Thanks for all the nice reviews!
Disclaimers ALL apply! Amy Sherman-Palladino owns these people and places, and I do not, or Luke and Lorelai would be together already!
Length of Time, Chapter 9
Lorelai managed to put thoughts out of her head long enough to get some sleep. Before that, she tried to remember what happened before she passed out in the car, but she had a feeling she had been thinking about Luke, as she could not exactly get him out of her head. She figured she must have just been thinking about the incident in the diner with Luke and Nicole before she passed out.. but something told her it was something more, because she could not get the thought of him out of her head.
"Eh," she told herself, "it's probably because I'm already missing the coffee." Then she allowed herself a nice little nap.
She fell into a deep sleep, only to be woken up later by a loud shattering in the room. She opened her eyes to see Sookie, scrambling around on the floor, trying to pick up the pieces of glass she'd broken that belonged apparently to a vase of flowers she was trying to leave for her.
"Oh god, I'm having that vision again of a pregnant woman crawling over a bed of flowers. I would LOVE to know what that means..." Lorelai started, groggily.
Sookie looked up from the floor at Lorelai and smiled at her.
"Sookie, get up off the floor. I don't want you crawling around with glass in your hands---- I mean, normally it's cute, but with you all pregnant, it's just disturbing."
Sookie grabbed the side of the bed and stood up. "Well, I put myself next in line to see you, by default. Emily dozed off on Richard's shoulder."
"EMILY dozed off? And... and on Richard's shoulder? That's so sweet, and unproper, and-----"
"--- human, I know."
"Well if I know my mother, I bet every doctor and nurse breathed a collective sigh of relief when sleep took her."
"They did. They would've thrown a party, but it might have woken her up."
They smiled at each other, and Sookie moved a stray piece of hair from off Lorelai's forehead.
"So, Sookie, the big opening. Didn't I tell you it would be an unforgettable day?" Lorelai asked, smiling.
"You did. And you were right. As long as I live, I'll never forget this day."
"So.. where is everyone?" Lorelai casually asked.
"Jackson is out getting dinner for us, your father is trying to read some document, but Emily's sleeping on him, so it's not exactly working. And Rory and Jess went outside awhile ago."
"Oh. Was... was that everyone?"
"Oh, and the nurse said she'd be in later to bring you some food."
"Ah, good. I was curious about that."
Sookie smiled at her, knowingly.
"And I have no idea where Luke went. He left the hospital after he came in here," she added.
"Ooh, I bet I know where he went!" Lorelai said gaily.
"Really."
"Yeah, but I can't tell you. It's our little... thing," Lorelai teased.
"I was wondering how long it would be before you and Luke would have a little.. thing."
"Not THAT kind of thing. It's purely a coffee thing, and that's all I will tell you, and DON'T you dare tell the nurse!"
"They must have you on some pretty powerful medications if you think that Luke went to get you coffee," Sookie said, smiling. "So... how do you feel?"
"I won't lie, I feel empty inside. I really miss that old organ. It was with me for thirty-five years, and now... now nothing," Lorelai said, pouting.
"Well, honey, if it was still in you, you'd be in the ground by now. It's true, that thing would have killed you to get out."
Lorelai sighed and rested her head back and then turned to Sookie, more seriously now. "Tell me.. how was it? Really."
"Oh, honey, it was great! I mean, not great great, because you weren't there, and after two I wasn't there either, but Michel held down the fort, and called in a temporary chef and said the guests really were enjoying themselves."
"Oh good! I felt so horrible, every time I regained consciousness, I felt so guilty for being late-----"
"Please don't finish that sentence. Do you hear yourself? Honey, you have nothing to feel bad about. I'm just glad someone found you and took you here and that you're okay! I mean, are you? Really? How do you feel?"
"I feel okay. I'm in a little pain, but hopefully I can be up and at it and working by Friday."
"Friday? This Friday? Two days away Friday? Lorelai, you're gonna be in the hospital for practically a week, and then you need to take it easy for almost another week."
Lorelai made a face and dropped her head. She picked it back up and looked up fearfully at Sookie. "Don't tell me that! I can't be out of commission for two weeks! The inn----"
"Will be fine. You need to get yourself better, missy. You gave everyone quite a scare, you know."
"Yet another thing I feel horrible about. I woke up before to Rory crying, and then Luke came in here and looked at me like I'd had plastic surgery and my face had been replaced with Captain Kirk's."
Sookie made an understanding face. "So, I heard you got an earful this morning at Luke's."
"Yeah. He was apologizing until he was blue before."
"Well, he was really upset about it. Not even just that you overheard, but that he said that, even if it WAS to shut Nicole up."
"I guess it didn't help much that when I finally turned up, it was in a hospital."
"Well stop feeling horrible, you didn't know what was gonna happen. But just so you know why we were ALL so freaked---- First we didn't know where you were. Then some cops come into Luke's, having found your car abandoned on the side of ROUTE 58! Not the best place. And there is no sign of you. Your pocketbook was still inside! Finally Luke discovered you at St. Marks's, but you were heading into surgery, and no one knew why. The nurse hadn't talked to Luke yet about your condition. That gave an entirely new level to the stress."
Lorelai covered her head with her hands embarrassedly during this explanation, feeling so guilty for all the emotions she caused everyone. She finally looked up at Sookie.
"Well, at least now it's over," Sookie finished, taking Lorelai's hand. "And you're okay. And don't worry about the inn. It wouldn't feel like a true opening if something horrible didn't happen to make it more challenging than it already was."
"Well that is entirely true. Always looking on the positive side," Lorelai smiled at her friend.
"Okay, I'm gonna go get the nurse to get the glass."
"Ah, but the flowers are beautiful. Thank you."
Sookie kissed Lorelai's forehead and smiled. "You're welcome."
As Sookie opened the door, Emily, followed by the nurse, entered.
"Ah, you've awoken!" Lorelai said to Emily.
"I was just about to say the same thing," Emily said, straight-faced.
Sookie told the nurse about the glass that had spilled, while Emily further entered the room.
"Where's dad?"
"He'll be here in a minute, he's just calling some people.. he had something to tell them."
"Well, that's the best reason to call people," Lorelai quipped, to which Emily just looked at her with no readable expression on her face.
The nurse busied herself picking up the glass.
"So, how do you feel?" Emily asked, with an air of indifference surrounding her.
"Oh, never felt better. They have me doped up on so much meds, I can't even feel my toes, let alone my stomach," Lorelai said, at which point she wiggled her toes. "Well, nevermind that. But that's a good thing, if I couldn't feel my toes, that would be an entirely new problem."
"Lorelai, be serious. How are you feeling?" Then, to the nurse, she added, "and can we get someone in here to draw these blinds, and get some sunlight in here, it's depressing like this!"
"Mrs. Gilmore, the sun set over an hour ago."
Emily just turned her head back to Lorelai, rolling her eyes.
"Mom, I'm fine. Really. Sit down."
Emily hesitated and looked around the room with an even grimmer and more serious expression.
"I'm more than fine, actually. You know, I even heard someone say that I woke up before they administered the anesthesia and said 'this is both painless and interesting and will help me grow as a person'," Lorelai said, to which Emily just shot one of her signature-Emily looks at her.
The nurse, before walking out of the room with the trash can of broken glass, turned and said with a coy smile, "that is definitely NOT what you said before the anesthesia."
"What DID I say?" Lorelai asked, interested.
The nurse just gave a small laugh. "Never mind."
Lorelai regarded her with a skeptical expression. "Oh Nurse Lady, you and me should chat later. Let's say nine, my bed, we'll talk over coffee---"
"Oh, no, Ms. Gilmore, I've been warned about you, and will not be swayed into bringing you coffee," the nurse said, exiting the room.
"That woman!" Lorelai said.
"Is her bedside manner okay? Because I can find you another nurse----" Emily started, defensively.
"Mom, I've met her all of two times, and we've spoken about three sentences to each other. She's fine. And please sit down," Lorelai pleaded, her mother's restlessness making her agitated.
"Fine," Emily said, taking a seat. "Honestly, Lorelai, how you didn't know that you had appendicitis---- I have known many people who have had it, and have checked themselves into the hospital after one day of pain because it was unbearable! No one has ever had to wait until it exploded, while they were driving, no less----"
"Yes, mom, well to quote the late, but great, Frank Sinatra, 'I did it my way'. I could have checked myself into a hospital the other day when my stomach started hurting, but that is just so anticlimactic, so I figured if I could deal with it in the way that would be most inconvenient and horrible for everyone involved, THAT would be more fun for ME, because let me tell you, THIS is a picnic. It's the DEFINITION of a picnic!"
"You and your jokes, Lorelai. This is serious!"
"Mom, please, don't start yelling. I... I appreciate you coming to see me. Just, don't yell. You don't have to. I'm okay."
"Well, you're really okay? How can I be sure?"
"I'm torturing you, aren't I?" Lorelai asked, sweetly.
"That's true. Are you in any pain?" Emily asked, trying, but to no avail, to hide her concern.
"A little. But when these painkillers wear off, I'd stay out of my way!"
"I'll let the doctors know that."
Lorelai shifted a little, causing a little pain to go to the area of her scar. She winced, and Emily stood up and took a step so that she was beside Lorelai's bed. Lorelai smiled appreciatively at her mother and took her hand.
"I'm really fine, mom."
Emily allowed tears to enter her eyes, without pretending they weren't there. She smiled down at Lorelai momentarily before she remembered herself. She of course remembered the image of herself she wanted to get across, put her wall back up and took a step back from the bed, quickly swiping at her eyes, and sat back down, letting go of Lorelai's hand. Just then, Richard entered.
"Ah, hello Lorelai," he said cheerily, as if he was just entering the dining room on any normal Friday night. "I just talked to an old friend of mine, Jim Morris. We were great friends years ago, and he actually had appendicitis when he was in his twenties. I remember it, and this whole thing reminded me of him, and I thought I'd give him a call!"
"Glad I could be of assistance," Lorelai said, smiling at her father.
"Is THAT what you were prattling on about?" Emily asked incredulously. "You couldn't come in here and talk to your daughter after her surgery because you needed to catch up with your old drinking friend NOW?"
"Mom, it's fine, I'm not going anywhere, apparently, for a long time. He can visit me in three days and I'll still be here.. chilling on my own."
"Great, let's do lunch in three days then!" Richard said happily, and Lorelai turned her head, thinking that her father never ceased to amaze her. "I'll have my secretary call you!"
"Sure, you know where to find me. Room.. What room am I?" Lorelai trailed off.
Emily spoke up. "Room 201. And Richard, what rush are you in all of a sudden? You only just entered!"
Richard walked over and gave Lorelai a little kiss on the forehead. "And Lorelai looks wonderful! She's okay, and the nurse said that visitors hours are almost over. And Jim... he's in Hartford tonight. It's like this was all fated to happen on this very day."
"Practically written in the stars," Lorelai agreed.
"Well, come along Emily. We will visit Lorelai again, don't worry. You can come tomorrow and spend the whole day."
"Dad, don't put ideas in her head," Lorelai said, more to herself than anyone.
Emily shot Richard an evil glare that translated volumes for Richard and Lorelai: Richard was going to get an earful on the drive home. She then stood and looked down at Lorelai for a moment, looking for words.
"I know, mom," Lorelai said, noticing the look on Emily's face. Lorelai held her arms out to her, and after a reluctant moment, Emily bent down and welcomed the embrace. She gently held Lorelai, so as to not hurt her, and then, stood back up avoiding eye contact.
"I will see you tomorrow morning, Lorelai."
"Oh, one more thing," Lorelai said. "Could you lend me a piece of paper and five dollars?"
"You are NOT bribing the doctors to bring you coffee!" Emily stated.
"That's not it, mom. I promise. And then send Sookie and Jackson in, please."
Richard handed Lorelai an index card he had in his suit pocket, and a pen... and reached into his wallet and gave her a $20. Lorelai made a face of impression. "Well, I don't have change for you dad, so let's just say I owe you one," she said.
"Lorelai, it's on me. We'll see you later!"
"Yup, lunch, in three days. Room 203."
"201," Emily corrected. "Bye, Lorelai. Get some rest!" she ordered, before leaving.
Meahwhile, outside the hospital----
"Okay, Jess, we've walked around the hospital approximately 4 times, and it's a big hospital, and you still have jumped around the only question I have asked you. All I want to know, is what you want to study now, at Yale. And don't say 'Nothing With Too Much Homework' again, because that is NOT a major!"
"Well, it should be. I don't know. I'm taking all my intro courses right now. I thought maybe my major would find me," he answered, monotone.
"Hm, that's banking a lot in fate," she mused.
"Well, I am starting to bank a lot in fate lately," he said, quietly.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Nothing. Hey, you look cold," he said, taking off his leather coat.
"No, I'm okay. Really.. "she started, but it was no use. He was handing her the coat, with a look on his face that said he wasn't giving in.
"Jess," she started, putting the coat on. "I really appreciate today. I mean, it's not normal between us, so I can imagine it's been awkward for you too, plus you had to see Luke again..."
"I think his mind was on something besides me today. It was actually a good time to catch him," he joked.
"Yeah, that's true. It was a good day for you to resurface. No one had any energy to put into you," she agreed. "And I realize that you can't go back to Yale until I do. And I feel really bad about that! I mean, I don't know when I'm heading back, and you need to be there, going to class, and working hard-----"
"--- you need to go back too and go to class and work hard."
"But this is my MOM. You're stuck here because of me, and I choose to be here to be with HER. So, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that your first week of hard work and all that other good stuff is being complicated because of me," she started.
"Where's the fun in an easy life?" he asked, with a small smile, looking sideways at her.
She continued walking and smiled. "I guess. But I'd go without the drama of today any day."
"Yeah," he agreed, as they walked away into the night, back toward the hospital.
Meanwhile, in Room 201-----
Sookie and Jackson walked into Lorelai's room, as she finished writing something on an envelope.
"Lorelai, you look great!" Jackson said, running over and giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Aw, you're a good man, Jackson."
"Well, honey, they're kicking everyone out now," Sookie said to Lorelai.
"Okay, okay, I just wanted you to give this to Rory," Lorelai said, handing Jackson the envelope.
"Will do," Jackson said with a smile. Sookie walked over and bent down, to give Lorelai a kiss on the cheek.
Sookie and Jackson said goodbye to Lorelai and started out of the room.
"Bye guys," Lorelai smiled back, as they walked out the door, leaving her alone.
And again, outside-----
Rory and Jess were just about to head inside, when they ran into Sookie and Jackson, who were heading out the door.
"Hey, sweetie," Sookie said. "I was just about to go looking for you."
"Yeah, we were just getting some fresh air," Rory explained.
"Lorelai wanted us to give this to you," Jackson explained, handing over the envelope to Rory.
"I was just about to go inside to see her," Rory said.
"Visitors hours are over now," Sookie said. "But maybe the nurse will let you in real quick."
"I plan on staying tonight. I'll think of something to say to her," Rory declared confidently.
"Well, we'll see you later, honey," Sookie said, giving Rory a little hug. She and Jackson said goodbye to both Rory and Jess a final time before turning to leave for the night.
Once they were gone, Rory opened the envelope and pulled out an index card with her mother's handwriting on it. She laughed and read it:
"'Dear my sweet and wonderful daughter'", Rory started, rolling her eyes, smiling. "'I thought you had something going there, with that whole writing down your thoughts thing, so here I go. I know that you are probably planning on staying here all night, and probably tomorrow too, as you are the sweetest kid, and I just wanted to tell you... NO. I don't want you planning some elaborate story to get the nurse to let you stay. She'll never buy a story about us being Siamese twins, conjoined at the heart, or something like that----'"
"How did she----" Rory started, astonishedly.
"You two have a strange connection," Jess offered.
Rory went back to the note. "'You are going to completely upset me if you miss more school on account of me. Please go back to Yale tonight and be there for your second day of class! And then your third.. which also happens to be Friday. On THAT day, you can come back to see me. I'll still be here. These people are out to get me, honey, they won't let me leave for a week, or drink coffee for two! But I want to give you a hug goodbye and realize that visiting hours are over. You'll notice that I have enclosed a little insurance policy to wave in Nurse Lady's face.'"
Rory peered into the envelope and pulled out a $20, shaking her head.
"'I will see you in a few, hopefully, where I will make you swear away your life that you will return to school safely tonight. I love you. Love, Me.'"
Rory looked up to Jess. "Well, I hope the nurse accepts bribes," he said, laughing.
"Of course she will. My mother and I have very persuasive ways."
She turned and walked through the revolving door.
"I know you do," Jess said to himself, looking after her, before walking in himself.
In the hallway----
The nurse who was handling one particular patient, by the surname Gilmore, breathed a small sigh of relief that visiting hours were over and her family and friends had gone home. But before she even finished taking the breath---
"Nurse Lady!"
"Oh boy," she said to herself. "Uh, visitors hours are over, but if you come back tomorrow----"
"I just wanted to say goodnight to my mom," Rory explained.
The nurse took a breath, getting ready to argue, when Rory pulled out the $20.
"President Hamilton is yours, if you just give me a minute," Rory said.
The nurse smiled. "One minute. And keep your money," she said shaking her head, as Rory entered.
In Room 201----
Lorelai smiled when she saw Rory enter.
"And I didn't even have to use the insurance policy. But if I stay more than, oh, 60 seconds, I think she'll send those burly guards in after me," Rory said.
"Ooh, but we like the burly guards! Well, I am more than impressed. You have made proud the Gilmore name. Is that Jess's coat?" Lorelai asked.
"Uh, yeah. I was... we were getting. fresh air."
"I see. Well I'm glad my exploding organs have been the source of so many reunions. Your grandfather was.. wow, I must be tired if I'm purposely talking about my parents. God, stop me when I do that!"
"Dually noted. And Jess and I haven't 'reunited'. We are just talking again, since he goes to Yale now----"
"About that----"
"Well if I can only stay for," she glanced at her watch, "31 more seconds, I can't get into it now."
"PROMISE me you'll go back to Yale tonight, call tomorrow, and the next day come see me, and NO sooner."
"I don't like it, but I'll agree. You were very persuasive in your letter."
The nurse popped her head in. "Miss Gilmore----"
"Okay, okay," Rory said, walking over to her mother. She bent down and gave her a big hug. "You are NEVER allowed to drive alone again. I will call you tomorrow. Rest up. And I will see you in TWO days, and you better look well rested, and---"
"Go!" Lorelai said, smiling at her daughter.
Rory gave her one more big hug, and ran out. She greeted Jess with a smile. "Okay, let's go."
They were heading out the door, when Luke bustled past them, almost not noticing them.
"Luke, hey. Oh, visitors hours are over," Rory said, sympathetically.
"Oh, right. Um, I just had to say something to the nurse."
"Okay. Bye Luke," Rory said, before turning to leave.
Jess just smiled knowingly at Luke. Luke looked uncomfortable all of a sudden.
"Bye Jess. I suppose you'll be back in town this weekend?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I'll want details then," he said, not wanting to let Jess off the hook about the whole Yale thing.
"Yeah, well, me too," Jess said, smiling, to which Luke turned to him quickly. Jess just winked and turned, following Rory.
Luke turned and headed into the hospital. He peered around the corner, and saw the nurse grab something from the counter and walk away. He ran through the hallway and to the second door on the left--- Room 201. He ran inside quickly and saw Lorelai look up... and noticed she was crying.
Disclaimers ALL apply! Amy Sherman-Palladino owns these people and places, and I do not, or Luke and Lorelai would be together already!
Length of Time, Chapter 9
Lorelai managed to put thoughts out of her head long enough to get some sleep. Before that, she tried to remember what happened before she passed out in the car, but she had a feeling she had been thinking about Luke, as she could not exactly get him out of her head. She figured she must have just been thinking about the incident in the diner with Luke and Nicole before she passed out.. but something told her it was something more, because she could not get the thought of him out of her head.
"Eh," she told herself, "it's probably because I'm already missing the coffee." Then she allowed herself a nice little nap.
She fell into a deep sleep, only to be woken up later by a loud shattering in the room. She opened her eyes to see Sookie, scrambling around on the floor, trying to pick up the pieces of glass she'd broken that belonged apparently to a vase of flowers she was trying to leave for her.
"Oh god, I'm having that vision again of a pregnant woman crawling over a bed of flowers. I would LOVE to know what that means..." Lorelai started, groggily.
Sookie looked up from the floor at Lorelai and smiled at her.
"Sookie, get up off the floor. I don't want you crawling around with glass in your hands---- I mean, normally it's cute, but with you all pregnant, it's just disturbing."
Sookie grabbed the side of the bed and stood up. "Well, I put myself next in line to see you, by default. Emily dozed off on Richard's shoulder."
"EMILY dozed off? And... and on Richard's shoulder? That's so sweet, and unproper, and-----"
"--- human, I know."
"Well if I know my mother, I bet every doctor and nurse breathed a collective sigh of relief when sleep took her."
"They did. They would've thrown a party, but it might have woken her up."
They smiled at each other, and Sookie moved a stray piece of hair from off Lorelai's forehead.
"So, Sookie, the big opening. Didn't I tell you it would be an unforgettable day?" Lorelai asked, smiling.
"You did. And you were right. As long as I live, I'll never forget this day."
"So.. where is everyone?" Lorelai casually asked.
"Jackson is out getting dinner for us, your father is trying to read some document, but Emily's sleeping on him, so it's not exactly working. And Rory and Jess went outside awhile ago."
"Oh. Was... was that everyone?"
"Oh, and the nurse said she'd be in later to bring you some food."
"Ah, good. I was curious about that."
Sookie smiled at her, knowingly.
"And I have no idea where Luke went. He left the hospital after he came in here," she added.
"Ooh, I bet I know where he went!" Lorelai said gaily.
"Really."
"Yeah, but I can't tell you. It's our little... thing," Lorelai teased.
"I was wondering how long it would be before you and Luke would have a little.. thing."
"Not THAT kind of thing. It's purely a coffee thing, and that's all I will tell you, and DON'T you dare tell the nurse!"
"They must have you on some pretty powerful medications if you think that Luke went to get you coffee," Sookie said, smiling. "So... how do you feel?"
"I won't lie, I feel empty inside. I really miss that old organ. It was with me for thirty-five years, and now... now nothing," Lorelai said, pouting.
"Well, honey, if it was still in you, you'd be in the ground by now. It's true, that thing would have killed you to get out."
Lorelai sighed and rested her head back and then turned to Sookie, more seriously now. "Tell me.. how was it? Really."
"Oh, honey, it was great! I mean, not great great, because you weren't there, and after two I wasn't there either, but Michel held down the fort, and called in a temporary chef and said the guests really were enjoying themselves."
"Oh good! I felt so horrible, every time I regained consciousness, I felt so guilty for being late-----"
"Please don't finish that sentence. Do you hear yourself? Honey, you have nothing to feel bad about. I'm just glad someone found you and took you here and that you're okay! I mean, are you? Really? How do you feel?"
"I feel okay. I'm in a little pain, but hopefully I can be up and at it and working by Friday."
"Friday? This Friday? Two days away Friday? Lorelai, you're gonna be in the hospital for practically a week, and then you need to take it easy for almost another week."
Lorelai made a face and dropped her head. She picked it back up and looked up fearfully at Sookie. "Don't tell me that! I can't be out of commission for two weeks! The inn----"
"Will be fine. You need to get yourself better, missy. You gave everyone quite a scare, you know."
"Yet another thing I feel horrible about. I woke up before to Rory crying, and then Luke came in here and looked at me like I'd had plastic surgery and my face had been replaced with Captain Kirk's."
Sookie made an understanding face. "So, I heard you got an earful this morning at Luke's."
"Yeah. He was apologizing until he was blue before."
"Well, he was really upset about it. Not even just that you overheard, but that he said that, even if it WAS to shut Nicole up."
"I guess it didn't help much that when I finally turned up, it was in a hospital."
"Well stop feeling horrible, you didn't know what was gonna happen. But just so you know why we were ALL so freaked---- First we didn't know where you were. Then some cops come into Luke's, having found your car abandoned on the side of ROUTE 58! Not the best place. And there is no sign of you. Your pocketbook was still inside! Finally Luke discovered you at St. Marks's, but you were heading into surgery, and no one knew why. The nurse hadn't talked to Luke yet about your condition. That gave an entirely new level to the stress."
Lorelai covered her head with her hands embarrassedly during this explanation, feeling so guilty for all the emotions she caused everyone. She finally looked up at Sookie.
"Well, at least now it's over," Sookie finished, taking Lorelai's hand. "And you're okay. And don't worry about the inn. It wouldn't feel like a true opening if something horrible didn't happen to make it more challenging than it already was."
"Well that is entirely true. Always looking on the positive side," Lorelai smiled at her friend.
"Okay, I'm gonna go get the nurse to get the glass."
"Ah, but the flowers are beautiful. Thank you."
Sookie kissed Lorelai's forehead and smiled. "You're welcome."
As Sookie opened the door, Emily, followed by the nurse, entered.
"Ah, you've awoken!" Lorelai said to Emily.
"I was just about to say the same thing," Emily said, straight-faced.
Sookie told the nurse about the glass that had spilled, while Emily further entered the room.
"Where's dad?"
"He'll be here in a minute, he's just calling some people.. he had something to tell them."
"Well, that's the best reason to call people," Lorelai quipped, to which Emily just looked at her with no readable expression on her face.
The nurse busied herself picking up the glass.
"So, how do you feel?" Emily asked, with an air of indifference surrounding her.
"Oh, never felt better. They have me doped up on so much meds, I can't even feel my toes, let alone my stomach," Lorelai said, at which point she wiggled her toes. "Well, nevermind that. But that's a good thing, if I couldn't feel my toes, that would be an entirely new problem."
"Lorelai, be serious. How are you feeling?" Then, to the nurse, she added, "and can we get someone in here to draw these blinds, and get some sunlight in here, it's depressing like this!"
"Mrs. Gilmore, the sun set over an hour ago."
Emily just turned her head back to Lorelai, rolling her eyes.
"Mom, I'm fine. Really. Sit down."
Emily hesitated and looked around the room with an even grimmer and more serious expression.
"I'm more than fine, actually. You know, I even heard someone say that I woke up before they administered the anesthesia and said 'this is both painless and interesting and will help me grow as a person'," Lorelai said, to which Emily just shot one of her signature-Emily looks at her.
The nurse, before walking out of the room with the trash can of broken glass, turned and said with a coy smile, "that is definitely NOT what you said before the anesthesia."
"What DID I say?" Lorelai asked, interested.
The nurse just gave a small laugh. "Never mind."
Lorelai regarded her with a skeptical expression. "Oh Nurse Lady, you and me should chat later. Let's say nine, my bed, we'll talk over coffee---"
"Oh, no, Ms. Gilmore, I've been warned about you, and will not be swayed into bringing you coffee," the nurse said, exiting the room.
"That woman!" Lorelai said.
"Is her bedside manner okay? Because I can find you another nurse----" Emily started, defensively.
"Mom, I've met her all of two times, and we've spoken about three sentences to each other. She's fine. And please sit down," Lorelai pleaded, her mother's restlessness making her agitated.
"Fine," Emily said, taking a seat. "Honestly, Lorelai, how you didn't know that you had appendicitis---- I have known many people who have had it, and have checked themselves into the hospital after one day of pain because it was unbearable! No one has ever had to wait until it exploded, while they were driving, no less----"
"Yes, mom, well to quote the late, but great, Frank Sinatra, 'I did it my way'. I could have checked myself into a hospital the other day when my stomach started hurting, but that is just so anticlimactic, so I figured if I could deal with it in the way that would be most inconvenient and horrible for everyone involved, THAT would be more fun for ME, because let me tell you, THIS is a picnic. It's the DEFINITION of a picnic!"
"You and your jokes, Lorelai. This is serious!"
"Mom, please, don't start yelling. I... I appreciate you coming to see me. Just, don't yell. You don't have to. I'm okay."
"Well, you're really okay? How can I be sure?"
"I'm torturing you, aren't I?" Lorelai asked, sweetly.
"That's true. Are you in any pain?" Emily asked, trying, but to no avail, to hide her concern.
"A little. But when these painkillers wear off, I'd stay out of my way!"
"I'll let the doctors know that."
Lorelai shifted a little, causing a little pain to go to the area of her scar. She winced, and Emily stood up and took a step so that she was beside Lorelai's bed. Lorelai smiled appreciatively at her mother and took her hand.
"I'm really fine, mom."
Emily allowed tears to enter her eyes, without pretending they weren't there. She smiled down at Lorelai momentarily before she remembered herself. She of course remembered the image of herself she wanted to get across, put her wall back up and took a step back from the bed, quickly swiping at her eyes, and sat back down, letting go of Lorelai's hand. Just then, Richard entered.
"Ah, hello Lorelai," he said cheerily, as if he was just entering the dining room on any normal Friday night. "I just talked to an old friend of mine, Jim Morris. We were great friends years ago, and he actually had appendicitis when he was in his twenties. I remember it, and this whole thing reminded me of him, and I thought I'd give him a call!"
"Glad I could be of assistance," Lorelai said, smiling at her father.
"Is THAT what you were prattling on about?" Emily asked incredulously. "You couldn't come in here and talk to your daughter after her surgery because you needed to catch up with your old drinking friend NOW?"
"Mom, it's fine, I'm not going anywhere, apparently, for a long time. He can visit me in three days and I'll still be here.. chilling on my own."
"Great, let's do lunch in three days then!" Richard said happily, and Lorelai turned her head, thinking that her father never ceased to amaze her. "I'll have my secretary call you!"
"Sure, you know where to find me. Room.. What room am I?" Lorelai trailed off.
Emily spoke up. "Room 201. And Richard, what rush are you in all of a sudden? You only just entered!"
Richard walked over and gave Lorelai a little kiss on the forehead. "And Lorelai looks wonderful! She's okay, and the nurse said that visitors hours are almost over. And Jim... he's in Hartford tonight. It's like this was all fated to happen on this very day."
"Practically written in the stars," Lorelai agreed.
"Well, come along Emily. We will visit Lorelai again, don't worry. You can come tomorrow and spend the whole day."
"Dad, don't put ideas in her head," Lorelai said, more to herself than anyone.
Emily shot Richard an evil glare that translated volumes for Richard and Lorelai: Richard was going to get an earful on the drive home. She then stood and looked down at Lorelai for a moment, looking for words.
"I know, mom," Lorelai said, noticing the look on Emily's face. Lorelai held her arms out to her, and after a reluctant moment, Emily bent down and welcomed the embrace. She gently held Lorelai, so as to not hurt her, and then, stood back up avoiding eye contact.
"I will see you tomorrow morning, Lorelai."
"Oh, one more thing," Lorelai said. "Could you lend me a piece of paper and five dollars?"
"You are NOT bribing the doctors to bring you coffee!" Emily stated.
"That's not it, mom. I promise. And then send Sookie and Jackson in, please."
Richard handed Lorelai an index card he had in his suit pocket, and a pen... and reached into his wallet and gave her a $20. Lorelai made a face of impression. "Well, I don't have change for you dad, so let's just say I owe you one," she said.
"Lorelai, it's on me. We'll see you later!"
"Yup, lunch, in three days. Room 203."
"201," Emily corrected. "Bye, Lorelai. Get some rest!" she ordered, before leaving.
Meahwhile, outside the hospital----
"Okay, Jess, we've walked around the hospital approximately 4 times, and it's a big hospital, and you still have jumped around the only question I have asked you. All I want to know, is what you want to study now, at Yale. And don't say 'Nothing With Too Much Homework' again, because that is NOT a major!"
"Well, it should be. I don't know. I'm taking all my intro courses right now. I thought maybe my major would find me," he answered, monotone.
"Hm, that's banking a lot in fate," she mused.
"Well, I am starting to bank a lot in fate lately," he said, quietly.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Nothing. Hey, you look cold," he said, taking off his leather coat.
"No, I'm okay. Really.. "she started, but it was no use. He was handing her the coat, with a look on his face that said he wasn't giving in.
"Jess," she started, putting the coat on. "I really appreciate today. I mean, it's not normal between us, so I can imagine it's been awkward for you too, plus you had to see Luke again..."
"I think his mind was on something besides me today. It was actually a good time to catch him," he joked.
"Yeah, that's true. It was a good day for you to resurface. No one had any energy to put into you," she agreed. "And I realize that you can't go back to Yale until I do. And I feel really bad about that! I mean, I don't know when I'm heading back, and you need to be there, going to class, and working hard-----"
"--- you need to go back too and go to class and work hard."
"But this is my MOM. You're stuck here because of me, and I choose to be here to be with HER. So, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that your first week of hard work and all that other good stuff is being complicated because of me," she started.
"Where's the fun in an easy life?" he asked, with a small smile, looking sideways at her.
She continued walking and smiled. "I guess. But I'd go without the drama of today any day."
"Yeah," he agreed, as they walked away into the night, back toward the hospital.
Meanwhile, in Room 201-----
Sookie and Jackson walked into Lorelai's room, as she finished writing something on an envelope.
"Lorelai, you look great!" Jackson said, running over and giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Aw, you're a good man, Jackson."
"Well, honey, they're kicking everyone out now," Sookie said to Lorelai.
"Okay, okay, I just wanted you to give this to Rory," Lorelai said, handing Jackson the envelope.
"Will do," Jackson said with a smile. Sookie walked over and bent down, to give Lorelai a kiss on the cheek.
Sookie and Jackson said goodbye to Lorelai and started out of the room.
"Bye guys," Lorelai smiled back, as they walked out the door, leaving her alone.
And again, outside-----
Rory and Jess were just about to head inside, when they ran into Sookie and Jackson, who were heading out the door.
"Hey, sweetie," Sookie said. "I was just about to go looking for you."
"Yeah, we were just getting some fresh air," Rory explained.
"Lorelai wanted us to give this to you," Jackson explained, handing over the envelope to Rory.
"I was just about to go inside to see her," Rory said.
"Visitors hours are over now," Sookie said. "But maybe the nurse will let you in real quick."
"I plan on staying tonight. I'll think of something to say to her," Rory declared confidently.
"Well, we'll see you later, honey," Sookie said, giving Rory a little hug. She and Jackson said goodbye to both Rory and Jess a final time before turning to leave for the night.
Once they were gone, Rory opened the envelope and pulled out an index card with her mother's handwriting on it. She laughed and read it:
"'Dear my sweet and wonderful daughter'", Rory started, rolling her eyes, smiling. "'I thought you had something going there, with that whole writing down your thoughts thing, so here I go. I know that you are probably planning on staying here all night, and probably tomorrow too, as you are the sweetest kid, and I just wanted to tell you... NO. I don't want you planning some elaborate story to get the nurse to let you stay. She'll never buy a story about us being Siamese twins, conjoined at the heart, or something like that----'"
"How did she----" Rory started, astonishedly.
"You two have a strange connection," Jess offered.
Rory went back to the note. "'You are going to completely upset me if you miss more school on account of me. Please go back to Yale tonight and be there for your second day of class! And then your third.. which also happens to be Friday. On THAT day, you can come back to see me. I'll still be here. These people are out to get me, honey, they won't let me leave for a week, or drink coffee for two! But I want to give you a hug goodbye and realize that visiting hours are over. You'll notice that I have enclosed a little insurance policy to wave in Nurse Lady's face.'"
Rory peered into the envelope and pulled out a $20, shaking her head.
"'I will see you in a few, hopefully, where I will make you swear away your life that you will return to school safely tonight. I love you. Love, Me.'"
Rory looked up to Jess. "Well, I hope the nurse accepts bribes," he said, laughing.
"Of course she will. My mother and I have very persuasive ways."
She turned and walked through the revolving door.
"I know you do," Jess said to himself, looking after her, before walking in himself.
In the hallway----
The nurse who was handling one particular patient, by the surname Gilmore, breathed a small sigh of relief that visiting hours were over and her family and friends had gone home. But before she even finished taking the breath---
"Nurse Lady!"
"Oh boy," she said to herself. "Uh, visitors hours are over, but if you come back tomorrow----"
"I just wanted to say goodnight to my mom," Rory explained.
The nurse took a breath, getting ready to argue, when Rory pulled out the $20.
"President Hamilton is yours, if you just give me a minute," Rory said.
The nurse smiled. "One minute. And keep your money," she said shaking her head, as Rory entered.
In Room 201----
Lorelai smiled when she saw Rory enter.
"And I didn't even have to use the insurance policy. But if I stay more than, oh, 60 seconds, I think she'll send those burly guards in after me," Rory said.
"Ooh, but we like the burly guards! Well, I am more than impressed. You have made proud the Gilmore name. Is that Jess's coat?" Lorelai asked.
"Uh, yeah. I was... we were getting. fresh air."
"I see. Well I'm glad my exploding organs have been the source of so many reunions. Your grandfather was.. wow, I must be tired if I'm purposely talking about my parents. God, stop me when I do that!"
"Dually noted. And Jess and I haven't 'reunited'. We are just talking again, since he goes to Yale now----"
"About that----"
"Well if I can only stay for," she glanced at her watch, "31 more seconds, I can't get into it now."
"PROMISE me you'll go back to Yale tonight, call tomorrow, and the next day come see me, and NO sooner."
"I don't like it, but I'll agree. You were very persuasive in your letter."
The nurse popped her head in. "Miss Gilmore----"
"Okay, okay," Rory said, walking over to her mother. She bent down and gave her a big hug. "You are NEVER allowed to drive alone again. I will call you tomorrow. Rest up. And I will see you in TWO days, and you better look well rested, and---"
"Go!" Lorelai said, smiling at her daughter.
Rory gave her one more big hug, and ran out. She greeted Jess with a smile. "Okay, let's go."
They were heading out the door, when Luke bustled past them, almost not noticing them.
"Luke, hey. Oh, visitors hours are over," Rory said, sympathetically.
"Oh, right. Um, I just had to say something to the nurse."
"Okay. Bye Luke," Rory said, before turning to leave.
Jess just smiled knowingly at Luke. Luke looked uncomfortable all of a sudden.
"Bye Jess. I suppose you'll be back in town this weekend?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I'll want details then," he said, not wanting to let Jess off the hook about the whole Yale thing.
"Yeah, well, me too," Jess said, smiling, to which Luke turned to him quickly. Jess just winked and turned, following Rory.
Luke turned and headed into the hospital. He peered around the corner, and saw the nurse grab something from the counter and walk away. He ran through the hallway and to the second door on the left--- Room 201. He ran inside quickly and saw Lorelai look up... and noticed she was crying.