Chapter 24

"Hey," Rachel greeted Rory with a big hug. Monica followed and the three girls finished their hellos in front of the Hartford courthouse. The trial had begun the day before, but the girls had been accused from attending. It was merely a day for opening statements, and the girl's presence was not necessary. The three were grateful. The idea of the three of them being in the same room as the perpetrator made each girl sick to their stomachs.

Rory was the first to testify since her rape had been the first. The other girls did not need to go to court that day, but they promised they would be there for each other. So all three climbed the stairs to the courthouse together.

"How are you doing, Rory?" Monica asked as she peered over at Rory. They had made their way into the courthouse and settled in their designated seats.

"Um, I think, I think so…" she said with a shaky voice.

"You'll be fine." Rachel answered back. "Remember, just never look at him, look right at Monica and me."

"Ok, but no funny faces mister." The three girls laughed.

Rory had been to the courthouse the week before and prepped on what would take place. The girl's lawyer thought it might help settle any anxieties.

"Ready Sweetie?" Kevin Meyers, the attorney representing the three girls approached Rory.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

"You'll do fine, Sweetheart."

"Thanks, I hope so."

"We'll get started very soon."

"Ok"

Kevin walked away to deal with various tasks before the trial began. Rory fiddled with the hem on her skirt, trying to remain calm.

"Young Lady, didn't your mom ever teach you not to play with your clothes?"

Rory looked up to see Lorelai peering down at her.

"No, my mother has no manners. She was raised my wolves."

"Hmm, well I might agree with you on that one… How are you doing Babe?"

"Hmmm, can you imagine what Napoleon felt like at the Battle of Waterloo after being beaten for the second time?"

"Ok, no more reading for you… but that bad?"

"Yeah…"

"You'll be great Honey. You're the amazing Rory Gilmore who can conquer all. You have Monica and Rachel her for you, and me, and your grandparents, and even Luke and Tristan are here to support you." Rory looked in the direction that her mom had pointed. Sure enough, everyone she had mentioned was sitting quietly in one of the courtroom pews.

"Thanks, Mom"

The judge began to hit the gavel on the front podium.

"Oh, um, I think that means I have to sit down. I've learned so much from the Law and Order marathons I watch on the weekends."

"Bye Mom"

Rory drummed her fingers on her knees nervously. She hoped the whole thing would go quickly, and she could leave soon.

Rory felt something take her hand and squeeze it tightly. As she looked to her right, she realized that Monica had taken her hand in her own. Footsteps came up behind her and Rory suddenly realized Monica had taken her hand. Two court officers were guiding a man in handcuffs to the opposite side of the courtroom.

"Thud, thud," Rory's heart pounded in her chest. Rory looked over at Monica and Rachel. Both girls had become ghost white.

"Is, is that him?" Monica whispered to both girls. She already knew the answer, but had a hard time believing it.

Rory nodded as she attempted to blink back tears.

"That's the, the father of my baby," Rory whispered. A tear managed to escape.

"No, he's no ones father. He doesn't deserve that title." Rachel whispered back.

"She's right," Monica chimed in.

The three girls were forced to focus their attention back on the judge as Kevin called Rory's name.

"Rory Gilmore, can you please approach the bench?"

Nervously, Rory rose to her feet and walked to the front bench. The whole walk seemed dream like, as her numb legs carried her to the front of the courtroom. Shakily, she settled herself on the appropriate bench.

"Good morning, Rory," Kevin offered trying to make her feel somewhat comfortable. He knew his attempts were at a loss. Rory clutched one hand in the other, trying to keep from shaking uncontrollably.

"Rory, can you tell the jury what happened to you on the evening of October 8?"

Rory took a deep breath and began her narration of the happenings of that unforgettable evening.

"I was walking from the library at about quarter until ten. I had been there studying for a big science test. I walked through one of the back alleys. I know a lot of the owners of the stores and restaurants. Then I heard something behind me. At first I didn't know what it was, but it kind of you know, scared me. I realized it was the footsteps of another person and began to walk quicker, and eventually broke out into a run. I knew someone was chasing me. But I couldn't run quick enough. A man grabbed me from behind and pushed me down." Rory took a pause to inhale. Her face had become pale. It was difficult for her to relive that night.

"Take your time." Her lawyer said gently.

"He got on top of me and threatened me. Then, then her ripped off my jeans and, um and…" Tears were now rolling down Rory's face. "He pushed himself on me. He raped me."

"Thank you Rory. No more questions. I would just like to present the jury with a few pieces of evidence. Exhibit 1 and 2 are medical reports from the hospital explaining that a rape kit was performed and confirms her story. Also, a medical report that confirms that the DNA found from the rapist matches the defendants DNA."

Rory missed much of the rest of the court activities that day. She was in a haze after her testimony. She was glad she could speak out and tell what he did. But it was difficult to relive the whole thing. It was if her wounds had been opened once more.

A/N:

I'm so sorry for the long absence. I don't really have a good excuse. But I'm back, so please read and review. I'll try to update soon. I promise. But I leave for my trip to Sacramento on Sunday so…

How's everyone's summer going? Everyone loving the heat?