A Reunion chapter 3 by: Guitar Hero

Morning had came quicker than anyone in the Danes family thought was possible. Luke had successfully tip-toed downstairs without his beautiful wife, Lorelai, waking up. As soon as Luke came downstairs he saw Keith making a pot of coffee. "Hey, what time did you get in last night?" Luke asked curiously. "Midnight," Keith said hoping his curious father would not ask more questions. "Why so late?" "Rectifying a horrible mistake that needed to be fixed." Keith said as if stating the obvious. Luke did not say anything to his son about that statement. He looked at his son with a curious glare. "I'll tell you one thing though. It involves drinking a bottle of scotch and sneaking out of a friend's window at 11:30 because their parents showed up." Keith said. There was an eerie silence in the kitchen. Luke was the first to break the silence. You know if you don't wake up earlier you are going to loose this mysterious personality. Keith just smiled and turned to leave out the back door.

It was hot today and the heat wave had not lifted over Stars Hollow, but then again it was not 100 degrees so that was a blessing in itself. Keith was strolling around the Square when he spotted Melissa's house. Keith thought about going over there. This time it would not be stupid or awkward. It would just be hanging out with… Friends? It was all so complicated. I mean before I left we had a very strong bond and sometimes it felt like they were a bit more than friends… at times. Now it was now more complicated. Now he was responsible enough to be in a serious relationship, wasn't he? Keith thought to himself. He decided to go to his dad for advice. After all his dad had been through the very same type of relationship.

"Dad I need relationship advice." Keith stated to his dad. His dad nodded wondering why he did not ask his mom who was an expert on the subject. Keith quickly told him about the night at Melissa's and how much Keith had missed her. Keith knew his dad would understand everything he had told him. Luke just smiled and said, "tell her."

It was 10:00 at night and Keith was going to tell Melissa how he felt about her tonight. Keith walked up the familiar steps. This time it was not awkward. Keith had a bottle of vodka in one hand and a jewelry box in the other. He knocked on the door knowing that Melissa would answer because it was Friday and every Friday her parents would be in Hartford for a Nature Group meeting. Her parents are tree huggers. Melissa answered the door and Keith's plan was falling into place. "Hey, what are you doing here so late?" Melissa said with worry in her voice. Keith held up the bottle of vodka and Melissa stepped aside so Keith could come in. At first Keith did not get the message. Melissa motioned for him to come in. Now he got the message. Keith was always a little slow on processing things. Most people would think this was one of his less attractive qualities, but not Melissa. She knew Keith had his own style. To Melissa Keith's slowness to get the message was one of his cuter, more friendly and vulnerable qualities.

Melissa lead Keith to her room and they sat on the couch. Keith gave her the jewelry box as soon as they were settled on the couch comfortably. She opened the box and saw two diamond earrings. "Keith, this is so wonderful! Wow, they look like real diamonds!" "Good 'cause they are." She stared at him. Keith honestly did not know if the starring was bad or good. "Is the staring good or bad?" Keith asked with a worried tone. Melissa loved that about Keith. He always said what was on his mind. She threw her arms around Keith. He was going to take that as a good.

Keith wished that he could hold her in his arms forever. Phase 1 and 2 of the plan was a success. And now Phase 3. "Would you like to go to dinner with me?" Keith asked hoping the answer was yes. She shook her head … no? She began to talk. " Keith to much has happened between us. It will take time to get back to the status we had. And when we do, we will talk about your offer. Until then we have to remain, just friends." You could tell that he was hurt, but she was also hurt to tell him that.

Keith went home hurt and defeated. It was only 10:30. But the now cloudy sky made it feel like midnight. He would of liked to talk to his mom and dad about the terrible pain he felt. It felt like Melissa had torn his heart in two. Keith sat up on the couch with the bottle of vodka that was meant for two but he was drinking it alone. Alone. He had never been alone. Even when he had an acting job he made new friends. In the army he made friends that he could count on for eternity. He wanted to tell his parents how great the army was for him. It was the place where he got his act together. He had a responsibility to look out for others more than look out for himself. In fact he did just that. He had taken at least 10 bullets through out his army career to save the lives of others. He had stab wounds all over his body. He even had the outline of flames on his leg because of rescuing an Iraqi baby. His nickname in the army was Hero. He had saved the life of his best friend Kevin. He was after all a true hero.

He fell asleep on the couch with the empty vodka bottle in hand. Luke came downstairs to find his somewhat(or completely) drunk son laying on the couch with an empty bottle of vodka in his hand as he slept somewhat soundly. Well, as soundly as you can when drunk. It killed Luke to see his once strong, and caring son looking this hurt and defeated. He knew Keith would tell him the whole story, but not now, because as drunk as he was he probably wouldn't even wake up for at least 6 hours. And when he did wake up he probably would have a huge headache and would not be able to talk without slurring the words so much he couldn't even understand what he was saying. Until he wasn't this drunk Luke was gonna let him sleep without him asking numerous questions.