun Dorma
Theme song: Luna by Alessandro Safina
He can't believe the crazy old bitch tasered him.
He waves off the EMT and staggers onto his feet. He decides not to dust his jeans in public. His head is throbbing. His whole body is hurting. He's aware of people watching him. He isn't deaf. He can hear the brave whispers and the suppressed laughter. He can feel his anger rising. Maybe he should press charges and have Edna Mazur arrested. She's not going to become his grandmother-in-law any time soon, it seems.
He has no idea what the fuck is so wrong with Stephanie. One day she lets him look down her shirt at her cleavage; the other day she slaps his hand off, stomps away, and starts playing hide and seek. She's been staying with Ranger for the better part of last week. He's thought about stopped calling her. He doesn't know why he still bother to care. Because her smile is pretty? Because the way she walks is very sexy? Because he happens to like the color of her bright clear eyes? Or is it simply because of an old habit that refuses to die?
He has no answer. He has no clue. He can't believe he had a fight with an old woman just because he didn't like the way she talked to people about Ranger and Stephanie. Like they are everyone's favorite couple. Like they are a match made in Heaven. Like they are meant for each other. He hates the way Ranger looks at Stephanie and calls her babe. He hates the not so well hidden emotions in Stephanie's eyes when she knows Ranger is near. He hates himself for feeling jealous. He hates himself for keeping his silence and acting like it's nothing. He hates himself for knowing that sooner or later he's going to lose Stephanie. He hates himself for not being able to be completely honest with Stephanie.
He's a Morelli. He has a scar in his brow. He knows how to fight in bars. He wants to settle down and get married because his mother keeps telling him it's time to start his own family. He wants to make his Grandma happy. He wants to prove to the world he's a different Morelli. He's a Morelli. He's the second son of the cursed family. His elder brother is a cheater. His uncles and cousins beat their wives and kids when coming home drunk and beg for mercy the next morning. A part of him will always loves Terry. A part of him will always be afraid that one day he will be like his daddy. Handsome. Charming. Funny. Loving. Brutal. Drunk. He looks into the mirror and sees the same anger every morning. There were times when he wanted to clench his fists and smack the crap out of an uncooperative suspect. There were times when he wanted to raise his hand and slap Stephanie. The urge. The impulse. The desire. The longing. The thrill. That's why he lost his temper and shouted at Mrs. Mazur. That's why the trembling old woman took her concealed weapon out of her purse and tasered him.
He runs a hand through his hair. He fishes his car key out of his pocket. No need to call Stephanie. She's not answering. Should he press charges and have Grandma Mazur arrested? Maybe that will make Stephanie come out of hiding and talk to him. Should he get her a diamond ring? Should he get down on one knee and pop the question when everyone is looking? She won't be able to say no in front of so many people.
And the whole world and their dogs know Ranger doesn't do relationship.
~END OF TATT FOURTEEN: A FAMILY COURSE