** Chapter 8: Stories Long Buried ***

Bre POV~

When we made it to Lorelai's and everyone was seated I looked at Jess and I knew he wanted, and needed me to be the one to verbalize our story, he was not good at putting himself out there and this was something I knew was hard for him to do, but Liz had ruined any chance of waiting any longer, they all needed to know what the heck Jess and I had meant when we both had lost it in front of Liz, and everyone else for that matter. So I took a deep breath, and decided where to begin our story.

"So I guess I just start from the beginning, the point Liz went off the deep end and never really recovered. Jess and I were about three when Jimmy stopped coming back. He would leave for a week or so, and then return again, and every time he would tell us he was ready for this life, a family life, but then things would get hard again, and he would leave again. This time we had needed to move again because we had missed rent again and the landlord was upset. Liz and Jimmy got into a fight, and Jimmy walked out. Liz cried for hours, that's the most I remember about the day but Liz told us the story numerous times in a drunk haze. Jimmy was sick of the trouble we caused, we cried too much, etc. He didn't want to be a father, so he left and that time Liz knew he wasn't coming back. After that Liz slid back into what was easy. She started getting drunk, leaving us with the neighbor when she went out and not coming to get us until one or two the next day and then repeat the whole thing, or she would drink at home. She started dating again when we were four, when she gave up on Jimmy coming back. For the first few years she rarely brought the guys home, never told them she was a mom, just one night stands. Then when we were six, she met Damion. D kept coming back to Liz so she told him she had us, and he moved in. He didn't like us and we didn't like him, but Liz was happy and she didn't notice a thing, blissfully unaware in her drunk state. She told him Jimmy left and that we were why he left. D, as we were told to call him, didn't like Jess especially because Jess had become the man of the house. He took care of us, especially when Liz was too high, or drunk, to do so herself. So he took D as an intruder, and neither of us trusted him because he was a royal dick whenever Liz wasn't paying attention or gone. One night they came back really late, and were both higher than they had ever been, and drunk. Damion and Jess clashed when Jess wouldn't let him into my room. He wanted… well that. And Jess knew it. So D beat the shit out of Jess, and then came into my room, told me I was a slut and that I was asking for it and then he tried to rape me, but Jess stopped him, even hurt, and so he beat us both, hit Liz and then took his stuff and left. He never came back."

I paused for breath and looked around. Luke was looking pissed, Jess had his eyes closed, and everyone else looked shocked. "After that Liz never really acted like a mom again. She told us it was our fault D left and that we ruined her life. She went and did what she wanted whenever she wanted, leaving us alone for days at a time. Jess and I learned how to survive. We went to school, and that is where I was happiest. Until someone started bullying me. I didn't tell Jess for a while because I knew he would start something and I was scared. After D, I never let anyone close to me, except Jess, and the older boys started picking on me and following me trying to touch me and see what would happen. Finally, at recess, I was reading on the swings and wasn't paying attention and the lead asshat came up and grabbed both my arms. I was 10 and he was 12, a sixth grader who thought he owned the planet. I screamed, because I was terrified, and Jess heard it. He was in class, he came running and by the time he found me I was sobbing and being passed around the little gang that had been bothering me and Jess lost it."

"I beat the crap out of all of them, but the leader who just watched and laughed. He was holding her to him and she was crying and screaming. His buddies didn't last long, I had learned how to defend myself and keep us safe from the guys Liz had been bringing home since Damion. I had taken every beating doled out so that no one touched her. And this little prick turned out to be the son of one of the guys that had tormented us and lived with us for about six months and had heard from his dad that Bre didn't like to be touched. Bre started to hyper ventilate and everyone, teachers and kids both just stood around watching. I told Bre to get away so she kicked the guy in the groin and then ran. I beat the crap out of him, and told him that if he ever touched her again he would regret it. Bre and I were sent home, and not allowed back at school. The other kids didn't get punished, just us. We had to move and Liz got upset. She and I got into a screaming match and Bre hid, she hated when Liz and I fought. After that I had no respect for teachers or adults in general. I started skipping school, working odd jobs and saving money. I paid our rent from the time I was thirteen until we left to come here. I hated leaving Bre at school but she loved to learn so she went, no one touched her though, and she made a few friends I knew would keep her safe, so I worked and when I did go to school I was bored because I was supposed to be moved ahead when I was little but Liz wouldn't allow it, so I was stuck in boring classes and I just stopped going."

I jumped back in. "I was put in all advanced classes when I hit high school because they could see I was bored, but they wouldn't let Jess because he never came, because he worked. I worked around school hours as well, but it was with my friend at the tattoo shop, so we were illegal but it was just me and my two friends and so we never got busted. I spent most days I wasn't working in a bookstore or the library instead of being home because I hated being around a mother who didn't love her kids enough to quit. I never gave up hope though until she sent us here."

Luke interrupted me then. "Liz didn't say what you did Jess, but why did she send you here?" Jess snorted. "I took her booze money out of her purse because we didn't have enough for rent after her latest asshole left when I wouldn't submit to his will and "rules". He had found my money and took most of it. I only had enough left for part of rent and it was due, so I stole from Liz to make the rest and paid rent. When she found out she lost it. We got into a huge fight and her flavor of the week came back for her, and he heard that I took her money and he tried to hit me for that, and he ended up with a broken nose, and arm. A neighbor called the cops and they gave me a warning. It was the first time a neighbor ever called the cops, so it was my first, and only offense, and they said as long as I stayed out of trouble it wouldn't go on my record. I don't have any offenses because Liz was so mad she sent us here. Thankfully, B didn't get back until after the cops had left so she didn't know what happened until I filled her in on what Liz had decided to do with us. She called you, used asshats money, aka my stolen money, to buy us tickets and gave them to me that morning and left to go to him. We came here and that was that. Until she had the nerve to show up tonight."

"I can't believe it got that bad. If I had known…." Luke looked so upset and Lorelai did as well. Rory was shocked, it was written on her face. I went to Luke and hugged him, "she never asked you to come because I think she knew you would take us from her and we earned her sympathy votes a lot so she didn't want to lose that. We didn't know that until we got here though. I figured it out after a few days because I could tell you had no idea how bad she was. It's okay Luke, we know we are safe here, now and that is all that matters." He hugged me and then stood up, "You two are staying here, permanently. If she tries to take you, I will take her to court. I'm not going to let her mess up your lives any more than she already has." I smiled softly, "Thanks Luke."

"Ya. Thanks Luke." Luke looked shocked, and turned to face my brother.

**Jess's POV**

I could tell he was shocked, everyone was. "I mean it. I trust you. I know you will keep her safe, and me too. I know that I don't have to work to pay rent or bills here, so thank you, and I will try to not be such an…. Ass." I meet his eyes and he smiled and nodded. I looked around and met Lorelai's eyes next. "Thank you, for everything you have done for her."

"Anytime Jess. Anytime you guys ever need anything I'm here. I'm mad that she choose drugs over her kids to. You guys have a family in me and Rory though." I just nodded and then Luke started asking if anyone was hungry and said he would go back and get some food, and Lorelai went with him to get some movies. It was decided we would all stay here tonight until we were sure Liz had left town and then figure out what to do about her tomorrow. As Luke and Lorelai were leaving I felt a hand on my arm, and looked to my right and Rory was looking at me sadly. "I'm so sorry all that happened to you. I understand why you hate school so much now. If you want though I can help you catch up…" I thought it over and then nodded. She smiled and then Bre came over and she moved away seeing that Bre wanted to talk to me.

"I know that was hard for you, but they needed to know." I smiled, "I know. I'm so proud of what you did tonight, B. That was huge. And now you have a chance at college, don't let her take that." She smiled back, "I'm not. She doesn't get to do that to me, us, anymore."

We spent the rest of the night hanging with the Gilmore Girls, and trying not to think about Liz. I could tell Luke was still upset, but Lorelai and Bre were cheering him up. Rory and I were talking books and watching the others interact. The rest of the night was peaceful, but the peace wouldn't last long. I knew Liz wouldn't leave tonight. She shared the Danes stubbornness.

** The Next Day**

** Luke's POV**

I got up early to go to the diner and open, I hadn't slept much the night before, thinking about what the twins had shared. I knew in my gut I should have gone to see them more, but when Liz moved she never sent me an address so I had no idea where she was. I was lost in thought the whole walk back to the diner. I was thankful Lore had let the kids stay there, and still in shock that Jess had actually said more than a few words to me. I knew from just those few sentences things would get better between us and I already adored Bre. It was hard not to, she was the sweetest, even if she sometimes didn't look it, and she had my eyes, the Danes eyes.

I unlocked the Diner and started work, trying to focus and was serving my first few customers when I learned that last night's showdown with Liz had been seen, and heard, by people in town. It was Patty who informed me.

"You know Luke dear, that sister of yours, she is a bad apple, those poor children, what are you going to do Luke? I saw her head to the Inn last night, she's still here." I rolled my eyes, "I will deal with it Patty." After that I didn't speak of it and wisely people didn't bring it up. I was finishing up the breakfast lunch rush when Jess walked in. "morning." I nodded and he jumped in to help, shockingly actually working. When we finished he turned to me, "I will be better. I don't want to be a letdown like her." I just smiled and said okay and we went back to work. I was surprised Lorelai hadn't come in for her morning coffee, and not long after I finished that thought she came breezing in, Rory and Bre behind her. "Coffee, in mass amounts, heck in an IV! I need it! We have a last minute party of eight at the Inn!" She sat in her usual spot at the counter and Rory joined in and Bre went up to change. "Have you seen Liz? Did she leave?" As soon as Bre was out of sight Lorelai had said what I was thinking. "No, but she has the family stubbornness so I know she is still in town, she will probably be back soon." I heard the shower start upstairs, "How is she?"

"She seems fine. She and Rory were already up when I woke up, she had made breakfast, and that is how I know you two are related." I laughed. "So are you still hungry?" "What kind of question is that?!" I laughed again, "Alright Lorelai what do you want?"

"More coffee! And eggs and bacon!" She smiled and Rory chimed in. "And I would like two doughnuts to go. I'm going to meet Dean." I nodded and gave Caesar Lore's order and then got Rory's. She smiled and left. "I'm glad those two are friends, it will do Bre a world of good." Lorelai smiled and enjoyed her coffee and I got back to work, helping Jess out. I heard Bre coming back down the stairs and smiled when she came out the curtain. Her hair wasn't hiding her face anymore these days and I know that's her way of saying she is comfortable here, and that makes me proud. This girl deserved the best I could give her and her brother, and I was going to do it, starting with giving them rooms. If I have to move so be it.

** Bre POV**

I showered and tried not to dwell on the fact that I knew Liz was probably still here. I picked out my outfit, put on my makeup and put my hair up in a messy bun. The fall weather had started to get colder so I was wearing one of my favorite outfits. My ripped up white skinny jeans, black high heeled ankle booties and ACDC tee shirt under my leather jacket. As I rounded the corner into the diner I was welcomed by Luke. "Want to join Lorelai for coffee?" "Sure, where did Jess go?"

He smiled, "I sent him to get a few things from the market." I laughed, "Poor Taylor." "Love the outfit" I smiled at Lorelai as I joined her for coffee, laughing when I noticed the food in front of her, "Still hungry after the pancakes?" she nodded and Luke rolled his eyes. Lorelai and I continued with our banter, talking about the inn and Rory and school, and missed the door open.

"Well isn't that nice. Brenna doesn't even come to find her mother and apologize, just sits with a wannabe mother. Trying to replace mommy are you Brenna. Well too bad for you. Get your things. We are leaving. Where is your brat of a brother?" I stiffened at the sound of her voice. I turned around and was met with the disaster that is my mother. "No."

"Brenna Marie Mariano, I am not going to argue anymore. Get. Your…"

"No mother. I am staying here. I am seventeen, almost eighteen and I am choosing to stay with the uncle who loves me, and not the mother who chose drugs and men over her children, I'm happy here. I'm not going anywhere with you."

"She's right. We aren't going anywhere Liz. You are. Leave." Jess was back, and pissed off. Luke heard and came from the kitchen. "Leave Liz. They are staying with me."

"Well, well, well big brother. Finally deciding to start a family? Well to bad. They are my kids. They are coming with me."

**** Sorry for the absence but I'm back now.****