Chapter 9
Rory woke the next morning with the bright sun coming in from the window. She groaned when she felt the jolt of pain rip through her when she tried to turn away. The door opened and Rory was greet with the site of a woman she had never seen before.
"Morning! It's good to see you awake and looking better than last night!" she chirped happily. "My name's Alice. How are you feeling?"
"Not too good." Rory winced as she tried to prop herself up. Alice walked over and helped her up. She moved Rory's pillow so she was comfortably resting against it.
"I'll be right back. I'm going to get you something to ease some of the pain away. Oh, by the way, your mother is outside waiting for you. When I get back I'll help you get ready to leave." She left without another word.
Rory settled herself in the hospital bed. The events of the previous evening made her cringe. She thought back to Alec and Tristan. *What had happened anyways? All I can remember is going outside because Alec told me that Tristan wanted to see me* Suddenly the memories of the previous night came pouring back to her as she remembered Alec attacking her, Tristan coming to her rescue and the gentle way he cared for her. Her thoughts were interrupted with the return of Alice. She walked over to her and handed Rory a little pill and a cup of water.
"Take this. It should help with the pain but you may end up a little groggy."
"What are they?"
"T3's." With the puzzled look that she received from Rory she elaborated. "They're Tylonal 3's. They're for immense pain like getting your wisdom teeth out, but giving you one for now won't hurt."
"Oh." She took the pill and downed the water. Swallowing, she turned to see Alice busying herself around the room. Rory slowly started getting out of bed. Her shoulder was a bit tender and she could feel her lip pounding.
"Let's get you dressed and ready to go shall we? You mom brought you some extra clothes so you wouldn't have to walk out of here in that dress of yours." She smiled sweetly at Rory before ushering her to the bathroom.
* * *
"What's taking so long?" Lorelai mumbled to herself as she paced the waiting room. Some nurse named Alice had just informed her that Rory was awake and that she was going to be ready soon. Lorelai had been there for about an hour pacing back and forth before the nurse had approached her. *I know! I'll call Tristan to come!* She whipped out her phone when she spotted a mop of blonde hair walking towards her.
"Morning Lorelai. How's Rory doing?"
"Evil child." Lorelai said under her breath. "Ruin my fun why don't you?"
"What?" asked Tristan.
"Nothing. Rory just woke up. The nurse is taking her sweet ass time getting her ready!" Tristan looked at her puzzled for a moment, not understanding why she was so moody this morning. Then the thought hit him; she hadn't had coffee yet. That must have been it. "Sorry, I've only had two cups of coffee today so I'm a bit moody."
"Are you sure you want me to come with you home? I mean I don't want to intrude and- "
"Tristan! I've told you a million times, it's OK! You're actually doing me a HUGE favor and I'm sure Rory would appreciate it very much."
"I don't know. We're still on thin ice and I know that's my fault." He looked down at the ground as he said this. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. Sensing his discomfort Lorelai changed the subject.
"Hey, let's go see what's taking so long."
"How about I just meet you outside? I need to go get something before she comes out." Without another word he dashed out leaving a confused Lorelai.
* * *
He had to get out of the intense gaze of Lorelai. He knew that she meant well but he didn't like being vulnerable. He hadn't been completely lying, he did have something to get before they left. Quickly he got into his car and drove off.
"How am I going to make things up to Rory? I mean we were getting along for a little bit at the dance then Alec happened. God, I'm going to kill him!" Tristan's hands clenched around the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. Swerving into a parking lot he double- parked and walked into a flower shop.
* * *
"Hi sweety, how are you feeling?"
"Fine now mom." Rory walked over and gave her mom a hug, "I'm SO ready to go home."
"Well then what are we waiting for? The sooner we leave, the sooner we can bug Luke for coffee!" With that Lorelai picked up Rory's gown from the night before and practically ran out of the hospital with Rory in tow.
* * *
Tristan entered the flower shop and walked right up to the teller.
"Hello sir! How may I help you today?"
"Hi, I'd like to compose a bouquet of flowers and a bunch of flower baskets with 'get well soon' and 'I'm sorry' sticks in them."
"That's going to take some time-"
"If you can get them to this address," he wrote down the address hastily, "In 45 minutes, I'll pay you triple the cost."
"All right sir. I'll try my best. What kind of flowers would you like in the baskets and bouquet?"
"I want one bouquet waiting there, 12 long stem red roses and I want a dozen daisies right now to go. As far as the baskets go, I want the best flowers you have. Which ones they are, I'll that up to your professional opinion."
"OK sir, I'll go get you those daisies."
* * *
"Mom, why are we just sitting here?"
"Um. I have a surprise and it hasn't arrived yet."
"Ooo, what kind of surprise? Will I like it? What is it? Tell me, tell me, tell me!"
"Oh hush and hold your horses! It should be here real soon."
"Well, what is-" Rory was cut off with the sighting of a black Porsche pulling up next to them. Her mouth hung open as she looked from her mother to the blonde approaching her.
"Rory, close your mouth. You look like a frog waiting for a fly to fly in."
Tristan approached the car, flowers in hand. "Hi Rory."
"Hi." She said quietly. She looked at Tristan, then to the flowers he was carrying, then back to him.
"Oh, these are for you." He stretched his arm over Lorelai who felt really our of place at the time.
"Thank you." Rory gingerly sniffed the daisies.
"You're welcome." Turning to Lorelai he said, "So, I'll follow you back." She nodded and started the car. Again, Rory's jaw hit the floor.
"Mom, is there something that you want to tell me?"
"Uhh. surprise?"
"Oh no you didn't?!?" groaned Rory. The slight nod from Lorelai caused another groan to escape. "You did!"
"Hun, he's just going to make sure you're OK around the house."
"That's what you're for thought!" Rory protested.
"Umm, surprise number 2. I have to be at the inn. Something came up and I need to be there."
"But- "
"Plus, the poor kid's alone in t hat huge museum of his."
"Oh all right." Rory huffed as she gazed out the window.
* * *
Tristan had been humming to the radio while he drove behind Lorelai when a song caught his attention. He listened intently as realization dawned on him.
"And that was Avril Lavigne with 'Complicated'"
"And that's me in a nutshell." He sighed. He knew he was in lukewarm water now with Rory. She had forgiven him and was even talking to him. And, had he not heard her say 'I love you' the night before. Granted she was probably heavily medicated so she could get some sleep. *God, I'm so confused!*
Finally, he pulled into the Gilmore driveway. He went to the back of his car and grabbed his duffle bag. Seeing that the flowers had yet to be delivered, he suggested to Lorelai that she and Rory go get some coffee. Sensing something was going on she agreed.
"But I just want to go lay down!"
Lorelai gasped. "You did NOT just turn down coffee!" She pulled out of the driveway before Rory had a chance to get out.
Just as their car was out of sight, a can pulled up. Out came the florist. "I am so sorry we're a bit late sir."
Tristan waved it off. "That's fine. They're not here anyways. Did you manage to make all of them?"
"Yes sir, we did. They're in my can." He quickly ran to the back and started unloading. Tristan was beyond pleased. He had never seen such gorgeous assembles of flowers before.
"This way. We don't have much time." Tristan picked up a basket and lead the way into the house.
* * *
"Mmm, Luke's coffee. I'm so glad you forced me to come with you." Rory took a long sniff of the cup before sipping it tenderly.
"And to think you wanted to stay home."
"I admit that that was a mental lapse of judgment on my part. I think it might have to do with the medication the nurse gave me."
Glancing down at her watch, Lorelai got up from the table *Hopefully that was enough time* "Come on babe. We need to get you home so I can get to work."
"Fine. Just let me get one for the road."
* * *
"That's all of them." When Tristan thought they had done an excellent job that was an understatement. They had wowed him speechless. The instructions he gave were simple; enough baskets to fill a room and a half. The florist had met that little detail with flying colors. The living room had flowers everywhere. They were all different and exotic looking. The more subtle ones were placed in Rory's room. The baskets totaled about 32 in all. Sitting on the porch were the dozen roses he had requested. "I know it's not the exact price we discussed." he trailed off waiting for the man's reaction. Calmly, he opened the envelope and looked at the check. Shock was evident on his face as he read it over again. "As I said, it's not the agreed upon amount, but I thought you deserved more for the fantastic job you did."
Speechless, the florist could only nod. Finally he managed, "Thank you sir!"
"No, thank you. Be sure to keep a heads up. I'm going to refer you for all the floral projects my family and friends have."
"Thank you very much sir." With that he drove off.
Within seconds, Tristan saw Lorelai's jeep coming around the corner. *Talk about timing* Rory stepped out of the car and Tristan was immediately by her side supporting her.
"Tristan, I can walk."
"Oh, sorry."
Well, I'm going to the inn. Call me if you need anything. Bye!" Lorelai waved as she pulled out of the driveway and drove off.
Rory walked up the steps of the porch and smiled at the sight in front of her.
"I got these for you." He bent over and picked up the flowers."
"Wow, mire flowers." She picked them up and they joined the daisies she was already carrying.
"Tristan's face fell. *She doesn't like them* "Ummm, let's stay out here for a bit." *I have to get a way to get rid of the flowers inside!*
"I just want to go lay down." She pushed past Tristan and opened the door. He closed his eyes, not wanting to watch her as her irritation built. Not hearing anything, he slowly opened them to see a goofy grin plastered on her face. They walked in and she slowly made her way around the room with a blissful expression.
"A little much, I guess." He rubbed the back of his neck, nervous.
"It's beautiful." She replied in a hushed voice, not wanting to spoil the moment of awe.
"Maybe you shouldn't go to your room."
"Why?" Curious, she quickly made her way to her door. When she opened it she started laughing. "This is amazing! Thank you." She turned and hugged him. "You really are a flower boy, aren't you?"
With a perplexed look on his face he ventured, "Flower boy?"
"Mom and me were discussing the list of nicknames we could call you after you sent me your 'apology roses.' She said you sure liked flowers-" she looked up at his amused face and quickly finished, "So we decided to add 'flower boy' to the list." She looked down at the floor, embarrasses.
"Hey." She looked up. "Go sleep. Do you want me to remove the baskets?"
"NO! I mean, you spent all that time putting them in there. Why not leave them?"
"OK. go sleep." He turned and closed the door behind him. Truth be told, they brought a smile to Rory's face and she wanted to keep it there for as long as possible. She got into bed, content on the happenings of the day, still with a smile gracing her face.
Rory woke the next morning with the bright sun coming in from the window. She groaned when she felt the jolt of pain rip through her when she tried to turn away. The door opened and Rory was greet with the site of a woman she had never seen before.
"Morning! It's good to see you awake and looking better than last night!" she chirped happily. "My name's Alice. How are you feeling?"
"Not too good." Rory winced as she tried to prop herself up. Alice walked over and helped her up. She moved Rory's pillow so she was comfortably resting against it.
"I'll be right back. I'm going to get you something to ease some of the pain away. Oh, by the way, your mother is outside waiting for you. When I get back I'll help you get ready to leave." She left without another word.
Rory settled herself in the hospital bed. The events of the previous evening made her cringe. She thought back to Alec and Tristan. *What had happened anyways? All I can remember is going outside because Alec told me that Tristan wanted to see me* Suddenly the memories of the previous night came pouring back to her as she remembered Alec attacking her, Tristan coming to her rescue and the gentle way he cared for her. Her thoughts were interrupted with the return of Alice. She walked over to her and handed Rory a little pill and a cup of water.
"Take this. It should help with the pain but you may end up a little groggy."
"What are they?"
"T3's." With the puzzled look that she received from Rory she elaborated. "They're Tylonal 3's. They're for immense pain like getting your wisdom teeth out, but giving you one for now won't hurt."
"Oh." She took the pill and downed the water. Swallowing, she turned to see Alice busying herself around the room. Rory slowly started getting out of bed. Her shoulder was a bit tender and she could feel her lip pounding.
"Let's get you dressed and ready to go shall we? You mom brought you some extra clothes so you wouldn't have to walk out of here in that dress of yours." She smiled sweetly at Rory before ushering her to the bathroom.
* * *
"What's taking so long?" Lorelai mumbled to herself as she paced the waiting room. Some nurse named Alice had just informed her that Rory was awake and that she was going to be ready soon. Lorelai had been there for about an hour pacing back and forth before the nurse had approached her. *I know! I'll call Tristan to come!* She whipped out her phone when she spotted a mop of blonde hair walking towards her.
"Morning Lorelai. How's Rory doing?"
"Evil child." Lorelai said under her breath. "Ruin my fun why don't you?"
"What?" asked Tristan.
"Nothing. Rory just woke up. The nurse is taking her sweet ass time getting her ready!" Tristan looked at her puzzled for a moment, not understanding why she was so moody this morning. Then the thought hit him; she hadn't had coffee yet. That must have been it. "Sorry, I've only had two cups of coffee today so I'm a bit moody."
"Are you sure you want me to come with you home? I mean I don't want to intrude and- "
"Tristan! I've told you a million times, it's OK! You're actually doing me a HUGE favor and I'm sure Rory would appreciate it very much."
"I don't know. We're still on thin ice and I know that's my fault." He looked down at the ground as he said this. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. Sensing his discomfort Lorelai changed the subject.
"Hey, let's go see what's taking so long."
"How about I just meet you outside? I need to go get something before she comes out." Without another word he dashed out leaving a confused Lorelai.
* * *
He had to get out of the intense gaze of Lorelai. He knew that she meant well but he didn't like being vulnerable. He hadn't been completely lying, he did have something to get before they left. Quickly he got into his car and drove off.
"How am I going to make things up to Rory? I mean we were getting along for a little bit at the dance then Alec happened. God, I'm going to kill him!" Tristan's hands clenched around the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. Swerving into a parking lot he double- parked and walked into a flower shop.
* * *
"Hi sweety, how are you feeling?"
"Fine now mom." Rory walked over and gave her mom a hug, "I'm SO ready to go home."
"Well then what are we waiting for? The sooner we leave, the sooner we can bug Luke for coffee!" With that Lorelai picked up Rory's gown from the night before and practically ran out of the hospital with Rory in tow.
* * *
Tristan entered the flower shop and walked right up to the teller.
"Hello sir! How may I help you today?"
"Hi, I'd like to compose a bouquet of flowers and a bunch of flower baskets with 'get well soon' and 'I'm sorry' sticks in them."
"That's going to take some time-"
"If you can get them to this address," he wrote down the address hastily, "In 45 minutes, I'll pay you triple the cost."
"All right sir. I'll try my best. What kind of flowers would you like in the baskets and bouquet?"
"I want one bouquet waiting there, 12 long stem red roses and I want a dozen daisies right now to go. As far as the baskets go, I want the best flowers you have. Which ones they are, I'll that up to your professional opinion."
"OK sir, I'll go get you those daisies."
* * *
"Mom, why are we just sitting here?"
"Um. I have a surprise and it hasn't arrived yet."
"Ooo, what kind of surprise? Will I like it? What is it? Tell me, tell me, tell me!"
"Oh hush and hold your horses! It should be here real soon."
"Well, what is-" Rory was cut off with the sighting of a black Porsche pulling up next to them. Her mouth hung open as she looked from her mother to the blonde approaching her.
"Rory, close your mouth. You look like a frog waiting for a fly to fly in."
Tristan approached the car, flowers in hand. "Hi Rory."
"Hi." She said quietly. She looked at Tristan, then to the flowers he was carrying, then back to him.
"Oh, these are for you." He stretched his arm over Lorelai who felt really our of place at the time.
"Thank you." Rory gingerly sniffed the daisies.
"You're welcome." Turning to Lorelai he said, "So, I'll follow you back." She nodded and started the car. Again, Rory's jaw hit the floor.
"Mom, is there something that you want to tell me?"
"Uhh. surprise?"
"Oh no you didn't?!?" groaned Rory. The slight nod from Lorelai caused another groan to escape. "You did!"
"Hun, he's just going to make sure you're OK around the house."
"That's what you're for thought!" Rory protested.
"Umm, surprise number 2. I have to be at the inn. Something came up and I need to be there."
"But- "
"Plus, the poor kid's alone in t hat huge museum of his."
"Oh all right." Rory huffed as she gazed out the window.
* * *
Tristan had been humming to the radio while he drove behind Lorelai when a song caught his attention. He listened intently as realization dawned on him.
"And that was Avril Lavigne with 'Complicated'"
"And that's me in a nutshell." He sighed. He knew he was in lukewarm water now with Rory. She had forgiven him and was even talking to him. And, had he not heard her say 'I love you' the night before. Granted she was probably heavily medicated so she could get some sleep. *God, I'm so confused!*
Finally, he pulled into the Gilmore driveway. He went to the back of his car and grabbed his duffle bag. Seeing that the flowers had yet to be delivered, he suggested to Lorelai that she and Rory go get some coffee. Sensing something was going on she agreed.
"But I just want to go lay down!"
Lorelai gasped. "You did NOT just turn down coffee!" She pulled out of the driveway before Rory had a chance to get out.
Just as their car was out of sight, a can pulled up. Out came the florist. "I am so sorry we're a bit late sir."
Tristan waved it off. "That's fine. They're not here anyways. Did you manage to make all of them?"
"Yes sir, we did. They're in my can." He quickly ran to the back and started unloading. Tristan was beyond pleased. He had never seen such gorgeous assembles of flowers before.
"This way. We don't have much time." Tristan picked up a basket and lead the way into the house.
* * *
"Mmm, Luke's coffee. I'm so glad you forced me to come with you." Rory took a long sniff of the cup before sipping it tenderly.
"And to think you wanted to stay home."
"I admit that that was a mental lapse of judgment on my part. I think it might have to do with the medication the nurse gave me."
Glancing down at her watch, Lorelai got up from the table *Hopefully that was enough time* "Come on babe. We need to get you home so I can get to work."
"Fine. Just let me get one for the road."
* * *
"That's all of them." When Tristan thought they had done an excellent job that was an understatement. They had wowed him speechless. The instructions he gave were simple; enough baskets to fill a room and a half. The florist had met that little detail with flying colors. The living room had flowers everywhere. They were all different and exotic looking. The more subtle ones were placed in Rory's room. The baskets totaled about 32 in all. Sitting on the porch were the dozen roses he had requested. "I know it's not the exact price we discussed." he trailed off waiting for the man's reaction. Calmly, he opened the envelope and looked at the check. Shock was evident on his face as he read it over again. "As I said, it's not the agreed upon amount, but I thought you deserved more for the fantastic job you did."
Speechless, the florist could only nod. Finally he managed, "Thank you sir!"
"No, thank you. Be sure to keep a heads up. I'm going to refer you for all the floral projects my family and friends have."
"Thank you very much sir." With that he drove off.
Within seconds, Tristan saw Lorelai's jeep coming around the corner. *Talk about timing* Rory stepped out of the car and Tristan was immediately by her side supporting her.
"Tristan, I can walk."
"Oh, sorry."
Well, I'm going to the inn. Call me if you need anything. Bye!" Lorelai waved as she pulled out of the driveway and drove off.
Rory walked up the steps of the porch and smiled at the sight in front of her.
"I got these for you." He bent over and picked up the flowers."
"Wow, mire flowers." She picked them up and they joined the daisies she was already carrying.
"Tristan's face fell. *She doesn't like them* "Ummm, let's stay out here for a bit." *I have to get a way to get rid of the flowers inside!*
"I just want to go lay down." She pushed past Tristan and opened the door. He closed his eyes, not wanting to watch her as her irritation built. Not hearing anything, he slowly opened them to see a goofy grin plastered on her face. They walked in and she slowly made her way around the room with a blissful expression.
"A little much, I guess." He rubbed the back of his neck, nervous.
"It's beautiful." She replied in a hushed voice, not wanting to spoil the moment of awe.
"Maybe you shouldn't go to your room."
"Why?" Curious, she quickly made her way to her door. When she opened it she started laughing. "This is amazing! Thank you." She turned and hugged him. "You really are a flower boy, aren't you?"
With a perplexed look on his face he ventured, "Flower boy?"
"Mom and me were discussing the list of nicknames we could call you after you sent me your 'apology roses.' She said you sure liked flowers-" she looked up at his amused face and quickly finished, "So we decided to add 'flower boy' to the list." She looked down at the floor, embarrasses.
"Hey." She looked up. "Go sleep. Do you want me to remove the baskets?"
"NO! I mean, you spent all that time putting them in there. Why not leave them?"
"OK. go sleep." He turned and closed the door behind him. Truth be told, they brought a smile to Rory's face and she wanted to keep it there for as long as possible. She got into bed, content on the happenings of the day, still with a smile gracing her face.