Summary: Set in Season 4, between episodes 4:9 and 4:10. Rory is coming home for the holiday break. Something happens to Lorelai and Rory turns to Luke for help.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gilmore Girls, it's story, characters or episodes. They were created by Amy Sherman-Paladino and are owned by Dorothy Parker Drank Here and the WB/CW

A/N: Thanks Everyone for sticking with me! I am back so here is the next chapter to enjoy... Please review!

Chapter 3:The Aftermath

Previously…

"I'm sorry. We lost her," the doctor said to them when he got there.

Rory broke down sobbing.

"Can we go in and see her?" Luke asked.

"Yes. Room 319 just there."

Rory ran down the hall almost before he had finished. Luke hustled after her but paused at the door, wanting to give her a few moments alone. He heard her sobbing from his post at the door but willed himself to hold it together; he had to be strong for Rory.

Luke waited a few minutes before going into the room. He could hardly stand the sight of Lorelai lying there. Rory looked up at him as he walked in, the tears were still falling, though not as hard as before.

"She doesn't look right does she?" Rory asked through the tears. She stood up suddenly, "I don't want to remember her like this," and she hurried out of the room.

"Wait, Rory!" Luke hustled after her.

Rory sprinted past a bewildered Emily and Richard. Luke slowed down for a moment.

"I'm sorry. They, they um… they lost her. It's room 319 if you want to…... I'm going to go catch up with Rory," he said as nicely and apologetically as he could. He saw Emily begin to cry as he took off again in search of Rory. He found her standing outside the emergency room, starring off into space. He approached her slowly, trying to find the words to say.

"I want to go back to Stars Hollow," she said suddenly, surprising him.

"Oh. Um. Okay. Are you sure?" He asked.

"Yes."

"I'll drive you. Let me tell Emily and Richard."

"Fine, I'll be in the car."

"Don't you want to … I don't know, say something to them, at least goodbye?"

"No. I'll be in the car," Rory said as she turned defiantly away from him and strode off to the car.

Luke sighed and turned back towards the hospital. He couldn't believe all that had happened in the last few hours. And he couldn't fathom what he was going to say to Richard and Emily.

Richard was in the hallway outside the room when Luke approached. He turned slightly towards him as he noticed his presence.

"I umm… Rory wanted to… she wants me to take her back to Stars Hollow. I'm going to take her home and make sure she's all right…" Luke trailed off.

Richard nodded slowly, "Should I…should we…?" He, too trailed off, questioningly.

"I think she wants to be alone right now. Maybe stop by or call in the morning."

Richard nodded, and so did Luke. He looked down at his feet and left, not knowing what else to do.

When he got back to his truck, Rory was sitting in the passenger's seat starring straight ahead. She barely acknowledged him as he climbed in, started the car, and drove off. They were quiet the whole ride back. As they approached Stars Hollow, Luke decided to take the back way around to the Gilmore house. When he pulled into the driveway, Rory suddenly stiffened. Luke put the truck in park and turned towards her, she was white as a ghost.

"I, I can't… I can't go in there, Luke. I can't be alone in there. I don't want to be alone in there. Please, turn around, anywhere," Rory pleaded with him.

Luke wasn't sure what to say. He coughed, stuttered, started the car and turned around.

"Do you want me to take you to your grandparents?"

"No!" Rory practically yelled.

"Ok…how about the Dragon…"
"No…that'll just remind…" Rory trailed off quietly.

"Ok…well, for tonight you can stay at my place. The bed is still up from when Jess was here."

"Thanks, Luke," Rory said quietly as she leaned against the window.