Thanks a TON for the Reviews Everyone! "You're enthusiasm shocks me!" Quote from episode 4.7 (Love Me or Louvre Me) - That lady was scary! She kind of inspired my 'Judy' character!
And now, without further ado, let us resume our story…
It was 4:30am. Lorelai continued down the hospital corridor. The reality of the situation still hadn't quite hit her. Room #407 was right in front of her, but she couldn't move. Her feet had frozen to the floor; her nerves were running wild. Finally, with great determination, she forced her body into action and entered the gloomy and uninspiring room. The darkness could not conceal her fear, nor could it shadow her relief upon seeing Luke. He smiled as she approached his bedside; she returned the smile.
"I'm so glad to see you," Luke gently whispered.
"Ditto," Lorelai amicably responded. "Rough night huh?" She teased.
"It's getting better," Luke flirted. Maybe he should get hit on the head more often.
Lorelai looked away shyly, her eyes drifting around the space. "Nice room you got here," anything to make conversation.
"Yeah, room #407 – lucky number 7!" Luke sarcastically replied.
His response triggered memories of the discussion Lorelai had shared with Michel a day earlier. Actually, the entire day's events unexpectedly invaded her mind: the flowers, the adoring gazes, the kiss – kisses to be exact. And then, at long last, it hit her.
"Lorelai, are you alright?" Luke asked concerned.
"You don't remember any of it, do you?" She knew the answer, but she needed to hear it.
"Any of what?" Luke asked, unsure of Lorelai's intent.
"What about your sister's wedding? Or the movie invite?" Lorelai was becoming angry; her emotions were succeeding.
"Lorelai, what's wrong? Did I do something?" Luke was without a clue.
Lorelai took a deep breath, her voice becoming softer. "No, Luke you did nothing…it's just…I'm so sorry that this happened to you."
"What about my sister's wedding?" Luke finally asked.
"Surely you do know that you have a sister!" Now Lorelai was being dramatic.
"Yes, of course I know I have a sister!" Luke rolled his eyes at Lorelai's insane supposition. "So Liz is married then? And what's this about the movies?" Luke had so many questions.
"Yes, Liz is married to T.J." Lorelai answered the most pressing question first.
"What about the movies?" Luke somehow didn't care that T.J. was the lucky man.
"Nothing, forget it. It doesn't matter anymore." She was rather temperamental.
My, how this woman exasperated Luke, "It does matter Lorelai – I want to remember things again. I want you to help me…I need you to help me."
She'd do anything for this man. "You know I will," Lorelai admitted, "I'd like my payment to be in the form of liquid…starts with the letter 'c' and ends with a double 'e'." Ha – that rhymed!" Lorelai had a gift.
Luke had to laugh; she was relentless. "When I start remembering things, then you can drink your poison."
"Deal!" Lorelai enthusiastically accepted the offer.
"Listen, Lorelai…" Luke began, "I just wanted…I mean I, I – thanks for coming, for being here – for everything."
"Anytime," she beamed.
There was an awkward pause. Luke was the first to relieve the silent tension.
"So how long do I have to stay in this joint anyway?" In case anyone forgot, Luke really hated hospitals – detested them in fact.
"Honey, if I had my way, you would have been released hours ago. I need coffee!"
"Ah, so that's all I am to you…the guy who supplies the coffee!" Luke slyly remarked.
"No, you are the God who supplies the coffee! Drinking your coffee is like a religious experience my friend – trust me!"
Luke smirked at that. She was so easy to please. "Remember the last time we were at a hospital together?"
"Yeah, I do. That seems like so long ago now." Lorelai envisioned her father then.
"I know," Luke agreed.
"We've been through so much together. It feels like you've always been in my life." With each passing moment Lorelai realized how much she wanted a relationship with Luke – a romantic relationship. How could she have been so blind? The most wonderful, generous, strong and beautiful man had been right under her nose all these years. Now she could finally see the potential, the inevitable truth behind the rumours. She wanted Luke and she was going to pursue this. She was going to take the bull by the horns and make her move. She was going to make Luke fall for her all over again because she had certainly fallen for him. She was going to be the man.
"Well, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" Luke joked. He hadn't yet realized the significance of Lorelai's words.
Lorelai ignored Luke's attempt at humour. "Luke, I think we need to spend some more time together…a lot more time," She stopped to take in Luke's expression. He seemed shocked, but in an incredibly good way. Lorelai was hastily losing her nerve. "I mean, I think I need to be around you more often – just so I can help you remember things…not specific things, just things in general, cause it's good to know things, especially if you want to know about them or if the other person wants you to know about them…" Introducing the long-winded woman.
Luke cut short the babbling session not a moment too soon, "Lorelai, please slow down, my head is spinning."
She laughed at that, "I'm sorry Luke. I just want to help you. I want Luke back."
"I know. And I want you to help me. It might take some time though," Luke hated being vulnerable like this.
"I'm in," Lorelai genuinely offered.
"Ditto," Luke gratefully replied. They smiled warmly at each other, preparing for the long road ahead, anxious to begin the healing process…together.
Suddenly and violently, the door was pushed open and the Star's Hollow Brigade made their entrance. All privacy had now been lost. Damn town, thought Lorelai. Damn town indeed, but really, could a story exist without them? I think not!
That's All For Now Folks – It'll Only Get Better!
Stay tuned and REVIEW!