Rory's eyes opened slowly, focusing on the ceiling. She tried to get up but something kept her from moving. Looking down, she saw an arm draped across her waist. Turning her head slightly, she found Tristen staring at her.
"Morning." She whispered, "How long have you been awake?"
"Not long." He said, leaning forward to kiss her.
She pulled back slowly, looking at him. Lightly she ran her finger over the bruise on his cheek.
"Tristen I am so sorry."
"Rory it wasn't your fault. I am the one who tried to fight Dean."
"But it was because of me."
"It was because I love you." He said, "You mean everything to me."
Rory moved closer to him, resting her head on his chest. She closed her eyes, listening to his heartbeat. Slowly she opened her eyes again. Propping herself up on her elbow, she said
"You ready to get up?"
"Not really." He said, looking at the clock, "But I have to get back to Hartford soon."
Rory slid off the bed and stood up. She walked around to the other side of the bed and helped him up. They walked into the kitchen to find Lorelai drinking a cup of coffee. Rory immediately froze in her tracks.
"Mom…nothing happened…I…he…the…couch…lumpy…bed…more…comfortable…but…nothing…happened."
"Slow down mini me." Lorelai said, "I believe you."
She looked up at the clock.
"Tristen we should probably get you back to Hartford. I promised your grandfather."
"All right."
She looked at his clothes, which were wrinkled and dirty.
"I think I have some of Rory's father's clothes." She said, "Would you like to borrow some."
"Thank you." He said, "Would it be all right if I took a shower."
"Sure." She said, "Rory can show you where the bathroom is and I will get the clothes."
Rory, Tristen and Lorelai all stood up. Rory led Tristen down the hall to the bathroom while Lorelai went up stairs to get some clothes. Rory stopped outside a door and opened it.
"Everything should be in the shower. Yell if you can't find something."
Lorelai knocked on the edge of the door.
"Everyone decent?"
"Yes mom."
Lorelai walked into the bathroom, a small bundle in her hands. She set it on the edge of the sink.
"That should be everything you need."
"Thanks guys…for everything."
"Not a problem." Lorelai said, "Now we will leave you to do what you have to do."
Lorelai started to walk out, then turned to see Rory still standing in her sport. Backing up, she took Rory by the shoulders and guided her out of the bathroom. Closing the door behind her, she said
"Go get dressed."
Rory nodded, heading for her bedroom. Lorelai walked back into the kitchen and poured herself another cup of coffee. Ten minutes later, Rory emerged wearing a pair of jeans, a long sleeve t-shirt and tennis shoes. She walked over to the coffeepot and poured herself a cup. As she sat down, her mother looked at her.
"Nothing happened last night."
"I thought you trusted me."
"I do." Lorelai said, "And I believe you."
"Good." Rory said, drinking her coffee.
Twenty minutes later, the bathroom door opened. Tristen emerged wearing a pair of jeans and a baggy sweatshirt. He walked into the kitchen to see Rory and Lorelai sitting at the table.
"Are you two ready to go?" he asked
"Let's go." Lorelai said, standing up
Rory stood slowly and the three of them walked out of the house. Lorelai climbed into her jeep while Rory and Tristen walked over to his car. He threw his keys to Rory and said
"You drive."
Rory unlocked the doors and slid behind the wheel of the car. Tristen slid into the passengers seat and she started the car. They pulled away from the Gilmore house, heading towards the highway.