A/N

Sarahb2007- I haven't attended a school that actually had a shooting occur, but in the time I was in high school there were four bomb threats in which the school was evacuated, and I've known of several people who brought weapons to school. I think there was also a guy in my school who was stabbed, but I'm not sure about that one. It is really terrifying, and can change your whole perspective on things. All I can say is I'm glad I'm not in High School anymore.

TheNextLorelai- Living in Nova Scotia (Canada) I don't really hear gunshots all that often, lol. But it's a little funny, whenever we're down at the waterfront in our capital city, at noon there is a ceremonial shooting of cannons from one of our landmarks, and you can always tell who the American's are because they duck and cover :P. I just thought I'd add that in as a funny little anecdote.

And onto the epilogue

Survival of the Strongest: Epilogue

The weeks passed, and Rory's body slowly began to heal from her injuries. Internally, though, she was still haunted by the events of that day. When she closed her eyes she could feel his breath on her skin, his hands on her body, violating her. When she closed her eyes, she could see Tristan's lifeless body beside her, and felt the guilt of knowing he was only there because he had tried to protect her.

The worst reminder of that day, though, was the mild throbbing between her legs where she had been torn in his attempts to rape her. This reminder embarrassed and shamed her.

She had been given tons of support throughout the weeks though. Her mother had been there to talk, to cry, to offer a distraction, and she had welcomed it. Also, she'd been in contact with Tristan, who was coming along very well. She was comforted to know that he remembered nothing of the rape. She didn't want that on his conscience anymore then she wanted his shooting to be on hers. Despite their history, now that they had something in common, horrendous as it was, she felt connected with him in a way she hadn't before. This connection gave her a new appreciation for the boy who had taunted her so much in her first few months at Chilton.

One thing that made her even happier, though, was her mother's evolving relationship with Luke, whom she later learned had been there during the shooting with her mother every step of the way. His constant support had made her feel much more secure, and she knew Lorelai felt the same. For some reason, having a third person around the house made her feel very protected. She was glad that third person was Luke.

When it was time for her to go back to school, she could hardly breathe. Luke had gone with her and Lorelai to drop her off, hoping to provide Rory with support on the way there, and Lorelai with support on the way home.

"I'm scared, Mom," Rory admitted as they pulled up to the gates of Chilton. Lorelai swallowed hard and nodded.

"You'll be okay," she said, ignoring her own tingling fear. "You have your phone. Call me if you need me." Rory nodded and steeled herself to go inside.

"I love you mom," she said softly.

"I love you too babe. We'll be back to pick you up at 3:30 sharp." Rory pulled herself out of the car, and with one final, nervous look back, she began her trek to the doors.

"Rory," she heard from behind her. She looked back to see Tristan coming up to her. Having him there made her feel more secure, if only slightly. She could see that Lorelai and Luke were still waiting for her to go inside. She offered them a final wave before turning back to Tristan.

"Hey," she said, acknowledging him. He came up beside her and they both looked toward the school.

"You nervous?" he asked. She nodded.

"Given the circumstances, absolutely. Are you?" He shrugged.

"They're all dead, right?" he asked. She nodded, confirming that all of the gunmen had shot themselves after their rampage, with the exception of the one Rory shot herself.

"They're all dead."

"Then we'll be fine," he said. He put his arm around her waist, noticing her tense slightly, "is this okay?" he asked. She nodded.

"Yeah. It's okay. It's just new," she said. He smiled.

"But a good new, right?" she returned his smile and nodded.

"A good new." He took in a deep breath as they both looked toward the school.

"Well, here goes nothing," he said. With his arm firmly around her waist the two made their way into the school once more, feeling secure together.

As they walked into the foyer, several pictures were blown up and lined along the walls. They depicted the fourteen students, three teachers, and janitor whom had been killed in the attacks. Surrounding them were flowers and wreaths, notes and pictures. Rory and Tristan made their ways through the newly installed metal detectors at the front entrance before heading in to start their day, and move on with their lives, knowing things would never be the same again.

That's the end. Let me know what you thought