Disclaimer: I do not own the characters created by Janet Evanovich. I just really really wish I did! I am just using them in this story. I only own Carmella, but you can have her if you want her!

I woke up the next morning to find that Ranger wasn't in the bed. I walked out into the hall and saw him on the phone, pacing up and down the kitchen. He thanked whoever he was on the phone to and hung up. When he saw me he smiled.

"Morning babe, we've got a house." He grinned. I nodded.

"I must say that is the most original greeting I've heard in a while. But that's great. Where is it?" I asked. He grinned.

"Surely that would spoil the mystery. We can't move till just after Christmas but that's fine. It's a great house; I just hope Carmella likes it." He mused. I nodded.

"She will. Wait, Christmas! I forgot about Christmas! It's in three weeks and I forgot about it!" I exclaimed. Though by my standards, remembering with three weeks to spare is pretty good going. Ranger grinned, then there was a knock at the door. I opened it and saw Carmella stood there in her pyjamas, smiling sheepishly and holding a breakfast tray.

"I ran into Ella and I told her I'd bring the breakfast. Mind if I join you?" She asked. I smiled and stood aside to let her in. Ranger wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Good morning sweetheart." He smiled. She grinned.

"Morning old man. Where do you want the atrocious grapefruit? May I suggest the bin?" She asked in the voice the happy voice I hadn't heard for a couple of weeks. I laughed and set the table for breakfast. Things were starting to return to normal.

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Carmella was sat on the sofa while her dad and Steph got dressed when the intercom buzzed. She flitted over to it as Tanks voice rang through the apartment.

"Hey Tank its Carmella. What's up?" She asked.

"I've got Ran-your dad's mother on the phone. She wants to know if he'll be joining them for Christmas this year. She wanted me to add 'that is if he's not busy as he has been for the past goodness-knows-how-many years'" Carmella laughed.

"Of course we'll join them. It'll be great, I'll tell dad. Thanks Tank and don't feel to bad about the ribs, though if you wanted to buy me a gift I would graciously accept."

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I looked at Ranger as he pulled on a black t-shirt.

"When are you going to tell Carmella about the house?" I asked. He looked at me.

"I thought I'd save it till Christmas time, have it as a surprise." He answered. I nodded and smiled. It was a good idea. We walked out into the lounge to find Carmella watching cartoons. She smiled at us.

"Dad we're going to Nanna Mañoso's for Christmas, isn't that great?" She said, beaming. Ranger froze.

"What?" He asked in shock. Carmella grinned.

"She asked, I said yes. It's a time to be with family and all that jazz. Hey Stephie do you want to come?" She offered. I considered this. I'd get to spend the day with Ranger's family and learning all about where batman originated. I'd also have a great excuse out of the disastrous Christmas dinner at my parents' house. It was a tricky one alright…

"Sure if that's ok with your family." I replied. She grinned and stood up.

"Well I see my work here is done. I shall bid you adieu and go get ready for school." I wondered how to tell my parents that I would be spending Christmas with Ranger and his family. Grandma Mazur would certainly understand but my mother was a bit harder to talk round. On the other hand, Valerie never came down for Christmas when she was married and living elsewhere, so in that sense I might be alright.

"Ok, I'm going to the com room to pretend to work." I announced. Ranger nodded and gave me a kiss on the nose.

"Later then babe." I walked out into the lift. Tank and Bobby were already in there and, surprisingly, they were actually working.

"Uh oh, here comes trouble." Bobby grinned. I swatted him round the head and sat down in a spare chair.

"What are we up to?" I asked. The guys glanced at each other.

"We're trying to track down this guy who threatened Carmella. We're guessing it's the same person who sent her the finger. The most likely scenario is that James is behind this and, as the scar face guy said, he met a few people who'd had bad experiences with the Mañoso's. There are a lot of them, it may just be that they're using Carmella as a scape-goat because James managed to organise it. It may be that they're after Ranger and are using Carmella's appearance to explain their sudden appearance. Basically we just don't know." Tank said in a defeatist voice. Bobby kicked the wall angrily.

"Yeah and it's pissing me off." He growled. Tank nodded in agreement. I sighed and looked at some of the papers they had in front of them.

"Have you checked the Florida police records for the name of that guy? If he is who he says then he'll be on record, he said he was arrested for robbing a shop and assaulting a guard or something with Carmella as the only witness." I contributed. Tank stared at me. Bobby grabbed the phone.

"Why did no one tell us this earlier?" Tank asked. I shrugged.

"You and Ranger were out cold and no one ever really asked me. I just assumed that Carmella would have said something." I replied
"Normally she would have, but she was beside herself with worry, what with you and Ranger in hospital. Hello Florida law department please." Bobby muttered to us, then to the phone directory. I nodded and felt slightly pleased with myself for helping. Ten minutes later, we had the information on the court case, a name and a last known address.

"This is brilliant, we finally have a lead!" Bobby grinned excitedly.

"Good work Bomber." Tank said appreciatively. Just then the door opened and Ranger walked in.

"What've you done?" He asked me. I grinned.

"She's fantastic boss! She's a fucking genius. She managed to get us the first lead on the guy who broke in here. This could be the key we need to nail this guy." Bobby said. Ranger grinned at me and planted a kiss on my lips.

"You're fantastic." He smiled and walked out. I really was feeling very pleased with myself today.

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Carmella grabbed her lunch tray and went to join her friends on their table in the corner. They were halfway through eating when Anthony Morelli walked up to them.

"Hey there Mañoso, hope you're not feeling to sore today. I was wondering, have you got a date for this winter dance?" He asked. Carmella was shocked. She shook her head and could see Harry out of the corner of her eye, looking down at his food with an angry expression on his face. Anthony smiled.

"Cool. So I was wondering maybe we should go together. Think about it." He grinned.

"I'll consider it." She replied aloofly. Anthony winked and walked off. Caz squealed.

"Woah Mel, he is totally fit! You are so lucky!" Dan cleared his throat.

"Hi, my name's Dan. I'm your boyfriend." He stated "But anyway, I thought you were opposed to all the 'beautiful people'" He said. Caz shrugged.

"I don't know. I think Morelli's different, he's kinda cool." She replied.

"I'd forgotten about the dance. Hey Harry are you going with anyone?" Meredith asked. Carmella froze. Harry looked up in surprise and shook his head, not looking at Carmella. Meredith smiled.

"We should go together, it'd be cool." She suggested. Harry glanced at Carmella and then nodded.

"Sure, sounds good." He answered. Carmella felt her insides turn icy with anger and upset. Maybe she'd misread all the signs, maybe Harry didn't like her. Well if that was the case…

"Hey Anthony!" Carmella called across the canteen. Anthony walked back to their table.

"Can't get enough of me, hey Mañoso." He grinned. Carmella smiled.

"I've thought about it and yeah, I'll go to the dance with you." She said. Anthony's smile widened and he looked genuinely pleased.

"Alright, cool. I'll arrange the car and everything." He offered.

"No it's cool, I can get the chauffeur and the car free of charge." She insisted.

"Hey that's even better. More money to buy gifts and flowers to shower you with." He grinned and walked off. When he was out of earshot, Mandy and Caz squealed loudly.

"He's such a cutie, Carmella you are so lucky!" Mandy grinned. Carmella blushed slightly and smiled. Harry looked like he was about to cough up a fur ball. His loss, Carmella told herself, he should have given clearer signals. After eating, they walked out onto the field and sat under their tree. Alex and Dan had dragged Harry off to talk to him about whatever it is guys talk about. The girls were all chatting about the dance and arranging to go shopping for dresses.

"Do you have any gum?" Carmella asked, running her tongue over her teeth and trying not to shudder. The other girls shook their head.

"Dan always has some. Go ask him." Caz instructed, then added "Get me some as well." Carmella nodded and walked towards the guys. As she got closer, their conversation became audible.

"Haz what the hell is up with you? Why are you going to the dance with Mer? I mean, you know I love her dearly but…you love Carmella. Don't pretend otherwise." Dan hissed. Harry tensed.

"I don't love her. I don't really know her. Even if I did, she's into Morelli like every other shallow slut in this school." He growled. Carmella felt her eyes fill with tears. She went to walk away but stepped on a stick, which snapped and drew the guys' attention to her. Harry's face fell when he saw her.

"Shit, Carmella I wasn't saying-"

"Save it for someone who isn't a shallow slut Harry." She hissed and walked back to the tree. She grabbed her bag then walked as fast as she could across the field to the car park. She pulled her cell phone out her bag and was dialing the office number when she walked straight into Anthony. He grabbed her arms and steadied her before she fell over.

"Where are you off to in a hurry?" He asked, concerned. Carmella sniffed.

"I'm going home. I just need to call my dad…" She muttered.

"No need, I'll give you a lift." He stated "You feeling ill or something?" He asked as he led her to his car.

"Yeah, something." Carmella muttered. Mandy ran up to her looking worried.

"Caramel what's up? Are you ok?" She asked.

"She just feels ill. I'm going to give her a lift home." Anthony explained. Mandy looked confused.

"Um, Alex or Estella could give you a lift if you want. Or Harry, I think-"

"No! I mean, I just want to go home. I'll probably see you tomorrow." Carmella muttered and climbed into the car. She waved goodbye to Mandy and they drove down the street towards the office. When they reached the building, Anthony looked up at it, obviously impressed.

"Nice. Well I'll see you tomorrow, feel better soon." He said softly and kissed her lightly on the cheek. She smiled and climbed out the car, already feeling slightly better about the whole situation.

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We were trying to find more link, when the door opened again and Carmella walked in looking deeply upset.
"Hey Carmella, what's up?" I asked, wondering how she was so upset already, she'd been fine in the morning.

"Huh? Um nothing, I just need a dress for the winter dance. Oh and I need a cool car with a chauffeur to take me there. One of you guys up for it?" She asked. Tank and Bobby shrugged and nodded. I examined her face.

"Carmella you look like you've been crying. What's wrong?" I asked. She shrugged and muttered something that sounded like 'men are bastards'. I nodded and decided a subject change was in order.

"So, do you have a date for the dance?" I asked. She flushed slightly and nodded.

"Um yeah actually, I'm going with Anthony Morelli." She mumbled. Tank and Bobby grimaced.

"Remind me to be out of the state when you tell your dad." Bobby murmured. Carmella sighed.

"Ok so I know Dad is way overprotective and the Morelli's don't have the best of reputations, but Anthony's cool." I nodded in vague approval.

Somehow, forty minutes later Carmella and I were ball dress shopping. After a couple of hours she finally picked out a beautiful corset style black dress. Then we went Christmas shopping. By the end of the day I was amazed. I had all my Christmas shopping done. Carmella had done all of hers as well, she had been panicking as apparently she usually had it done by now. This comment earned her a glare. We finally got back to the apartment and were thrown into a hectic, work-fuelled panic. We worked into the com room and saw Tank, Bobby, Junior and Hal all answering phones and writing messages on various pieces of paper.

"Carmella, Harry has phoned about nine times." Bobby said as we walked in.

"If he calls again tell him to burn in hell." She instructed and walked out. The guys all shrugged and went back to answering phones.

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Carmella had successfully avoided Harry for almost two weeks when she literally ran into him in a corridor at school. She bounced backwards and landed on her ass on the floor. He grimaced and offered her a hand, which she ignored.

"Carmella please, I-" He started. Carmella got to her feet and glared.

"Save it Harry, I couldn't care less." She hissed and walked down the corridor. She had more important things to worry about, after all it was Christmas in a week and the dance was tonight.

"Carmella!" A voice behind her called. Carmella turned and saw Mandy running towards her, smiling.

"Heya Mel, long time no see. I heard what Harry said. He's lying. I know that he really likes you, he was just hurt I think. And dumb. Anyway it's kind of more complicated because Meredith really likes him and she thinks he likes her. But he doesn't, he likes you and if I'm honest I think you like him. Just try and sort it out, I'm going to stop talking now because I'm getting confused." She finished. Carmella smiled.

"I hope Harry and Meredith are very happy, I really do. Anyway I need to go home and get ready. I'll see you at the ball though; I need to give you your Christmas present!" She grinned. Mandy laughed.

"Cool, well we have two spare seats on out table if you and Anthony want to join us." She offered. Carmella nodded.

"Yeah we'll do that. I'll see you later!" She promised and went to find her lift home.

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I was spinning around on one of the chairs in the com room, when a hand stopped the chair and pulled me around to face the owner of said hand. Ranger smiled at me, the kind of smile someone uses when they want something. I raised an eyebrow at him suspiciously.

"What do you want?" I asked. He smiled.

"I was just wondering…do you know who Carmella's going to the ball with?" He asked. I stared at him.

"If she didn't tell you, what makes you think I will?" I asked. He muttered mutinously and made towards the door but was stopped by Carmella walking in with her hair done and her dress on. I felt myself beaming with pride.

"Carmella you look beautiful." I said. Ranger smiled adoringly.

"You really do sweetheart. So when's your date picking you up?" He asked innocently. Carmella smiled.

"He's not; we're picking him up since we have the car. Don't wait up!" She called and walked out. Ranger frowned slightly, then looked at me. I smiled.

"Still not going to tell you."

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Carmella met Bobby in the garage, who was leaning against a black 1956 Vintage Bentley. She squealed excitedly. Bobby grinned and stood up.

"M'lady, your carriage awaits." He said and opened the door for her.

"Why thank you Brown." She replied courteously and climbed into the car, gathering her skirt around her. They drove into the burg and stopped outside one of the houses. Bobby got out and walked up to the house. Anthony opened it and did a slight double take at Bobby. He followed him down to the path and admired the Bentley. Bobby opened the door for Anthony, who climbed in and admired Carmella.

"Hey Mañoso, you look great." He smiled. She blushed slightly and smiled back.

"You don't look to bad yourself Morelli." She replied. Bobby glanced at them in the rear view mirror.

"Madam, may I suggest that, just for tonight, you address each other using first names." He smiled. Carmella laughed.

"Yes, of course Brown. Now, eyes on the road please. So Anthony, do you have any plans for the holiday?" she asked.
"Just a big family gathering. It's usually quite fun. Which reminds me, I got you a present." He stated and pulled a small package out of his pocket. Carmella smiled and took it gratefully. She opened it and a bracelet studded with black and deep purple gems. She smiled at him and put it on.

"It's so beautiful, thank you." She smiled. He grinned.

"I'm glad you like it." He said earnestly. She grinned happily and pulled a football out from under the seat.

"I got you this. I know, it's not romantic or anything but I had no idea what else to get you so I got you this." She stated and handed it to him. He grinned ecstatically.

"This is awesome! Thanks Carmella, I serious appreciate it." Carmella laughed and leaned over to give him a hug. At the last minute, he turned and kissed her lightly on the lips. She froze from surprise and looked at him.

"Sorry." He whispered.

"No it's…well, one of my dad's best friends is sat up front. I don't think he'd be too happy to find out I'd been kissing a Morelli." She whispered back. Anthony laughed softly. The car rolled to a stop outside the school hall. Bobby got out and opened the door for Carmella.

"Thank you Brown, I'll call you when we need picking up." She told him. Bobby nodded, smiled briefly at Anthony and drove off. Carmella smoothed out her skirt and smiled at Anthony. He gazed at her.

"You look…wow. I never knew a Goth could scrub up so well." He grinned. She punched him lightly on the shoulder.

"How about just for tonight, you don't be a total jerk." She grinned. He laughed and linked his arm with hers. They walked into the hall, smiling politely at people who passed them. The 'beautiful people' were glaring at Carmella. She smiled sweetly back at them. Anthony started leading her towards his football friends.

"No way Anthony, we're sitting with my friends tonight, I don't know the first thing about football and I will not spend my night talking to a load of meatheads." She said adamantly and pulled him towards her friends. They all looked amazing. Mandy waved and indicated the two spare chairs between her and Harry. Carmella took the seat by Mandy, wanting to put as much space between her and Harry. She passed out gifts to everyone, cunningly avoiding giving Harry a gift. Mandy gave her a pair of black crystal earrings, Estella gave her a black rose hair accessory, Meredith gave her a black chocker and Caz gave her a pair of black lace gloves. The guys gave her CD's but Harry had apparently also decided to go for the whole gift thing, at least not for Carmella. The evening was fun and filled with cheesy music and dancing. Carmella danced with Anthony, Alex, Dan and Michael and then she danced with the girls as well. After a couple of hours, she was watching Anthony playing football with the guys and girls. She was smiling as Mandy tackled Alex to get the football. A hand rested on her shoulder. She turned and saw Harry taking a seat next to her. She ignored him and looked back to the game.

"I'm sorry. I…I didn't mean any of the things I said about you. I just…I'm really sorry. I got you this." He said and handed her a black box tied with purple ribbon. She smiled slightly and opened it. Inside was a beautiful black lace negligee with purple silk flowers decorating the bottom.

"Harry I…I don't know if I can accept this." She mumbled modestly. He smiled.

"I want you to have it; I got it a while ago. Just…I don't know, where if for Anthony or something I don't mind. I just want you to be happy." He explained.

"And Morelli apparently. Well…thank you. It's beautiful. Against my better belief I got you this." She smiled and pulled a Metallica CD out of her bag. Harry grinned and took it.

"That's great, thanks Carmella." He grinned. She smiled. Anthony walked up to them and pulled Carmella to her feet.

"Come on; let's dance" He grinned. Carmella laughed, smiled at Harry and let Anthony lead her to the dance floor. After dancing for almost an hour, Anthony took her outside under the tree where Carmella usually sat with her friends.

"You're amazing, you know that?" He smiled. She laughed softly.

"I'm not that great." She muttered. He wrapped an arm around her waist and lowered his mouth to hers. It was amazing; there was no denying he was a good kisser. 'I wonder if Harry's a good kisser. Maybe he's more…passionate, dark…God I'm such a slut' she thought. Anthony pulled away and smiled.

"It's Harry isn't it? You like him." He sighed. Carmella grimaced.

"What? No…how did you guess?" She asked. Anthony smiled amicably.

"You kind of mumbled his name. Plus I saw the present he got you which, by the way, I like." He brushed a strand of hair off her face and tucked it behind her ear. "I'd like us to still be friends. I really like you but it's obvious you don't feel the same." Carmella sighed.

"Oh you have no idea how much I want to be attracted to you. But I want to be friends. I'm so sorry." She murmured. He smiled and kissed her on the forehead.

"That's fine. But I just want to say, don't leave it too late because you'll regret it. Tell hi how you feel, it'll be better in the long run. Let's go back to the party." He smiled, wrapped an arm around her waist and walked her back into the hall. When they walked back in, Harry raised an eyebrow questioningly but decided to say nothing. Estella ran up to them.

"Hey, you guys wanna skip? There's an amazing club that Michael thinks he can get us into." She grinned. Carmella looked up at Anthony.

"You go, I think I'll stick around and play football. Have fun." He grinned and kissed her on the forehead again. She smiled.

"Thanks, oh but if you hook up with any of the 'beautiful people', then I will hurt you quite badly." He laughed, said goodbye to the others and walked over to his football friends. Carmella called Bobby and told him she was going to stay at one of her friend's house overnight and that she'd be back in the morning. After checking that this friend was female, he gave it the ok. They climbed into Alex's and Michael's cars and set off to the club.

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Bobby walked into the com room at about 10 o clock without Carmella. Ranger looked at him inquiringly.

"Dude, where's my daughter?" He asked.
"Staying at a friends. A female friend, I checked." He told us. Ranger nodded, then cursed as his pager bleeped.

"I've got to go on a bust, some big drug deal going down tonight and we've been called in. Gentlemen, it's time for us to go fight crime."

"To the bat mobile!" Tank grinned. I laughed a kissed Ranger lightly on the lips.

"Don't get shot." He grinned and walked out, with his band of merry men following him. I laughed quietly, then yawned. Man I was tired. I went up to the seventh floor, wishing I still had the stamina of a 15 year old.

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Many thanks to everyone who read this chapter, I hope you all approve! Love it? Hate it? What do you think of updating the chapters so soon after each other (I've had quite a bit of spare time, exams are nearly over!) do you want more time between each chapter or not? Please Please PLEASE review! As always, any suggestions and/or comments are welcome. Thanks to everyone who reviewed to the last chapter! I'll try to update ASAP. Arigato! Oh and PS Who does everyone think Carmella should get with in the end, because I know a few are liking Junior, but others are Harry fans (Morelli could still be in the running!) I'll try to take all suggestions into account!