I decided not to torture you any longer and post the next chapter. You may hate me in the beginning but I think you'll be happy by the end ;) Enjoy! Lots more to come!
The following morning, Lorelai woke up early and tiptoed downstairs. She pulled out frozen waffles from the freezer, cut up strawberries and pulled out the whipped cream from the fridge. When she was ready she brought a plate into Rory's room and set it down on her nightstand.
"Wake up sleeping beauty…" Lorelai whispered rubbing her back gently.
Rory rolled over groggily, "Mmm...Mom?"
Lorelai smiled and gave her arm a squeeze, "I brought you some breakfast."
Rory lifted her head and looked behind her Mom, "Frozen waffles with the works huh?"
Lorelai smiled sheepishly, "I know they aren't quite as good as Luke's but-"
"It's okay Mom." Rory said sitting up, she rubbed her eyes and yawned again. "How are you today?"
Lorelai handed her the plate and leaned back on her bed, resting her head against the wall, "Still a little confused...but I don't want you to worry about it hon. I'm gonna handle it all. I promise."
Rory nodded as she took a bite of her breakfast, "I know Mom...but I just want you to be happy."
Lorelai smiled and gave her knee a squeeze, "Thanks babe." She took a deep breath and continued, "I promise that I will talk to him either today or tomorrow...and we'll figure out the whole game situation. I'm sure that no matter what happens with us he will play if you still want too…"
Rory swallowed a bite of food, "Would you be okay with that? I mean if you decide…"
Lorelai nodded, "Hon I know how excited you are about this game. I want you to play. I can handle it, don't worry."
She watched her daughter contemplate her words for a moment and then smiled, "Okay…"
"Okay." Lorelai said with a soft smile, "I'm gonna go get ready for work...and then I'll drop you off at school, okay?"
Rory nodded, "Okay."
"Good." She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her temple, "Love you kid."
"Love you too Mom…" She heard her whisper as she walked out of the room.
Lorelai walked upstairs and went straight into the bathroom. She turned on the shower and let the water warm up as she stood outside of it. She suddenly had flashbacks to Luke rushing over here to help fix the faucet. She remembered how good he had looked in his tight, wet t-shit and she shivered at the thought. That was the day she had asked him to have dinner with her and Rory and it was when everything had really started for them…
With a sigh, she stripped off her clothes and hopped into the shower trying to think of what she should do about their situation. She knew she couldn't avoid him forever...she just didn't know what to say when she saw him.
At the Diner, Luke was working on autopilot. He hadn't heard from Lorelai since he had gone to the Inn yesterday. He wasn't surprised that she hadn't dropped by but it was killing him to stay away. He had picked up the phone at least a dozen times last night only to put it back down in fear of pushing her even further away. Each time the bell jingled on the door he looked up hopefully but only felt his heart ache when it was never her face he saw…
With a sigh he realized it was probably going to be another very long day waiting for an answer…
After Lorelai dropped Rory off at school, she had driven past the Diner and made sure not to look towards it, fearing that she may see him. She got to the Inn, said hello to the staff and walked behind the desk to resume business as usual. Just as she glanced up, she groaned when she saw Rachel walking towards her, she had forgotten she had stayed the night.
"Checking out?" Lorelai asked cooly as she stared at her date book.
"Yeah…" Rachel whispered, "I think it's probably for the best."
Lorelai glanced up and smiled, "You are welcome to stay another night. The room is available."
Rachel smirked, "I don't think that's such a good idea…"
Lorelai cleared her throat, "Your choice."
Rachel huffed, "Man Luke's got his work cut out for I'm with you...the stubbornness between you both could be lethal…"
Lorelai's head snapped up, "Well there is nothing between us anymore so I wouldn't worry about it. Will you paying with a credit card?"
Rachel handed her her card, "So I take it you didn't talk to him yet?"
"I don't think that's really any of your business…" Lorelai said punching the numbers on the card into the computer. "Credit or debit?" She asked.
"Credit." Rachel said studying her carefully, "You should really talk to him…"
Lorelai thrust the card towards her again and tried to smile, "I hope you enjoyed your visit to the Independence Inn. Come back anytime."
Rachel sighed and took the card, "It was...eye opening that's for sure." She lifted her bag again and stepped back just for a moment, "I meant it yesterday when I said he cares about you...I can tell. And I'm sorry for all the trouble I have caused. But...don't hurt him. He's a good guy…"
Lorelai didn't look back up at her, but she knew when she had finally walked away. She turned from the desk and walked back to the office to give herself a moment to compose herself. After a few minutes, she pulled at her blouse and grabbed her bag, yelling to Michel that she would be back soon.
Ten minutes later, she was standing outside of the Diner trying to force herself to go in. It wasn't until he finally noticed her that she realized she couldn't chicken out now. She knew he would probably follow her down the street if she tried to run and she didn't want to cause a scene.
She stepped into the Diner and he immediately walked around the counter towards, "Hey-"
She put her hand up to silence him, "Can we talk in private?"
He nodded slowly and glanced around the Diner, "Sure...want me to meet you upstairs? Just need a minute down here…"
Lorelai sniffled slightly, "Anyone up there?"
He shook his head slowly, "No. I promise…"
She gave him a quick nod and then walked past him towards the curtain. He watched her go and then quickly set to work on bringing food to his tables. He called out to Joe that he would be back as soon as possible and then dashed up the stairs, taking two at a time, desperate to talk to her.
When he walked into the apartment, he saw that she was standing nervously by the kitchen table. He hated to see that she felt so uncomfortable and out of place. He wanted her to feel at home here. He wanted her to feel safe.
She turned towards him slowly and then looked down at her hands, suddenly finding the ring on her finger incredibly interesting. He took a few steps towards her and then stopped, sensing she needed a little space. "Lorelai…" He whispered.
"Rachel stayed at the Inn last night." She whispered as she chanced a look at him before turning away again.
He sighed softly, "She did? Shit. I'm sorry Lorelai I didn't tell her too-"
"I know." She said softly, "She looked pretty surprised to see me too. Or maybe she was just embarrassed because I had seen her naked earlier…"
He frowned and stepped towards her again, "Lorelai I had no idea she was up here. I never would have sent you up here if I had known that...I never would have allowed her up here if I knew she was back. Nothing happened…"
She crossed her arms over her chest, "That's what Rachel said too...that nothing happened I mean."
"Well she's telling the truth." Luke whispered, "And even if I had found her up here nothing would have happened...I would never do that to you."
She bit her lip nervously and glanced over at the now vacant bed, "Luke…"
"I care about you so much…" He said pleadingly, "And the last few weeks have been amazing...getting to spend so much time with you and Rory has been incredible. I need you to know that I'd never betray you...Rachel is my past and you are my present…" He paused, "And I'm hoping my future…"
She swallowed hard and looked back at him, "I believe you when you say nothing happened…"
He let out a sigh of relief, "Thank God. Look I-"
"But it's not that simple." She said softly, "And I'm not sure I can do this right now…"
He tensed slightly and took a step even closer to her, "No. Please don't say that. I-"
"You were right. I've been looking for an excuse to push you away from the start. And yesterday was the perfect time for it…" She whispered sadly.
"Lorelai no…" He reached for her hand and squeezed gently, "Please just-"
"It's not even about her…" Lorelai said shaking her head as she closed her eyes to try and keep her tears in, "I mean yes I was upset...and totally freaked out but-"
"Lorelai…" He tried again, "I didn't mean-"
"But there is a reason that I've been so hesitant with you." She said opening her eyes again to look at him, "So unable to let you in completely...even though I want too. And it's not fair to just drag you along for the ride Luke...I don't know how long it could take me to let those walls down."
"I told you when Rory got sick we would do that together...I'm in this." He said pleadingly, "I want to be with you. And Rory. I want to make this work. And I really think we can make it work...I meant he last few weeks have been great. Don't you think so? You seemed to be having fun…"
She nodded slowly, "They have been great Luke but I feel like they aren't reality…"
"What does that mean?" He asked sadly, "I don't understand-"
"It means my life is incredibly complicated…" She whispered, "And it will always be complicated. And no matter how hard I try, I am always going to be insecure with men. I'm always going to feel scared...and I don't know how to change any of that...I don't think I'm good enough or worth of-"
"But you are." Luke whispered, "You are good enough. You're worth it. I don't care how long it takes...we'll do it together."
She whimpered softly feeling the tears grow stronger, "Luke please…"
He sighed, "You just...you wanna give up like this?"
She sighed and ran a hand through her hair, "No. I don't...but right now I don't know what else to do. I'm so confused...and upset. And I don't like feeling like this…"
"Look I get it...I get why you're upset. If I had walked into your room and seen one of your ex's lying there naked...I probably would have freaked out." He said honestly, "But if you know that nothing happened...why can't we just move past this?"
"Because it's like I said Luke...it's about more than just Rachel…" She said softly, "The other night when we were up here and we almost…" She sighed again, "I couldn't do it Luke...I couldn't let you in. Because despite what you say I am so afraid that once that line is crossed you'll walk away. I'd rather end it now then let myself get so attached to you that I can't pull it together when it's over. I have Rory to think about and-"
"And what does Rory think about all this?" Luke asked as he walked over to sit at the kitchen table.
She sighed and turned back towards him, "She's not exactly thrilled with me at the moment...I didn't tell her about yesterday. She doesn't need to know...she's too young. But she adores you Luke…"
"Yeah well I adore her too." He glanced up at her slowly, "And her Mom...but she doesn't seem to get that."
She glanced down sadly and fidgeted with her hands, "I do get it...I just can't seem to accept it."
He sighed and leaned his elbows on his knees, he ran his hands over his face tiredly, "So what now? It's just over? What about Rory's game on Sunday?"
Lorelai walked to the other kitchen chair and sat down, "I told her that if you both still wanted to play you could...but under the circumstances I understand if you don't want too."
He glanced back up at her, surprised by her statement, "Of course I want to play. Rory's worked so hard…"
She nodded slowly, "Well then I think that's great...she'll be relieved. She was concerned about it…"
Luke reached across the table for her hands that were resting against the wood, "Lorelai…"
She shook her head slowly and tried to keep from crying in front of him, "I'm sorry…"
He sighed and stood up quickly, without giving it a second thought he pulled her up and into his arms, cradling her against his chest, "Shhh…"
She clung to his shirt and tried to keep herself steady, "Luke…"
He held he even closer and rubbed small circles against her back, "I know you are upset. And I know you want to push me away...but I'm not going anywhere."
She struggled against him slightly, "Luke…" She tried again.
"If you need your space...fine. If you need to figure a few things out...go ahead." He kissed the top of her head again, "But I'm still going to be right here. So when you figure this all out...and when you decide you're ready...you just let me know."
He let her pull away this time and she stared up at him in shock, "I don't know what to say…"
He shook his head, "You don't have to say anything...I just wanted you to know that nothing's changed for me. And nothing will change for me...you need me...I'm here."
She took a deep breath and stepped back again, "I need to get back to the Inn…"
He stuffed his hands in his pockets and nodded, "Okay."
She cleared her throat and looked around nervously, "So...I'll tell Rory you'll be at the game on Sunday? If you change your mind you can just call and I'll-"
"I'm not going to change my mind about that either. I made a promise to her and I'm going to see it through." He said firmly.
She nodded slowly, "Okay...well great. I'll...I'll see you around then."
She started to walk towards the door when she heard him call her name gently, she paused and glanced at him from the corner of her eye, "Just...really think about everything I said. Okay? Please...can you do that for me?"
The rawness in his voice sent a jolt through her body and she could only nod because she knew that her voice would betray her. She turned quickly back towards the door and walked out of the apartment, down the stairs and back out to the street as fast as she could. Once out in the sunlight, she took a deep breath wiped at the tears from her eyes and walked straight back towards the Inn.
That night, Lorelai was folding laundry in the living room when Rory got home. The young girl put her bag in her room and then walked back to the living room to sit beside her Mom on the couch. She reached for a sweatshirt and started folding it, knowing better than to push her Mom into talking. She just waited until she was ready.
"Luke will still be at the game on Sunday. He promised to be there." Lorelai said adding a folded shirt to Rory's pile of clothes.
Rory swallowed hard, "So does that mean you guys broke up?"
Lorelai sighed and turned towards her daughter, "I'm not totally sure...but I need some time to sort through some things in my head. But...Luke is still around if you need him. I know he'd do anything for you despite what is happening or not happening between us."
Rory nodded slowly trying to ignore the burning in her eyes, "I know…"
Lorelai watched her for a moment and then scooted closer, "Look I know that this makes absolutely no sense to you...but it's just the way it has to be right now. I think I jumped a little two fast...Luke is a great guy and it's been a lot of fun getting to know him better but…" She shrugged, "There are things to consider…"
Rory contemplated this for a moment, "I'm sure you have your reasons...and they seem important to you. But I personally think this sucks…"
Lorelai smirked, "I don't blame you for feeling that way...but someday when you're older you'll understand honey. Relationships...romantic one's are incredibly complicated."
Rory sighed and leaned back on the couch, "So you're not saying that it's completely over?"
"I'm not sure hon…" Lorelai said reaching out to give her hand a squeeze, "I just need a breather…"
Rory was quiet for a moment, "If I wasn't in the picture would you-"
"This has nothing to do with you Rory. I promise." She said squeezing her hand again, "This is about me...and my own issues."
"Hey Mom?" Rory asked softly.
Lorelai smiled and leaned in closer to her, "What is it babe?"
"Just for the record...you more than anyone I know deserves to be happy." She whispered, "And I'd hate to see you throw your chance away without really giving it some serious thought…" She leaned forward and kissed her cheek, "I have some homework to do."
"Okay." She watched her daughter get up and walk towards her room, "Pizza okay for dinner?"
"Sounds great." Rory said still not turning to look at her.
Lorelai sighed when she heard the bedroom door close and then she curled up on the couch. She lay her head back and tried to ignore the pounding in her head and the ache in her chest…
The rest of the week seemed to pass in a blur. The end of the school year always brought with it final projects, parties, and summer excitement. Rory's days were spent finishing up last minute assignments, and her nights were consumed with trying to cheer her Mother up. Rory hadn't seen Luke since any of this had happened, and despite the fact that he said he would be at the game on Sunday she had a strange feeling about all of it.
But on Sunday morning, despite her Mother's nervousness and hesitation, she woke up and plastered a smile on her face. "Ready to get going hon?" She said from her door.
Rory smiled and turned towards her, "Yeah...I hope Luke remembers to bring my gear. I left it at his apartment…"
Lorelai shifted nervously, "I'm sure he will hon. Let's go. We can stop at Weston's first and I can grab a coffee and you can have whatever you want."
"No chance of stopping by Luke's then?" Rory asked hopefully as she reached for her Red Sox hat, "That way we could meet him and I can grab my stuff just in case…"
Lorelai smiled sadly, "I'd really rather go to Weston's hon…"
Rory sighed and nodded, "Okay. Let's go…"
Lorelai took a deep breath and followed her daughter out the door. She wasn't sure how today was going to play out...but she just hoped she could get through it without breaking down for Rory's sake. She had successfully avoided Luke since Tuesday and she knew it was going to be hard to see him now. But Rory was so excited to play in this game and she didn't want to ruin her day for her. It was already hard enough that Christopher wasn't the one playing with her...she wasn't going to make it harder than it already was.
The Diner was swarmed that morning. It usually was pretty busy on Father's Day but this day in particular seemed to bring out everyone in town. Luke was dashing around, glancing at the clock each time he passed it. All week he had been fighting the urge to go to the Gilmore house and force Lorelai to talk to him. But he knew that Lorelai needed this space...she needed time to sort all the things out in her head. But that didn't mean today wasn't going to be difficult for all three of them…
No matter what happened though, he was determined to at least give Rory a special day. He hated that she was now caught in the middle of this. He never wanted her to feel out of place, especially on today of all days. He knew how important it was for her. He knew how hard it was not having Christopher around and he hated that she now had to worry about whether Luke would be around either.
By 9:45 Luke was running out of time to make it to the 10 o'clock game and his heart was thumping in his chest. He couldn't miss this. He had to be there for Rory. And he had to prove to Lorelai that he was a man of his word. Feeling frustrated by the growing crowd, Luke growled and threw his hands up, "Last one out of here locks the door! I got somewhere I need to be!"
Joe stared after him, but only smiled knowing exactly where Luke was headed. "I got it covered here boss. Go ahead!"
Luke gave him a quick nod and dashed up the stairs to his apartment. He grabbed the bag of gear, double checked that both his and Rory's things were inside and quickly changed. He ran back down the stairs and out the back door towards the school field.
Meanwhile, the other teams were already meeting to go over their strategies. Rory was standing awkwardly with her Mom glancing back and forth hoping to catch a glimpse of Luke. But as the minutes ticked by and he still didn't show up her hopes were suddenly becoming diminished. Lorelai took a deep breath and squeezed her daughter's shoulder trying to comfort her.
Rory's teacher Mrs. Robinson walked towards her with a nervous smile, "Hey Rory...the game's about to start...are you playing?"
Lorelai pulled her closer, she opened her mouth to say they were going to head home figuring Luke had changed his mind. But suddenly she felt a rush of wind and a bag dropped at her feet.
"She's playing." Luke said slightly out of breath.
Lorelai and Rory looked up at him in total shock and he just gave them a slight smile, Mrs. Robinson smiled and gave them a nod, "Great. Well why don't you gear up and join your team okay?"
Rory nodded slowly and squeezed her Mom's hand, "Okay…"
Mrs. Robinson smiled and turned to walk away, Luke bent down and opened the bag as he started to take things out of the bag, "The Diner was mobbed. Sorry I'm a little late."
Rory swallowed hard, "I thought you weren't gonna come…"
Luke glanced up at her and took a deep breath, "I made a promise...and I always keep my promises." He glanced up at Lorelai who looked both stunned and overwhelmed by his words, he handed Rory her mitt and smiled, "You ready?"
Rory's face erupted in a huge smile and she launched herself at Luke, causing him to almost fall over, "I missed you." She said as she hugged him.
He caught himself by bracing one hand on the ground and he let out a puff of air as he held her close, "I missed you too kid…" He looked up at Lorelai whose eyes were welling up with tears, he swallowed hard and gave her another squeeze, "Let's go show your friends how hard you've been practicing…"
Rory glanced up at her Mom and gave her a huge smile, Lorelai gave her a nod and Rory dashed towards her friends. Luke pulled at his t-shirt and readjusted his cap before chancing a glance at her, "Lorelai…"
She shook her head, "Not now...okay? Please? I just need to get through this for Rory's sake…"
He sighed and gave her a nod, "Yeah...okay."
He started to walk away and she reached out quickly to grab his hand, he turned back towards her hopefully and her voice cracked as she spoke, "Thank you…"
He set his lips in a straight line, gave her a nod and squeezed her hand. He pulled away reluctantly and jogged off towards their team. Lorelai gathered the bag up and walked to the bleachers sitting down in a vacant seat to watch the game. She was surrounded by happy families cheering on their sons, daughters and fathers. She tried not to look out of place but relaxed a little when she saw a familiar person walking towards her.
Sookie sat down and gave her hand a squeeze, "I thought you could use a friend today."
Lorelai held her hand tight, "You have no idea how right you were Sook...thank you."
Rory came running back over to them and smiled, "Hi Sookie! I didn't know you were coming!"
Sookie smiled at her, "Are you kidding? I couldn't miss this!"
"Did you need something else hon?" Lorelai asked casually.
"Just need my helmet." Rory said reaching into the bag, as she grabbed her helmet she dropped something else into the bag and glanced back up at her Mom, "See you after the game!"
Lorelai smiled, "Go get 'em babe!"
Rory ran back towards Luke and Sookie glanced towards her friend, "How you holding up?"
Lorelai sighed, "For a second I didn't think he was going to show…"
Sookie smiled and shook her head, "Not Luke...he'd never miss this. He knows how important this is to Rory. No matter what happens or doesn't happen between you two he will always be there for that little girl…" She glanced back at her, "You too…"
Lorelai watched as Luke and Rory chatted animatedly waiting for their time on the field, "You think I'm being stupid?"
Sookie shook her head, "No...I understand where you are coming from. I would have freaked out too if I saw what you saw...but I also think that Luke really is one of the good ones Lorelai. I think you'll regret it if you don't give this a real chance…"
Lorelai leaned forward and rested her elbows on her knees, "It just terrifies me how much I like him...how good it feels to have him around. I don't like feeling attached...I don't want to need someone. But part of me needs him...and I don't know how to accept that. And when I saw her lying there…" She sighed, "Sook it was like a knife to my heart...and I know nothing happened. I do...I know he's not that kind of guy but it just...it totally freaked me out. I started comparing myself to her…"
"Oh honey…" Sookie said shaking her head sadly, "That will only drive you crazy…"
"Oh I know it…" Lorelai said with a laugh, "That night I stood in the mirror and picked out every single flaw and imperfection on my body. Rachel was perfect…"
Sookie rolled her eyes, "Every girl wishes she had something different Lorelai...but Luke wants you."
"But what if that changes?" Lorelai asked sitting up again to stare at her, "What if we fully cross that line...and then he decides wow this wasn't worth it...that would kill me…"
"Unfortunately you can't play the what if game Lorelai...no one has all the answers. But the one thing I do know is that someday you will regret not even trying." She said softly, "And I'd hate to see you live with regrets…"
Lorelai sighed and turned towards the game again seeing that Luke and Rory were now playing catch, "Part of me woke up this morning thinking...Chris should be here. He's her father."
"But he's not here...Luke is." Sookie whispered, "And we both know that he's a million times better than Chris…"
"I do know that." Lorelai said watching them, she smiled when Rory jumped up to give Luke a high five, she watched as he ruffled her hair. "He's a million times better…"
Sookie smiled, "Look there's no use trying to figure this all out right now...let's just enjoy the game and then maybe I can distract Rory for a bit so you can talk to him?"
"Yeah maybe…" Lorelai said turning back to her friend, "Thank you Sookie...for coming today and knowing exactly what to say."
Sookie smiled and rubbed her bag, "What are best friends for?"
Lorelai gave her another smile and then turned towards the game. Rory was taking the field with Luke, they would be in the outfield together helping each other out during the game. She hadn't seen Rory this happy in days and it made her heart jump in her chest.
By the end of the 9th inning, the score was 2-1 in favor of the opposite team. Rory was next to bat with two outs already. Sookie and Lorelai sat and held their breath as they watched Rory and Luke carefully. Luke knelt down in front of her and slipped on her batting helmet. "I don't know if I can do this…" Rory whispered.
Luke smiled at her, "Rory of course you can do this."
She pouted and he couldn't help but laugh, "But I haven't had a hit all day and we haven't practiced all week…I feel like I've forgotten everything you taught me."
Luke sighed and placed the bat down in front of him, "I know that it's been awhile...but I know you can do this. You can do anything Rory...I told you that the first time you made a homerun remember?"
Rory nodded slowly, "I remember…but that was then and this is now. And there are so many more people watching…"
"Just pretend that it's just us...just like that day. Okay? Keep your eye on the ball and I'll be right behind you. You can do this. And you will do this. I know it. You have one batter on third base already. We can still win this. If anyone can do it...it's you." He said giving her shoulders a squeeze.
Rory turned and looked at her Mom who was smiling at her, she waved slightly and Lorelai gave her the thumbs up. Rory turned back to Luke and smiled, "Just for the record...she misses you too." She leaned down and picked up the bat, "Okay...guess it's now or never."
Luke smiled softly and gave her another encouraging squeeze, "Let's do this."
Luke followed Rory towards home plate and helped get her set up. He stepped to the side and gave her a smile when she looked back at him hopefully. She took a deep breath, took her stance and then turned towards the pitcher. She set herself up and waited, she kept her eye on the ball and as it came towards her she swung with all her might, just missing it by an inch.
Luke clapped behind her, "That's okay. You got this Rory...be patient. Swing when it's in the perfect spot, okay?"
She nodded slowly and got back into position, she glanced out of the corner of her eye and saw Lorelai leaning forward on her knees watching carefully. She turned back to the pitcher and gave him a slight nod letting him know that she was ready. He swung his arm back and launched it again, this time she swung and hit the tip causing it to fly to the left.
"Foul Ball!" The Umpire called.
Rory sighed and tried not to get discouraged, "You can do this Rory…" She heard Luke whisper, she turned back towards him and he nodded slowly, "You can do this…"
She gave him another nod and then once again turned back to the pitcher. She took her spot, put her arm back and waited. She saw him wind up his arm and let the ball loose. She held her breath and waited, and then she swung. A loud crack rang through the air and she gasped, dropping the bat at her feet.
A cheer erupted from the crowd and she heard Luke yell out out her, "Run Rory! Run!"
She stumbled forward and started running as fast as her little legs could take her to first base. She didn't stop when she saw that the kids in the outfield were fumbling with the ball. She knew that her teammate had already scored making the game tied. If she could make it to home plate they would win. She started sprinting, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest but all she heard was the cheer of the crowd and Luke chanting her on.
As she rounded third base, she saw Luke standing at home plate waiting for her. She could sense someone behind her with the ball and she jumped and slid, she closed her eyes and hoped with all her might she made it. There was a hush on the crowd and then someone yelled, "SHE'S SAFE!"
Her eyes burst open and she saw Luke holler excitedly, "You did it!"
She stared up at him in disbelief, "I did?"
He laughed as her teammates ran out to the field, and he pulled her up off the ground hoisting her up on his shoulders, "You did it Rory!"
She started laughing then when reality set in and Luke kept her high up on his shoulders. She glanced towards the stands were Lorelai and Sookie were hollering her name clapping excitedly. She waved happily towards them and they blew her kisses. Rory celebrated with her team and wondered when the last time she felt this happy was.
Back at the stands, Sookie and Lorelai had to try and contain their excitement as to not make any of the other kids feel bad. But they didn't think it was possible to keep it in. Sookie jumped down from their place, "We have to go see her!"
Lorelai smiled, "Go on. I'll be right there."
Sookie smiled and walked off towards Luke and Rory cheering their name as she went. Lorelai bent down and picked up Luke's gym bag at her feet. She was about to zip it up, when a familiar set of colored beads caught her eye from the bottom of the bag. She frowned, reached down and pulled out the bracelet that Luke had given back to her in her office after she had seen Rachel.
She was confused for a moment and then remembered Rory running back to get her helmet. She realized her daughter had seen the bracelet at home, snuck it it to the game and then into the bag. She knew what it was for...a gentle reminder of how much she really cared for Luke. Lorelai looked up and saw Sookie taking a picture of Rory and Luke holding up their trophy that said MVP. Her heart swelled in her chest and suddenly she thought of millions of more opportunities to take family photos.
She thought of her house littered with pictures of the three of them and possibly new additions down the road and she didn't have to wonder what she wanted anymore. As scary as it was for her to let him in...Luke was what she wanted. And she knew he was a good guy. Seeing Rachel had killed her, but she knew him better than that. He would never betray her. He would never disappoint her the way so many others had before. He had proved that time and time again, especially today when he had showed up for Rory even when he had no real reason too.
She pulled at the bracelet, smiled and then slipped it over her wrist. She slung the bag over her shoulder and pulled herself up off the bleachers and began to walk towards three of her favorite people. Rory pulled away from Luke when she saw her Mom and dashed towards her.
"We won!" Rory screamed leaping into her Mother's arms.
Lorelai laughed and caught her, "I know! I saw the whole thing! I am so proud of you Rory!"
"I still can't believe I did that!" Rory said with a swirl of emotions, "I mean...I don't know how I did it!"
Lorelai smiled and pulled at her ponytail, "You can do anything kid…"
Rory smiled, "That's what Luke said…" She glanced down at her Mom's hand and smiled when she saw the bracelet, "I see you found my little reminder…"
Lorelai smirked at her, "I sure did…"
Rory glanced back at Luke and Sookie who were talking quietly together, then back at her Mom, "I don't know what happened between you two...but I think you miss him Mom. And I know he misses you too…"
Lorelai nodded slowly, "Why don't you head to the Diner with Sookie and we'll meet you there? Maybe we can get Luke to give us some celebratory sundae's?"
Rory's face lit up, "Does that mean…?"
Lorelai smiled and turned her around to walk her towards Luke and Sookie, "Go on…"
Rory quickly ran towards Sookie and pulled at her arm, "Come on Sookie!"
Sookie gave her friend a knowing smile and walked hand in hand with Rory away from the field. Lorelai glanced down and then slowly walked back towards Luke. He stood patiently wondering what she was going to say. He looked down when he saw her hold his bag out to him, and his eyes caught the bracelet on her wrist. "Lorelai-"
"Thank you for today. It meant more to Rory than you could possibly know." She said with tears in her eyes, "To me too…"
He took the bag and placed it down at his feet, "I told you both I'd be here. I'd never break a promise like that…"
She bit her lip nervously and whispered, "I know you wouldn't…"
He sighed and stepped closer to her, "Lorelai I hate this...I hate not talking to you...not seeing you. Not being around Rory...this last week has really sucked. It took all my strength not to run to your house and make you talk to me."
She nodded slowly and glanced up at him, "I appreciate that you didn't...I did need that time to really think things through in my head."
He nodded in agreement, "And did you come up with any conclusions?"
She smiled softly and glanced down at the ground, "I did…"
He cleared his throat and tried not to sound too hopeful, "Okay...care to share them with me?"
She looked up and took a deep breath, "I like you Luke. Probably more than I realized before...and I like spending time with you. I like seeing you with Rory...it means the world to me that you are so good with her...that you accept her in my life. And not just as a little part of my life...but my whole life. You know she comes first...and you put her first too. And I've loved having someone around to share things with...and depend on."
He sucked his lip into his mouth, "Am I sensing a but?"
She smiled softly, "But I also know that I'm terrified of all those feelings...and what it would be like to really lose you."
He sighed and kicked at the ground, "Right...well it scares me how much I care about you too Lorelai. It scares me how much it hurt this past week not having you around…"
"To be honest coming here today...I had every intention of telling you that it wasn't going to work. That it was really over…" She whispered.
He cringed slightly, "Great…"
She watched him turn away from her, and she reached out to grab his hand in hers, "But…"
His head snapped back towards hers and watched as she intertwined their fingers, "But?" He asked hopefully.
"But a good friend of mine reminded me that we can't predict what will happen...and living with regrets is no way to live." She whispered, "And I don't want to regret not giving this a chance Luke…"
He let out a shaky breath and stepped all the way up to her, "Lorelai…"
He bent his head to rest his forehead against hers and she breathed him in, letting their other hands join together too. "I just...I freaked when I saw her. I know nothing happened...it just brought a lot of insecurities up for me. I was already feeling nervous about things...and I just snapped. I'm sorry...I didn't want that...I don't want to fight. And I don't want to hurt you but this is all so new for me Luke...it's scary."
He nodded against her, "I know...I know it is but...we can do this Lorelai. We can make this work. I know we can…"
She sighed and pulled away, "I'm probably going to freak out again at some point…"
He smiled softly and leaned up to caress her face gently, "I'll probably have my fair share of freak outs too…"
She bit her lip, "You still want this? You still want us?"
He nodded, "I told you that when you were ready I'd be here...and I meant that. I'm still here and I'm not going anywhere…"
She let out a relieved breath and quickly wrapped her arms around his waist, letting the side of her face rest in the crook of his neck, "God I missed you…"
He squeezed her tight and kissed the top of her head, "I missed you too...both of you."
She smiled slightly and pulled away, "Can you do me one favor?"
He held her face in his hands and smiled, "Sure. What is it?"
"Can you lock the back entrance to the Diner? I don't need any other girls sneaking up to your apartment mister…" He chuckled softly and she pinched his sides, "Many a girl wants you...but I don't really like sharing."
Luke smirked and pulled her face towards his, "Well I only want girl. But seriously who other than Rachel would do that?"
"Babette? Miss Patty?" She asked with a teasing voice.
He threw his head back with laughter, he had missed her craziness, he had missed every damn thing about her. "Lorelai…"
She smiled, "I know they heard what happened...so now the thought is just in their brains. I'm just trying to keep you safe from their grasp here…"
He shook his head and pulled her face closer, "You're crazy…"
"But you seem to really like the crazy…" She whispered. "At least that's what I'm assuming…"
He nodded slowly, "I really like the crazy. I've missed the crazy…" He leaned forward and pressed her lips to his, "I've just missed you."
She smiled against his lips, "I think I promised Rory celebratory ice cream sundae's form the Diner...is that a request that will be granted?"
He smirked and moved to wrap his arm around her shoulder, "Like I could say no to you two…"
She smiled and wrapped her arm around his waist after he pulled his bag up onto his shoulder, "Guess you're stuck with us now…"
He smiled as they started to walk away, "No where I'd rather be…"
She rested her head against his shoulder and let him lead her towards the Diner. As they walked she reminded herself that this feeling, as scary at was...was also exciting and worth every second. She made a mental note to remind herself how much she had missed him the next time she started to feel insecure...because this was exactly where she wanted to be.
Everyone love me again? I told you they'd find their way back to each other! I love me so Luke and Lorelai happiness. But there is lots more to come, hopefully I can find some time to write this week and post the next chapter asap! Thanks for the feedback and love :)