Chapter 3

I arrived back sometime after 6 now in a much calmer state of mind prepeared to deal with people. I have an inkling that Luke knows I leave in the middle of the night several times a week but he never said anything. The diner was already open so I headed up to put on some fresh clothes before starting the familiar rhythm that was my shift. Luke won't let me in the kitchen to cook so I settle for working the front. Just after seven the Gilmore's walk in for their usual breakfast. They come basically everyday so Luke just has their breakfast waiting already but waits till they order I do the same getting the coffee prepped. They sat on their usual stools and ordered coffee and their breakfast. I handed the coffee over. So far so good. However I'd forgotten something.

Whenever I dream, worse than anything I get a pain in my wrist on a scale one to ten. Ten being have my will ready I'd say a solid 8. It always hurts mostly a 4 or 5. A day hasn't gone by when it hadn't hurt but this morning I'd forgotten about the pain being worse when I tried to lift a something. With all of its weight on that lone wrist it howled in pain a good 9 maybe even ten it hurt so much tears burred my vision. Not one to show weakness I quickly called to Luke willing my voice not to quiver that I was taking a break and made a dash upstairs. When I was alone I let the tears fall free and fumbled around to grab an ice pack. I wrapped the ice with a towel and settled on my bed since I hadn't a full nights sleep I closed my eyes and drifted off. I awoke an hour to Luke roughly shaking me awake

"Jess!" he called, blearily i opened my eyes to see Luke towering over me. For a brief second an image of Mom towering over me with the belt flashed in front of my eyes causing me to bolt upright. The sudden movement and removal of ice caused more pain to cry from my wrist. This time I ignored it and just tried to put distance between myself and Luke forgetting it was Luke not Mom.

From the safety of the couch I cradled my wrist as tears fell only slightly conscious Luke was even there. I needed the bridge.

I needed my sanctuary.

I ran to the freezer, grabbed another pack of ice and left the building in a flash leaving Luke staring after the dust. I made it to the bridge surprisingly quickly. Again now I was alone let the tears fall once again. Luke must of found Rory since she came to the bridge soon after, with her uniform donned and quietly sat next to me. Even though she had school I'd come to learn she had a free morning on Wednesdays which today was but for the sake of routine kept the same routine. This time I didn't try to shy away, I didn't try to hide the tears I just let it all go. Holding the ice pack firmly in my other hand with my wrist cradled against my chest I let out a heavy sigh mixed with a grimace.

"Did Luke send you?" I finally managed to muster out

"Yes" Rory said softly. I said nothing just nodded my head. "He was worried"

"Glad someone cares" I muttered cold feelings towards Mom filled my heart.

"I care" Rory spoke just as soft. I didn't have any way to respond but smile warmly at Rory. Some may say I like her but I don't I just really want a friend in this world and we get each other.

"What's wrong with your Wrist?" Rory said after a quiet moment

"No idea" I said

"You should get it checked out"

"Thanks for stating the obvious" I grumble "Too expensive, no health insurance" I say bitterly

"Oh" she said 'now you get it'. I was quiet, I really wanted a way to end the pain but I had no way to. Rory gently pulled me into a hug while awkward it was more easy to accept since it's only adults I'm weary off.

"I'm glad you aren't an adult" I mumbled into her chest

"What?" Rory asked me very confused

"I hate adults" I say "Their mean" at that thought my whole body shivers

"Are you okay." Rory asks me a while later, we hadn't moved from the hug, my tears had soaked her blouse

"Yeah" I say finally making a move "thanks" I say wiping my eyes

"Come on walk me to the bus?" Rory asked me. I nod thankful to not be alone just yet and we slowly make our way to the bus. I think deep down she knew I still wasn't okay but chose not to say anything