Maybe Now:Chapter 16: A Promise
A/N:Sorry its been so long guys, i just lost focus and then lost interest. But I told you I would finish this and I am not going to go back on that. Tomorrow is the season finale...grrr. I hate summer for this very reason. Everything goes off the air at the same time, life gets dull and FL gets hot...yea not much to like about the summer for me. anyways, you have waited long enough for this story, so here it is, I hope its worth the wait.
LP
oh, guess what, I still don't own them, like that was a surprise.
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The ride back to Starshollow was unusually silent as the radio hummed lightly. Neither Lorelai or Luke could have told anyone what was playing at the time, it was one of those silent moments that came so infrequently that it was cherished, so neither thought to break it. Lorelai was staring out the window while Luke drove, periodically glancing over at Lorelai. Unbeknownst to Luke, Lorelai was relishing in the fact that he would sneak small glances in her direction. Without taking her glaze from the window she put her hand on Luke's knee. He sighed contentedly and they both continued their silence. Suddenly Lorelai squealed.
Oh Luke, you have to stop here.'
Luke looked to where Lorelai was pointing and saw a small park, it had a small slide and a few swings placed haphazardly around. It was deserted. He pulled into the nearest parking place per Lorelai's request. And almost before he had the car shut off, she leaped from the car running toward the swings. Luke smiled as this beautiful woman who was nearing 40 acted like an uninhibited 4 year old. He watched her as she sat upon the swing and began pumping her legs. He leaned against a tree just enjoying the view, that is until Lorelai had a better idea.
Luke?'
Yes, Lorelai?'
Why aren't you swinging with me?'
It's not really my kind of thing, but you seem to be having fun.'
Not your kind of thing, what do you mean, everyone loved to swing, it's like flying. I mean that is if you could fly.'
Is that right?'
Yea, now come on over here and try it.'
Lorelai pouted, and Luke gave in pretty quickly. He went over to the swing and sat right beside her, he slowly began pumping his legs so that he could satisfy her request. Lorelai smiled right before she leaped from her swing at the crucial point so that she gained height and could land gracefully. Surprising to them both she landed on her feet.
I can't believe you just did that?'
Did what, jump from my swing, I used to do it all the time.'
Yes, but recently?'
No, but apparently I can still do it.'
Right.'
Lorelai then ran behind him and started pushing him, laughing as she did so.
What on earth are you doing now Lorelai?'
Pushing you, what does it look like.'
Okay better question, why?'
'Cause I wanted to.'
Okay.'
Lorelai made her way in front of the swing and watched as Luke slowed to a stop.
Come here, crazy.'
Lorelai came to stand in front of Luke and Luke grabbed her hand and then her waist as he pulled her into his lap. He slowly began to pump his legs a little just enough to keep a slow swing, Lorelai held on to him.
Now this is better. Maybe now I do like swinging.'
Lorelai smiled and hugged him. As she hugged him something sharp dug into her skin from inside Luke's coat. She shifted a little.
Not comfortable?'
Oh no it's not that, something poked me.'
I'm sorry.'
It's alright, what are you hiding there, Mr. Danes?'
Nothing, really.'
Alright.'
Luke was surprised she didn't press him for an answer.
That's it no questioning, no pleading me to tell you, no begging, or your pouty lip?'
Nope.'
Well that is a first.'
Lorelai just smiled up and him, he pulled her closer and kissed her. She jumped back.
You may not have to tell me what is poking me, but it does need to stop poking me.'
Oh right, I'm sorry.'
Luke pulled the small ring case from his coat pocket. And Lorelai looked shock.
Maisy gave this to me.'
Maisy? Gave that to you. Um, is there something you want to tell me Luke?'
Oh, nothing like that, she was holding it for me, it was my mother's.'
He opened the small box. Lorelai looked at the small ring, it was a plain silver band. Luke took out the ring and placed it in Lorelai's hand. Lorelai looked at him in shock. Luke glanced toward the ground.
My father gave it to my mother, it's a promise ring. A promise to stay together, a promise to help each other, a promise to love without strings, a promise to not stray, a promise to be a friend, a promise to cherish each other forever. It was a promise to my mother from him saying It will always be you which is what is inscribed in the inside of the band. And now Lorelai I am giving this to you promising to cherish all our days together and not let anything rip us apart. I want you to have it.'
Lorelai was close to tears.
Oh Luke...will you put it on me?'
He took the ring from her hand it slid it on her finger.
There. Perfect fit.'
Lorelai reached up and cupped his face as she kissing him, slowly slipping her tongue between his lips and lightly biting him bottom lip. He moaned slightly and she continued. There they were in a park on a swing making out like teenagers without a care in the world, but each other.
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Rory had just returned to her room when Lane called.
Hello?'
Hey Rory.'
Hey Lane.'
I just wanted to call and tell you that the town is planning a town meeting for Luke and Lorelai, kind of a surprise thing for their reconciliation. And thought you might want to attend.'
Oh, yea. What time?'
7:30pm. And Rory?'
Yea?'
You have to get Luke and Lorelai to show up.'
Well geez Lane. don't make it hard or anything.'
Both girls laughed.
I guess I will see you later on tonight then, maybe I'll see if Marty wants to come. Has he called you yet?'
Yea, actually I just got off the phone with him. He's a really good listener.'
Yea, he is.'
Rory felt a slight twinge of jealously.
Well Lane, if I am going to get there on time I need to get ready and get driving.'
Alright, Rory. See you soon.'
Rory hung up the phone and then dialed a familiar number.
Hello?'
Hey, Marty, it Rory.'
Oh, hi. Rory.'
I was calling to ask you if you would like to accompany back to Starhollow, my crazy little town is throwing a party for my mom and Luke.'
Um...'
Marty hesitated and Rory panicked.
Marty, I know things haven't been the best between us lately but I really loved our friendship and I am just trying to get a semblance of that back, plus Lane will be there, other than the ride there you don't really have to talk to me, I just really would like the company.'
Alright Rory. I'll be at your dorm in 2 hours, is that good?'
Yes, I'll see you then.'
Marty hung up the phone, wondering what he had just gotten himself into.
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Richard had sat in his office all day, and still hadn't gotten up the nerve to call his only daughter. His wife had made such a mess of things, not that he didn't think them warranted, but it still left him in a very awkward position. He hated that his daughter thought that she could be happy with the lowly diner man, but not enough to sabotage her relationship, apparently his wife thought differently. Ever since his little girl left the house at 16, he had tired so hard to help where she would let him, and for Lorelai that wasn't much. He was overwhelmed when Lorelai had come to them for money to pay for Chilton, he never thought he would see her almost beg her parents for money, he was so happy that she had asked for help he was going to give it to her, again his wife had other ideas, she put strings and conditions on the money, which caused only tension in the household. It wasn't that he didn't love his wife, he just thought this time she had gone too far, and sadly because of that, he was afraid to call his only daughter. He continued to sit at his desk strumming a pen on its hard surface, a nervous habit that he had picked up from his father. In the two hours that he sat in his study he had managed to pick up the phone over 10 times and even managed to dial a few numbers before sighing and placing the receiver back in its cradle. Emily had entered his office only once and he had feigned interest in a blank piece of paper, telling her he was very busy, she said her apologies and then quickly left.
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