Not my characters. I make zero dollars from this. Completely AU! Just plugging our favorite characters into my original story.
WARNING! Some things will be alluded to and not described in excessive detail. I'm not a doctor or any medical professional. This means there will be some creativity with the scenario to fit my goal. If something is a trigger for you. I apologize, this story will reference abuse, rape, and domestic violence. There is a great deal of drawing your conclusions on those fronts.
Thanks yall for sticking with me. I am hoping to regularly schedule an update. I'm trying to get my life together LOL! Enjoy!
Last timeā¦
This woman could always see right through me. The one and only person in my family to always have my back. Stephanie was the first person I've met in a long time and especially a woman that was not after me for money or to hang on my arm. She's strong and very kind. Staring at my grandmother I knew I could not lie to her.
"So, do you want her to be yours?" Abuela Rosa pushed.
"Yes"
Abuela Rosa
I stared at my favorite grandson and hoped he would continue. Before I could open my mouth a soft voice called from the back of the apartment.
"Ranger?"
He nodded to me and headed off in the direction of the voice. While I waited for him to return I decided to make something for them. It helped to know where everything was in the kitchen. I began opening cabinets and the refrigerator, pulling out ingredients to make a snack. From everything I was told, this day needed some cheering up. Brownies would do the trick. As I started to mix the contents of the counter, there was movement behind me.
Carlos led a curly-haired, athletic build woman to the counter. "Have a seat Steph, Do you want a drink?"
I watched him pull the stall out for her and help her sit down before she realized I was standing there.
Steph POV
I sat down at the counter where Ranger pulled out the stool. And I glanced up, an older woman was smiling at me. Ducking my head so my hair covered half my face.
"Hello, I'm Stephanie, a friend of Ranger's."
"Hello, I'm Carlos' Abuela. You can call me Abuela or Rosa. Would you like something to eat? I was just about to make a snack?" She asked.
"Thank you but I don't want to be a bother. Don't worry about a drink Ranger. I'm going to head back to my room. That way you can spend time together." I moved to stand up.
"Steph, stay and hang out. We can have dinner together." Ranger asked.
"Yes, Querida have dinner with us. I'd love to get to know you."
I shifted uncomfortably.
"What time is dinner? I'd really like to go change and shower. Would it be okay if I went and came back? Then you still have quality time with your grandmother?" I pleaded with eyes hoping Ranger would understand how family interactions were difficult for me.
Ranger nodded at me. "You've got 3 hours till dinner. Tia Ella is always prompt with it. I'll escort you down to six and then come back to get you before dinner."
I exhaled and nodded.
"That sounds great. I will see you for dinner. Miss Rosa." I told her
"No miss. Just Rosa is fine. Do you like chocolate? I was thinking of making a dessert."
"I love chocolate! That would be amazing!" Ranger-guided me towards the door chuckling.
Across Town
Valerie POV
Thank goodness for Grandma being able to get Mother out. How on earth was I supposed to take care of all these kids while pregnant with my dear husband in jail? I know about his other women but it isn't like he would ever leave me. The child support would kill him alone. Not to mention I cannot be known as the former Mrs. Morelli. That won't do. Between Joe and Anthony, they keep me pregnant and neither of them knows the difference.
"Mom, I know this is the basement but Joe finished it and we put a guest room down here. It will probably need to be split into two rooms so the oldest two have space down here."
"Valerie, It is far better than jail. You even have a nice bathroom down here. Now, we need to discuss with my lawyer about getting that money you were supposed to receive for your wedding. Those girls don't need college funds. Honestly, good housewives cannot be going to college what will everyone think? That money could go along way for an expansion for this house or a new car. Just think how jealous everyone would be." Mother rambled on.
"More room would be great. Even some better furniture. If we had a big dining room, I could host parties with the other burg ladies. They would really be jealous then. What do we have to do?" I replied
"I'll talk to mother and see if that judge friend of hers has any advice. Worst case I can take him back to court. You are his child and he should have paid for a big wedding. Let's get upstairs and start dinner. Your grandmother said Joseph should be back home tonight from these false allegations. I bet Stephanie did this."
I seethed. That girl was always screwing up my life. She had to force herself on my boyfriend back in high school. I cannot believe she has resorted to this. I will make sure she gets what is coming to her. Mother is on the phone as I enter the kitchen, lots of the upstanding church members want to welcome her back.
Vinne POV
Lucille and I were shocked to hear that Aunt Helen had been released from prison. After the horrible things she did to my cousin, it is a surprise. Then again this town is a cesspool. Granted it works out for me and my bail bonds business. Picking up my phone I dial my uncle.
"Hello"
"Hey Uncle Frank, You got a minute?"
"What do you need Vincent?" I hear him sigh.
"Actually, It is more what I can do for you. Harry the Hammer heard from Lucille about Helen's release. I was told to let you know that his services are available for you."
Laughter comes across the. "Can you let Harry know I said Thank you! Stephanie is going to head back out of town. It is safer for her that way."
"Are you sure?" I press.
"If my opinion on that changes I will let you know."
"Okay Uncle Frank, if you need anything I'm here."
"You're a good kid Vinnie."
We disconnected and I turned the intercom on to hear in the front office.
"Hey, Lula! Did you hear they let Helen out of jail because her son-in-law got arrested and she needed to help her daughter?"
"Who is her son-in-law?"
"Joe Morelli! He got picked up at the courthouse."
I heard a scream and the file cabinet slam closed.
"Oh my god, Connie I have to go. My poor Joey."
"Lula, what are you talking about? How do you know Joe?"
"He proposed last week. We are in love and he was leaving his wife for me."
"You believed him? Do you know how many kids he has and more on the way?
"What are you talking about Connie? He said he hasn't slept with his wife in years. They don't have kids."
The door to the front was slammed open and followed by silence. That is an interesting development maybe I should call Uncle Frank back.
Tank POV
"Thanks, I will let Ranger know. Does he need to be there or can we send the company lawyer since it was company business?"
"Company lawyer is fine." The federal attorney informed me.
"Awesome thanks."
"Tell us!" Bobby and Lester said in unison.
"Manoso's are being arraigned next week. Until then they are being held without bond. Apparently, Mama Manoso decided they should hire somebody to take care of Carlos. Conspiracy to commit murder has been added."
"Oh, Shit!" Lester said.
"Who is going to tell Carlos or worse Abuela Rosa?"
"NOT IT!" Bobby and I yell!
"I hate you both." Lester pouted as he headed out of the room.
" I hope he waits till tomorrow. I think Ranger is having dinner with Stephanie and Abuela Rosa this evening." I told Bobby.
"That sounds like a strange first date." Bobby choked out.
"Yeah, but after everything, I think that little girl will be good for our fearless leader. The question is do we think they will get together at the beach or after?"
"Beach" we both said.
We looked up when somebody knocked on the door jam.
"Ella made brownies, she is heading to the breakroom," Woody yelled and took off.
I looked at Bobby before we both jumped up and chased after Woody. Ella's brownies were not to be missed.
Steph POV
It was 5:45 and I was sitting on the couch in this guest apartment. Ugh, so many new people lately and my anxiety was through the roof. This wasn't normal, I never met anybody new. It was always just easier to hideaway. You don't hear the whispers that way. Plus Ranger was my first friend in years. I didn't want to screw this up. He's been so nice to me and none of the people in this building stare at my scars like I'm a monster. If dinner goes bad then I skip the beach and head home. That way Ranger isn't obligated to keep an eye on me.
"Yeah, a good plan," I whispered to myself.
I jumped with the knock on the door. Here goes nothing.
