Chapter 10
The next morning, Luke was the first one up, of course. Letting Lorelai sleep, knowing she didn't sleep well, he got dressed and made his way downstairs, going to the kitchen to start on breakfast. By a streak of luck, Jaiden's spring break also landed the same week as April's, so Luke let her sleep as well. Being right there, off the kitchen, he made sure to be quiet as he possibly could. After last night, Luke figured it was a pancakes kind of morning so he got the ingredients, along with a mixing bowl and rubber spatula, mixing everything together while the small, electric, portable griddle warmed up. He even added chocolate chips to the batter.
Right as Luke was about to form the first pancake onto the griddle, his ears caught a sound that sounded like whimpering, which also produced some crying but it wasn't loud enough to wake the whole house this time. It was soft to where only he could hear it.
Turning the heat to its lowest temperature, Luke made his way over to Rory's bedroom door and softly knocked on the door as he stuck his head in the room. Jaiden was still underneath the bed, consistently producing pitiful crying noises.
"Jaiden?" The noises continued, bringing him into the room, moving around to the other side of the bed. He then moved closer, kneeling on the floor to look underneath. Her eyes were still closed but her hand was outstretched, holding her left knee like it was hurting or something. The position Jaiden was laying in looked painful enough. "Jaiden, sweetie." Being careful as he could, Luke reached a hand under there to gently shake her shoulder.
Jaiden woke with a start, bolting her head up. Unfortunately, it collided with the bottom of the bed.
"I'm sorry, sweetie. I didn't mean to scare you. Your head okay?" Luke kept his voice down, in a soft, gentle tone. It seemed fine, especially when Jaiden suddenly grabbed onto her knee once more. Realization sunk in that it might be a leg cramp she was experiencing. Having Paul Anka move out of there, Luke tried to convince Jaiden to let him help her take away the pain. It took ten minutes before she allowed him to reach in and pull her out in both arms, standing to his feet to lay Jaiden on top of the bed, being careful of her knee.
Jaiden let out some more pitiful, soft cries as she was lifted up and set on the bed. Luke could feel her tiny body tense up in his arms.
"I'll be right back, okay?" Luke went back out to the kitchen, grabbing a dish towel. He wet the towel under the faucet before folding it and warming it in the microwave for a few seconds. Bringing it back, Luke sat on the edge of the bed and carefully laid it across her knee, firmly holding it there while repeatedly switching around her whole knee, including underneath. "How's that feel? Okay?"
Jaiden was propping herself up on her hands, watching what he was doing. Even through the warm towel and with the cramp, Luke could feel her whole body still tensed.
"You gotta relax, sweetie. The muscles in your leg are tight from sleeping like that all night." Luke ended up singing to help her, relax while gently massaging her knee. "I'm not doing this to hurt you. It's to relax your leg." Guilt rose inside of him, having to do this when it shouldn't have. He couldn't help think something like this could be possibly re-living horrible nightmares for her. But having gotten muscle cramps himself from stress, Luke knew this was what one was supposed to do. "It's alright, sweetie. I'm just trying to help your leg feel better."
The hard part came when they had to start moving her leg, bending and unbending her knee as Luke continued to gently massage it. After a few minutes, Jaiden was able to move her leg without wincing or crying.
"There," Luke took the dish towel away, sitting back. "All better?"
Jaiden lifted her gaze towards him where he gave her a kind smile. She then nodded. "Thank you," she squeaked out, timidly.
"You're welcome, sweetie," he replied. "I get them, too, so I know they're no fun to have." Standing to his feet, Luke told her, he was in the middle of cooking breakfast. "You know, I could use an assistant chef. Would you like to help?"
Her gaze dropped. She stole a quick look before she timidly replied, "Don't know how."
"That's okay. I can teach you if you like."
Jaiden looked away again.
"Well, if you change your mind, I'll be right out there," Luke motioned towards the kitchen. He then left Jaiden alone, returning to where he left everything.
Luke picked up where he left off, making sure to re-stir the batter before pouring the first pancake. While the pancake was cooking, he happened to spot the little girl out of the corner of his right eye, holding onto the wall. She shyly peeked out at him. By the way she was holding the wall, it seemed like Jaiden might float away if she let go.
Glancing down to flip the pancake over so it wouldn't burn, Luke said, "I let little helpers steal the chocolate chips from the bag while the pancakes are cooking." Technically, that only happened because April really did steal chocolate chips when he wasn't looking. Or so she thought. In all honestly, Luke let it slide and just let her think he didn't see it.
The next time Luke looked over at the little girl, she was slowly inching her way towards the kitchen table. Once she was there, Jaiden held onto the back of one of the chairs, still watching him but cautiously this time.
"You can scoot that chair over here so you can stand on it, just make sure you wash your hands first." After a minute, he heard the sound of bare feet making their way over to the sink on the other side of where Luke was standing at the counter. Jaiden tried reaching up to turn on the water, but being smaller than an average eight-year-old, even on her tip toes, she could barely reach. Seeing her struggle and only able to move the handle a half an inch, Luke reached over and lifted it the rest of the way, grabbing the soap while Jaiden wet her hands under the water. "Here, sweetie." Luke squeezed a nickle-sized glob of liquid hand soap into her small palm where she began to lather in both of her hands.
While Jaiden washed her hands, Luke scooped the pancake up using a metal spatula this time, and set it on a nearby plate he got from one of the upper cupboards. He pointed out a dry dish towel hanging on the stove handle she could use to dry her hands. Once her hands were all clean and dry, Jaiden moved the same chair over, stopping to look over at him when the legs made a loud screeching sound.
Luke assured her, "You're okay, sweetie." He went over to lift it in one hand, carrying it over to set right at the counter where Jaiden could climb onto. Picking up the bowl, Luke let Jaiden help pour the next pancake, making it just the right size before setting the bowl back down, warning her to be careful around the hot griddle.
Once they made all the pancakes they could make from the first round of batter, Luke showed Jaiden how to make more, letting her stir, also reminding Jaiden about the chocolate chips. She snacked on one or two but not as much if the others would have. Paul Anka tried begging for some which Luke reminded him of what happened the last time the dog had eaten chocolate, and didn't want a repeat, making sure Jaiden didn't try to sneak some to him.
"Chocolate is like poison to dogs," he explained to her. "It could make them really sick."
Jaiden turned her head towards Paul Anka afterwards and shook it as if she was telling him, no. Eventually, Luke just decided to feed him for Lorelai.
While the pancakes were about done, April was the next one to wake up, heading into the kitchen.
"Morning, Dad," she greeted, going to the fridge to get the carton of orange juice. "Hey, you talked Jaiden into helping you?" Her face filled with hopeful excitement.
Luke reminded his daughter to not make a big deal whenever Jaiden was taking steps out of her shell, not wanting to put any pressure on the kid. The kid did seem relaxed though while she was stirring. Hopefully she was. "Jaiden, can you bring me the carton of eggs from the fridge, please?"
Jaiden climbed down from the chair and made her way over to the fridge, opening the fridge door. While she was looking around the inside, he told her the carton should be a cardboard one, on the middle shelf, making sure to let her know to be careful while pulling them out. Luke was positive the little girl tried to be careful, pulling it out with both hands as he suggested and cradled the carton in her arms as she made her way over. Halfway there, Rory came in, greeting everyone, cheerfully. It scared Jaiden who seemed to be concentrating hard, spooking her out of her skin and causing her to drop the carton onto the hardwood floor.
Jaiden immediately flinched backwards, going stiff once more.
Luke set the spatula on the counter next to the griddle, to kneel on the floor. He picked up the egg carton, opening it up to see if any eggs survived. A few did on one side. "It's alright, sweetie. Not all of them broke. No harm done," he assured her. "You're not in any trouble."
She still continued to stand there, her chin pinned to her chest, catatonic.
Watching her stand there, stiff as a board, tore at his heart.
"Sorry, Luke," he heard Rory apologize, sincerely. "Sorry, Jaiden."
"I know you are, Rory." Luke assured both of them, no one was at fault and sang another verse to help Jaiden relax.
After a few minutes, Jaiden lifted her head and in a timid, pitiful tone asked, "Can I still help?"
Luke smiled hearing she still wanted to help him. "Of course, sweetie." Keeping her eyes on the floor, stealing a look or two at him, Jaiden made her way over to her chair and climbed back onto it, though she definitely seemed tense now. While Luke and Jaiden picked up where they left off, Rory poured herself a cup of coffee, sitting at the table to chat with April, seeming like they were also picking up where they left off. No doubt the girls probably stayed up a little bit last night, talking. Once the food was all done, Luke made each of them a plate, handing it over to Jaiden to take to the table. Rory volunteered to go wake her mom.
Lowering himself to her level, Luke told Jaiden, "Thank you for helping me, sweetie. You are the best helper I ever had." He smiled when a small smile slowly appeared on her face. "Go sit down and I'll pour ya some milk to go with your pancakes. Luke stood up, dismissing Jaiden to go sit at the table while he got her a glass of milk. He also brought the syrup over, pouring some over her pancakes.
"Thank you," she squeaked softly once Luke stopped pouring the syrup.
"You're welcome, sweetie."
April was grabbing a couple pieces of bacon, setting them on her plate. She offered Jaiden a piece, holding it towards the little girl. "Bacon?"
Jaiden hesitated at first before taking it from the older girl.
Rory returned with Lorelai, who headed straight for the coffee, pouring herself a cup. Like Rory, Lorelai told them, good morning as well while pouring. Luke wandered over, carrying her plate, handing it to Lorelai once she set the pot back into its place. He kissed her good morning in the process. With everyone there and awake, the clan sat down to eat. With the plate of bacon being passed around, constantly, April took it upon herself to make sure Jaiden had her fill, looking out for the kid.
During the breakfast conversation, Luke informed Lorelai about Jaiden's leg cramp wake-up, letting her know he took care of it, as well as let her know Paul Anka was fed, though the dog still got his share of bacon. It was Lorelai who noticed Jaiden was avoiding eye contact with her. It didn't seem like she was angry with her. It seemed more along the lines of out of fear from the night before.
"So," Lorelai finally said as they finished breakfast. "With it being spring break, the inn's gonna be busy, so I'm gonna have to go in this morning."
"Which means the diner's gonna be packed, too," Luke pointed out.
April asked, confused, "So?"
"We're trying to figure out where Jaiden will have to go with," Lorelai explained. "Luke and I switch off, taking time from work to stay home with her."
"I can take Jaiden with me and she can hang out upstairs," Luke suggested. "Might be better than having her sit in your office all day."
"You know, April and I were gonna go the bookstore, today. Jaiden can come with us if she wants," Rory offered which April agreed.
"Are you sure?" Lorelai asked.
"Yeah. It'll be a girl's day out." Rory turned her head in Jaiden's direction, who was eating the slowest of the clan. "Want to come to the bookstore with April and me, Jaiden? I can even buy you any book you want."
Jaiden stared at her plate of half eaten food, not saying a word.
"Afterwards, we're gonna go get our nails done," April added.
"Yeah, you can get your nails painted," Rory told her.
It was Luke who noticed Jaiden was looking a little tensed. "Alright, you two. I don't think Jaiden's up for all that fun yet." He turned back to Jaiden to ask, "Would you like to come with me to the diner and hang out upstairs in my apartment, sweetie?"
Jaiden still did not answer.
"You can't stay home this time. Me and Lorelai have to go to work. So, you can either go with Rory and April, or come with me." Luke also added, "or go with Lorelai to the inn."
Finally, she lifted her head, looking over at Rory before pointing at her.
"You want to come with me and April?" she asked.
Jaiden gave a timid nod.
Rory gave an excited but soft cheer, careful not to scare the little girl this time.
"I need you both to keep an eye out for her," Lorelai told both her daughter and step daughter. "We haven't given Jaiden a real tour of the town yet. She doesn't know her way around and hasn't met everyone either."
"We will," Rory assured her mom.
"And call us if anything happens." Lorelai then added, "Jaiden has an appointment this afternoon, so I can meet you guys at Luke's around 3:30."
"Appointment for what?" April asked, curious.
"She meets with a therapist every Monday."
Rory turned back to Jaiden, who was nibbling on another piece of bacon April had passed to her. "Do you like your therapist, Jaiden?"
Jaiden stared at nothing towards the table.
"You can be honest, sweetie," Luke assured her. "You won't be in trouble either way."
Finally, she slowly shook her head but did not lift her gaze.
"How come?" Rory asked, curious. Jaiden never answered.
Since Luke and Jaiden cooked, Rory and April volunteered to do the dishes while Lorelai went back upstairs to get ready for work. Luke suggested Jaiden go get dressed and brush her teeth while the other girls work on the dishes. Once the little girl was dressed and brushed her teeth, she went out to play with her hockey set to practice what she learned.
When Lorelai was ready for work, she kissed Luke good-bye and let the girls know she was leaving. Coming out onto the porch, that's when Lorelai found Jaiden out there, hitting a ball into one of the goal nets. A part of her wanted to call out to Jaiden, wanting to have a word before she left for work. Another part of her wanted to leave it be for now and give the kid some space. Lorelai wasn't sure which one was right for this moment. In the end, she decided to wait until later while on the way to her appointment.
Not too long after Lorelai left, Luke left as well, letting all three girls know and reminded Rory and April to watch out for Jaiden. The girls assured, Jaiden was in good hands. He told Jaiden they would be in charge, assuring her, she would be safe with them. He was hoping things would be fine, not wanting to put either Rory or April in a hard position. That's why he was nervous about letting the girls take her for the day. But Jaiden seemed fine at school. So far, anyway.
He headed for the diner with the girls heavily on his mind. All morning he thought about them. There wasn't a phone call so that was a good sign at least. Like Luke though, Lorelai also had the girls on her mind, particularly Jaiden.
Knowing Jaiden helped Luke with breakfast, willingly, but couldn't meet her eye, made Lorelai feel badly about last night. She knew things would be hard in the beginning. She knew it would be a uphill battle. But the weight on her heart, knowing Jaiden was hurting, just got to her. However, Lorelai remembered about what Luke had said about having one of their girls connect with him like she had Rory and, to a certain degree, April. Seeing Jaiden bond with Luke was a good thing, especially when they had to help show her, not all men were horrible monsters.
Sookie had noticed her best friend seemed a little off. "You okay?" she asked when Lorelai came into the kitchen for another cup of coffee.
Lorelai poured herself a cup, setting the coffee pot back into place before taking a drink. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired, is all."
"You want to talk about it?" Sookie continued to push, knowing her, well.
She messed with her hair as she stared at the floor. Lorelai tried to brush it off but Sookie refused to admit that it was nothing if Lorelai seemed out of it. "Jaiden freaked out last night when I told her we loved her." She then went on to explain what had happened. "She couldn't even look at me, this morning."
"Well, that's probably the first time she's heard someone say that to her," Sookie guessed. "Every kid wants to feel like they are loved even if they say they don't. And when a parent denies them of that, they probably feel worthless and rejected. So when you finally said it, a lot of emotions probably happened all at once, and Jaiden didn't know how to process everything. It sounds like maybe at some point she tried to tell her mom she loved her and her mom reacted the opposite from what she hoped she would. Maybe that's even where Jaiden heard those awful words."
Lorelai stared at nothing. The words Jaiden yelled still rang loud and clear in her head.
"My advice would be not to say it. At least not right now. Instead, show her you love her. After all, actions speak louder than words, right?"
Lorelai had taken another drink of her coffee. She swallowed before she said, "Yeah, they do. I just want Jaiden to feel loved in our home."
"Then show her you do. From what you said, Luke seems to be on the right track. Playing hockey with her and letting her help with breakfast. Do things she wants to do. Keep getting her involved in things. Take Luke's stick and pass the puck with her. Even if you suck at it, Jaiden will see you're trying. I've never been athletic, and Davey loves it when we play catch and Martha's starting to get interested in soccer. Kids love it when we attempt sports to play with them even if we're not any good at it. Ask Jaiden if you can play with her. Don't leave sports up to just Luke. Maybe even let her teach you what he taught her. It'll help boost her confidence if you let her teach you."
Lorelai nodded. "I guess I could try that," she shrugged.
"Just don't let it get ya down. It'll get easier, I'm sure," Sookie assured her. "And later, you'll both look back and Jaiden will know how much you love her."
That made her smile that time. Lorelai still couldn't help worry about it but knew what Sookie was saying. What they all were saying. Actions did speak louder than words. Words could be empty promises to some. Sometimes, proving by one's actions was a lot better proof then just saying it out loud.
"I think it's wonderful you and Luke decided to go through with adopting a foster kid. Jaiden's gonna love you guys back very soon, I just know it."
Lorelai nodded. "Thanks, Sookie."
"What are friends for?"
She smiled at that. "Yeah." While they were taking the classes, the instructor in charge did say having a great support team was a good asset to have when going through the whole adoption process. Lorelai did feel a little better, now. Hopefully Jaiden was having a good time with Rory and April.
Happy Thanksgiving to my readers in the U.S. Hope you had a great day with loved ones! I'm thankful for each and every one of you. Thanks for reading and following along. :)
Hope to have the next chapter for "A Father's Love" out soon!