Rory Gilmore looked in the mirror after her shower and grimaced. This wasn't because she thought she was bad looking. Rory may have always been a little on the shy side, but she never lacked confidence in her beauty. The disgust on her face was for a whole different reason. She opened the medicine cabinet in her bathroom and took out the rubbing alcohol from the top shelf. After pouring a little bit on the end of her towel, she pressed it against the cut on her arm.

Most people would give a sharp intake of breath, but not Rory. She was used to this pain. She had been used to it for quite a few months now, which was proven from the bruises that covered the tops of her arms and back. She bandaged up the fresh cut on her shoulder and wrapped her towel around her. When she walked into the bedroom, she saw there was a note on their bed she must have not seen before. She already knew what it said, but to assure herself, she sat at the edge of the bed and picked up the sheet of paper.

I'm sorry baby. Please forgive me. Coffee is made. Have a great weekend. Love, Michael

Every time. It was routine now. He'd get upset over something, she'd stand up for herself, he'd beat her in a place where no one would see the damage, she'd cry, they'd fall asleep and he'd leave a note the next morning to reassure her that he loved her. She knew she was wrong to keep forgiving him. In the bottom of her heart she knew he would never change, but she just kept lying to herself. She told herself one day he'd appreciate her for all that she is. One day they will be married and start a family, because she did love him, despite everything.

She put down the note and got up from the bed. She wasn't going to think about the bruises, the cut, or the fact that in a few days, this would probably happen again. Right now, she concentrated on the fact that Michael was on a business trip and she was going home, to Stars Hollow, for the weekend.

Rory quickly got dressed, carefully selecting a shirt that would hide all the bruises, and grabbed a to-go mug of coffee. She wanted to get to Stars Hollow as soon as possible. She couldn't wait to spend the weekend with her mom. As she locked up her apartment, her cell phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Good morning beautiful," came the reply.

"Good morning back to you," she said with a small smile.

"Sorry I didn't wake you this morning to say goodbye. You looked peaceful," Michael said sincerely.

"It's okay. I figured it was something like that. I mean, I am like sleeping beauty when it comes to sleep," Rory joked.

"Dead unless your prince charming awakes you with a kiss?"

Rory laughed. "You know what I mean. However, a kiss from you would be great right about now."

"I know babe. I owe you one when I return."

"Oh, you owe me more than one mister."

"Alright, alright, you twisted my arm." She could almost hear his smile over the phone. She loved his smile. She loved times like these. "So are you on your way to the hometown now?"

"Yup. And I assume you made it to New York safely?"

"Yup. I miss you already."

"I miss you too babe."

"Alright. Well I should get going. I have a meeting in a half hour."

"Okay. Good luck sweetheart."

"Thanks. I love you."

"And I love you. Bye."

"Bye."

Rory hung up the phone and by this time, was at her car. She climbed in and breathed a sigh of exhaustion. Maybe they really would make this work. Maybe Michael could become a better man. She turned the key and hit the gas. Or maybe this weekend would just dig Rory deeper in a mess of problems.