Hey guys, I hope this story isn't bad or boring. I really do hope you guys do like them and keep on R/R- ing, cuz they really do help and encourage me! Thanks. Just some shout outs to please who has read my story and has given me positive feedbacks. SillyLily2003, apple_eye (wow, thanks for the ongoing encouragement!), sara, Ginger, Kate, CharliesAngel, UniquelyMe, Katie, RoryLeighDugray, Shay and everyone who has signed my reviews. Thanks a lot guys!

When the funeral ended, Rory came down from the stage where she was seating and moved to the reception hall where the caterers had the food prepared. People came and gave her kisses and hugs and said their condolences. Many had tear-streaked faces, especially her in-laws. This reminded her that she wasn't the only one hurting from the loss. She had never from the past week to say sorry or grieve together. Rory realized that she have been selfish. She was the one that took Mike away from his parents at the tender age of eighteen, spent the last five wonderful years together in Boston while they were in Hartford. In the corner of her eyes, she saw Tristan walking towards her in intent, but she wasn't ready yet. She needed to take to her in-laws and share the pain together. She needed to have closure, to move on the best she could. So without another glance towards her first love, she walked on.

When Rory reached her in-laws she said, "Robert, Nicole...I'm, sorry." She let down more tears and hugged them both. They understood what Rory was trying to do, put things into perspective and to share the pain and the burden. Together, they circled each other in the warmth of sweet memories and love that they shared through one man that did not know the world of selfishness. Some bittersweet laughs rang within the walls of the dreary place. Tristan heard that laugh he hadn't heard for so many years, one that he wished to embraced and be the subjected to. He turned his body towards her laugh and saw that Rory was smiling, if not reluctantly. He saw the pain, but trying to put things into good use - to remember who Mike really was, not the last memories of him being dead. Remembering that Mike was happy and had a fulfilling life; a successful career, many friends, supporting family and Rory. A man could not have asked for more.

Rory was bubbling with laughter as she retold some tales of her and Mikes adventure - their five year marriage. "Oh Mike, Nicole...you wouldn't believe what Mike did on our first Christmas! He got the Santa costume, stuffed his stomach with pillows, got bunch of presents, ready to go to the hospital for the kids, to cheer up their holiday. It was so sweet. Until I found out he got me a costume too! Mrs. Claus that was over-the shoulder, short, with lots of fur around the shoulders and the hems of the skirt. I thought it looked a bit too flashy for my taste. On top of that, he made me wear these ridiculous high heels to wear it with. I wore a jacket, but still, my legs were frozen, so was my nose. By the time we got to the hospital, I was cold, sneezing and had a red nose. When we entered the room where the kids were, he bellowed, 'ho ho ho!', I was suppose to wave, instead I tripped and fell face flat! I was so embarrassed. To make me feel better, he deliberately fell to the ground, causing the pillows to fall out and his beard to be disassembled. The kids laughed at us and we had a fabulous time." She shook her head from the picture that it formed in Rory's mind and had a besieged smile.

"I could imagine. That's our Mike. Being thoughtful, considerate and don't mind being the center of ridicule. You know Rory, Easter is coming up, we'd like you to come to Hartford and celebrate it with us. I would love to give you some stuff of Mike's as well, that is still in the attic, if you would like." Mike's father said.

"I would love to. Thank you, it means a lot to me. First holiday for the first year will be the hardest. Too many memories that will resurface. I wish that Mike and I visited you more often. I really am sorry. I wished that you and he got to spend more time together, before he..." Rory was cut of by Nicole, Mike's mother. "Rory, no need to think of what ifs. We can't change the past, but only our futures. Mike was happy with you, and that's all that it matters. I am glad to call you my daughter-in-law. If it's ok, could I as to speak privately to you?" She asked. Rory nodded yes, and walked with her mother-in-law to a private room.

It was a quiet space with warm colours painted on the walls, with plants and books to give the ambiance an easy environment. They sat down on two opposite chairs. Nicole cleared her throat and spoke.

"I know this is early, but I need to tell you. When you first married, few months after your honeymoon, Mike called us and sent us a letter. For you."

Rory gave a curious look, but Nicole continued on, "He commented that you were the perfect woman. He said how much he loved you, and that he wanted you to be happy. He knew that life could be ended at anytime, so in case of any emergency, he wanted to tell you that he loves you very much..."

Rory interjected, "I know! I do too!"

"Yes dear, I do know. But there is another issue he wanted me to discuss with you. Moving on. He said that, if there was a chance that he did die, he wanted you to move on with your life. See other men, marry, have children and be happy. He wants you to fondly remember your time with him, but don't dwell. I have to say, I agree with Mike. You are a beautiful, intelligent, and most of all, a young woman. He doesn't want tears or sadness in your heart, Rory dear. So here's the letter that he wrote several years ago. I'll leave you be. Whatever happens; if you remarry, fall in love and have children, I'll still consider you my daughter-in-law, daughter and a good friend." They both rose up and hugged each other. Rory had tears in her eyes - for the thought of moving on without Mike, the thoughtful comments by Nicole and the selflessness on Mike. When Nicole left the private room and closed the door did Rory sit back down and stared at the mysterious letter.

"What could it be?" She opened the letter and read on.

Dearest Rory,

I cannot describe the happiness I feel that you have chosen me to marry. I also know that you do love me, but not the kind of love you had for Tristan. But I understand. I am grateful and honored that you spent your years with me. Whatever had become of me, do not fret. I have been extremely happy - happier than I ever have been or could have been. I remember like it was yesterday that you gave me the time of day, the day you and Tristan broke up and you looked into my eyes.

I also know, that if you had your own way, you would grieve for me. I don't want that. When I'm up in heaven, and looking down to see you, I want to see you laughing, being happy and being in love. With the right guy. We've had a happy marriage, but I think you were more comfortable. But I do know that some guy will sweep you off you feet, make you deliriously happy, happy in love.

I'm going to ask you a favor. Forget about me, and date, try and find that Mr. Perfect, Mr. Right or whatever. Maybe it's Tristan, and I know that he loves you, but I don't know why he gave you up and broke your heart. But there must have been a good reason. I wished I was the guy you truly loved, Mr. Right and everything you deserved, but I'm not. Although I may not haven been your great love, but you were mine.

I have no regrets in life - I had a happy life. A job I loved, family, friends and you! The only regret I could have is that, I could not spend more time with you. I can't hold you, love you or laugh with you. Because Rory, even if I had a hundred years, it still wouldn't been enough. I will miss you so much, and that what makes me sad. Death doesn't scare me, but the fact of losing you does. But if my death causes you to find love and happiness, I don't mind leaving. So please, move on, and be happy. That is my only one true wish. I love you, Lorelai "Rory" Leigh Gilmore McNightly.

Best of Luck,

Love, Mike.

Rory refolded the letter and placed it gingerly into its envelope. "Oh Mike. I do love you, maybe not as much as I should have, but nevertheless, I did! How am I suppose to live without you? It's so hard. Why did you have to leave me? Why?!" Rory was in tears, shaking with grief. She didn't notice that a door had opened and closed.

"Rory." A simple word was uttered. Yet the sound to Rory was so familiar. The sound that had crept into her dreams over the years. Tristan.

Rory looked up to the man Tristan had become. He was still handsome with his low-set eyes, with blue eyes dark as the night sky, straight, strong nose and a full, lushes lips that could kiss like a breeze of fresh air. Her first love. "Hello Tristan. Glad you could make it." Rory wiped her tears and wished even in her worst state, she could look more presentable, when she reunited with Tristan. Her pride told her to look the best, since Tristan had the advantages of being with beautiful women - stars, models and goddesses.

When Tristan looked at her, she looked more beautiful. She had grown to be a woman with natural grace that surpass other women. Her hair still like chestnut brown that shimmered healthiness, without the pretends of dyes. Her eyes, usually laughing, right now was in pain. He always knew that Rory had the potential to be a woman that no other could beat. Her intelligence, beauty and kindness what made Tristan fall in love with Rory over five years ago. When he was near her, his heart starting beating, his hands shaking, his stomach nervous for the first encounter in five years.

"Well, you both mean very much to me. I had to be here. Sorry I didn't keep in touch over the years." Tristan commented. But you, Rory, mean so much more to me. I wish you could be with me - forever. Father doesn't want me to love you, or you love me. If not...Our love could destroy the power that Father has over me. Love that could destroy everything.

"Well, I thought you wouldn't come." She replied simply. Tristan was hurt by that comment. He winced. Rory noticed. She continued, "Things changed Tristan. I thought you had better things to do than being here. You never cared." She was wary. Rory's little speech was not about today, but things that should have been said 6 years ago.

"I do...did. I thought maybe, that you married Mike to spite me." Tristan said.

"Not everything is about you! I loved Mike very much. You're the one who broke up with me, and didn't care. You asked me to get an abortion of our baby! Are you so heartless to think that I would marry another man, a man that was kind, good and loving to get revenge on you. I'm sorry, Tristan Jarlan Dugray, but the world doesn't stand still because you asked it so. Get over yourself." Rory was filled with past hurt and anger that she stormed past him and slammed the door shut, leaving one heart-broken Tristan to his own thoughts.

She doesn't love me.

Tristan fell down to the seat, and let his head hung low. A tear dropped. He wished so much if he could defy his father, and be with Rory. When he opened his eyes, he saw a letter that read; Rory. He picked up the letter and began to read. He realized that it was written by Mike to Rory, and he discovered the content of the letter, his heart seemed to renew itself. I still have a chance. Tristan put the letter back and when he rose to stand, he saw Rory enter again.

"I forgot something." She said, she walked towards him.

"Is it this? What is it?" He asked innocently.

"None of your business." She stalked off.

"Wait." Rory stood still.

"What, Tristan." She asked warily.

"Lets try to overcome the past and try to be friends again. You know, we were once that."

"Yeah. Tristan, I don't know if I could be your friend again. You hurt me deeply six years ago. Could I truly overcome the past; the breakup, and the abortion. Maybe the breakup, but not the abortion. You weren't there when I had to kill it. Mike was there, holding my hand and being so supportive. I almost died Tristan. My baby died, and a part of me died as well!"

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry can't bring my baby back or mend the pain. Give me time."

"I gave you six years, plus different states." He said ironically.

"Finally, time flies when you're having fun." She started to walk again.

Tristan walked faster to put his hand on her shoulder. His eyes closed, feeling and loving the feel of his hand on her, at least some part of her. "If complications didn't come between us..."

"No Tristan, your immaturity. Don't blame others. Only yourself." She interjected.

"My immaturity. Do you think, we'd have been the ones married to each other?" He asked.

"I don't play what ifs." She walked on, stopped once more. "Tristan, it's good to see you. Life has been good for you. When you're getting marry, please invite me to your wedding."

"I will." You'll be the bride in mine. Whatever I have to do, I will have you as my wife. I have to find a way, away from Father. He's done controlling my life. I have to make you believe me. Even Mike knows that I love you, you'll have to believe that. You just have to!

TBC. Hope you guys enjoyed it. It was the reunion of Tristan and Rory. Please leave me positive feed backs. If you don't like it, don't message, this message is directed to that rude person who shall be nameless. Next chapter should be installed soon :)