A/N: I can't believe it's already the tenth chapter LorelaiAkaCoffeeAddict proof read for me! Thank you so much for doing this to me. I can really see the difference you make! And you're always so fast, you rock hon!

And thanks for all those reviews. There were so many for the last chapter, and that, of course, really made me happy. Why wouldn't it really. It's so good to read that you like my chapters and that you want me to update fast. I know that's not always an option but I'm a very busy girl. At least I update once a week, so that's not really that bad no is it? Here's another chapter for you. Hope you like it as much as all the others, and don't forget to let me know!

Chapter 30 Back to normal?

After the doctor left the next day, Richard let Lorelai spend some time alone with her mother. She entered the room quietly, afraid that her mother was asleep and she would wake her up. When she came closer, she noticed her mother's eyes were open. She walked towards the bed slowly, one little step at the time. Even though this was what she wanted all those days, it feared her too. Somehow it was easy to talk to her mother not knowing if she could hear here and knowing she couldn't reply. Now she was afraid of what her mother had heard. She still couldn't talk because her throat was still sore from the breathing tube, but the doctor said that if Emily wanted, she could whisper a few words.

When Lorelai was finally standing next to Emily, Emily smiled to her daughter. She opened her mouth to speak but Lorelai said "Shhh... try not to speak, mom."

Emily nodded as Lorelai took her hand in hers.

"You scared me mom. You really scared me."

Emily looked at her surprised.

Lorelai sighed. Even though her mother couldn't really speak, she knew exactly what her mother was thinking. She shook her head and turned around to get herself a chair. She took her time to sit down so she could think about a proper reply without getting angry, because that was of course, that last thing she wanted to do. Especially after these last few days.

Again Lorelai took a deep breath and said what she wanted to say. "You know, over the years there were many times that I wanted you out of my life. But there were also a lot of moments that I really wanted you in it, even though it felt like you weren't. The past few months everything became a lot better between us, and I think it's about time. I don't want to lose you mom. I want Lucan to grow up knowing you." She paused… "There are so many things I want to tell you, I want to talk to you about. There are so many things I want to do with you, together. There are so many things I want to ask you. You are way to young to die." She smiled at that because it reminded her of the comment she made to Luke last night.

Emily smiled as well. She could see in her daughter's eyes that every word was meant.

Lorelai wanted to say so much more, but she found it hard to find the right words now her mother was awake and watching her. "You know, the past few days were without a doubt the worst days of my life. I felt so guilty."

Emily squeezed Lorelai's hand and shook her head.

"I know I shouldn't feel guilty and that it was an accident. That's what I keep telling myself. That's what Luke keeps telling me, but still, it is so hard. Like I said there were many times I wanted you out of my life. But I never wanted you to die, because if you did, we could never have the kind of relationship I always wanted to have. And things were finally getting better you know. Like when you helped me planning the wedding. I know I never could have done it without you. And when I came to you a couple of weeks ago when I was completely exhausted, you helped me out by listening to me and taking care of Lucan for me so I could get a few decent hours of sleep. And it feels so selfish, but I didn't want to give that up, not yet. I want a lot more of those memories mom. Is that selfish?"

"No." Emily whispered.

Lorelai wiped away the tears that started to form in her eyes.

"Don't cry." But a few tears welled up in Emily's eyes as well.

Lorelai laughed. "Look who's talking." And that made Emily laugh as well. She started coughing while she laughed. Lorelai helped her mother up in the bed a little and handed her the glass of water that stood on the nightstand. After a few sips Emily was doing better.

Lorelai placed the glass back on the nightstand and Emily lay down in the bed again. "I've never seen dad like he was the past few days, you know. It's very obvious how much he loves you. I don't think I ever saw him cry, but he did. He cried. I had to force him into going home to get a few hours of sleep once in a while, otherwise he would have taken a seat next to your bed, and he would have never stood up again."

Emily gave Lorelai a weak smile.

"Hey mom? Do you remember anything I told you when you were in the coma?"

Emily shook her head.

"Well, I told you, that when you opened your eyes, you could see the picture of your grandchildren."

Emily gave her a questioning look.

Lorelai pointed at the picture. Emily turned her head and moved her hand up and touched the glass.

"How?"

"I called Rory the day you were brought in, before they took you to surgery. She insisted on coming home immediately. I told her she shouldn't, but she wanted to. She's in the waiting room now, with Luke and Dad and the baby. They've all been here with you the entire time, taking only small breaks to get some sleep at your house, with the phone next to their beds."

"She's here?"

"Yeah she is. She took the first plane here. There was one seat available so she was able to come very fast. She was here even before you were out of surgery. I'm not sure if she will go back for those last few months. She says won't ever leave for so long again but we have to talk to her about it. We wanted you to get better first before even thinking about it. I really want her to stay you know, but I also want her to go back and finish the program. It's hard. But it's the same thing when she told me she'd come home. I wanted her to come home so badly. I missed her so much you know, and I really wanted her back. But I didn't want to lose you because of that. And I know it's the other way around, but still… She really loves you, you know. She really does."

Emily nodded and whispered "I love you, Lorelai."

"I know. And I love you, too, mom. I know that I hardly ever say that, and after the fight we had last year I promised myself that I'd say it more often but I never do. But I want you to know that I do mom. I really do."

"I know."

Lorelai nodded and had to wipe away a few more tears.

"Now can I see my granddaughter?" Emily coughed again so Lorelai gave her a few more sips of water.

After that Lorelai smiled. "Sure, I'll get her." She stood up and kissed her mother's forehead. Then she walked into the waiting room. Luke stood up immediately when he saw her coming. She stopped next to him and took his hand in hers. "Rory, your grandmother wants to see you."

"Okay. Are you coming with me?"

"No, I'm staying here. You go. She's starting to get tired so make sure you won't stay too long okay?"

"I will." With that Rory walked away.

Lorelai turned a little more to Luke and put her arms around his waist. He responded by putting his arms around her shoulders and he kissed the top of her head.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. I just want you to hold me for a while." So he did.

Emily smiled when she saw Rory walking in her room. Rory smiled back when she noticed this. "Hey grandma."

"Hey."

"You feeling okay?"

Emily nodded. She was starting to feel tired and her throat hurt from the talking and the coughing, but she wasn't going to give in. She was the strong and independent Emily and she could handle things. "I'm good."

Rory knew her grandmother wasn't good at all. The pained expression on her face said enough, and it was hard to miss the tiredness her eyes showed. But she knew better than to say anything about that. She knew her grandmother needed everyone to think that she was okay, and she let her think that she did, even though she didn't. As far as she could see, Emily didn't realize this.

"You know, I'm glad to be back. Although, you could have just asked me you know. You didn't have to get into an accident to get me to come home."

Emily smiled slightly.

"Mom said I didn't have to come, but I really wanted to. I let Warren drive me to the airport and I took the first plane home. It's really great to be home you know! I finally got to meet my little brother and I finally saw mom again and Luke and grandpa and you. And I'm so happy that you are going to be okay. I was really scared you know. I was.
Oh, Warren is my boyfriend. I just realized that I mentioned him but you don't know about him. I think you would really like him. He's this really great guy. I don't know what will happen now that I'm here and he's in London, but he might go to Yale or some other school in this area next year so we won't loose each other. We still have to think about it but I'm sure it will all work out. And I'm so glad you're going to be okay."

Emily smiled tiredly as she noticed how much Rory looked like Lorelai. She was surprised that Lorelai didn't ramble when she came in and it didn't surprise her at all that Rory did. She was so happy to finally see her granddaughter again. They had spent a lot of time last Christmas, and after Rory had returned to London, they wrote each other letters once a week. She didn't realize how much she had missed Rory until she finally saw her again. And she hoped that Rory wouldn't leave again any time soon.

"I'm rambling aren't I."

Emily nodded.

"Sorry. I know you must be really tired so it must be very exhausting to listening to me rambling on and on, and now I'm doing it again. I'm just going to sit here and keep my mouth shut so you can get some sleep."

"Thank you." Emily closed her eyes and fell asleep soon, happy at the knowledge her entire family was there with her.

The doctor came in to talk with the family in the afternoon. He told them that Emily was doing a lot better. The kidney test was scheduled for the next morning, and after that they would probably move her out of the ICU to a normal floor. He also told them to go home now. There was no reason for them to stay in the hospital anymore. With all the tests Emily had the next day, they couldn't be able to spend a lot of time with her anyway. Now she was doing better it was time to go home and visit her at regular visiting hours. Again he told them that there was a long way into the recovery and that she needed a lot of help. But, he said, Emily would feel a lot better if she knew that they would go home to their own places and get a good night sleep and come back tomorrow to see how she's doing.

"Dad, can we come to your house?"

"No. The doctor is right. It's time for you to go home. You've done so much for us already. I really want your kids to sleep in their own beds tonight. I know the once at our home are very comfortable, but no bed is as comfortable as your own."

"I know that, but we really want to be with you."

"That's not necessary. I want to stay here a little while longer to say goodbye to your mother. I will take a taxi home and I can take your mothers car to come here tomorrow. Besides, Luke has to check up on the diner and you have to check in at the inn. I'm sure they are all taken care off, but it's time to go home now."

"But.."

"No buts. Your mother and I really appreciate what you did for us the last few days, and we will never forget it. But you would make me really happy if you go home now okay?"

Lorelai nodded. She didn't want to, but if it was what her father wanted.

"Thank you for everything you did for me Lorelai."

"You don't have to thank me for that dad. There was no place in the world I would have rather been than here."

"I appreciate that."

"Are you sure you don't want us to wait so we can take you home?"

"I'm sure. Just go home okay?"

She leaned in to hug her father and whispered "I love you dad."

"I love you too Lorelai."

With that Lorelai stood up. She started collecting all their stuff while Luke picked up Lucan and placed him into his car seat. After they were done they put their coats on and said goodbye to the nurses. They thanked them for everything they had done the last few days even though there were no words to explain how much it meant to them. After that they picked up Lucan, said goodbye to Richard and headed towards the elevator.

The family drove home in silence. It wasn't until they were almost home before Luke spoke. "Do you mind if we drive by the diner? We can pick up some food there. I'm not sure what we have at home but I guess it's not much."

"Sure. I don't mind. I'm sure Rory would love to see Lane. Nobody knows she's back, yet. And I can use some good food, because hospital food is really grows."

Luke smiled as he looked at his wife. then he turned around to look at Rory. "You're okay with it too, or do you want me to take you home first?"

"No, I'd like to see Lane."

"Good. So the diner it is."

Luke parked the car in front of the diner. Rory stepped out of the car first, taking Lucan with her. Lorelai made no effort to stand up, so Luke stayed with her. He nodded to Rory that she could go inside and they would follow soon. Rory nodded back and walked inside, carrying her little brother with her. They could see through the big windows how Rory placed the car seat on the floor and how Lane hugged her friend. Lorelai smiled when she saw that but turned serious again soon.

"What's wrong?" Luke placed a hand on her knee.

Lorelai sighed. "It's weird to be here again. Nothing has changed. Kirk sits there at the counter, Babette and Patty sit there at the table probably talking about Rory or us. Taylor is in his soda shop, annoying his customers."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No, I guess not. It's just weird. We were gone for five days and nothing's changed. It's not like I expected that, but it's still weird you know."

Luke nodded. "Everything will be back to normal before you know it now. You don't have to worry anymore, you know that right?"

"I do, but I still worry you know. What if she doesn't recover completely? What if the doctor is wrong?"

"Then we deal with it if something like that should occur." He simply replied.

"But I'm not sure if I want to deal with that. I know the last few days I was worried sick about my mother not waking up, and I thought that when she finally would wake up that things would be better, I just didn't realized that there would be new things to worry about."

"There are always things to worry about. We just have to live with that."

"I don't want too."

"Neither do I, but we have no choice."

"No we don't." She shook her head.

"Let's go inside. You must be starving."

"Yeah. You're right. I am."

"Of course I'm right." He kissed her lips and Lorelai made no effort to leave the car after he pulled back. "What's wrong now?"

"I suddenly like it here." Lorelai smiled. "The kids are there, it's just the two of us in here." She blinked her eyes.

Luke smiled and kissed her again. When he pulled back he said. "Let's go inside crazy lady."

It was almost eleven o'clock when Lorelai was giving Lucan his last feeding. Luke was sitting next to her on the couch watching a football game, and Rory was reading a book. A few minutes later Lorelai looked up as she heard the book close.

"Going to bed sweetie?"

"Yeah, it's getting late, and I want to find out if my bed feels the same as I think it does."

"I didn't touched your blankets or your pillows so it should."

"Wow, that's a surprise."

"What? You don't even trust your own mother with your stuff."

"Ha, and I have a good reason too, you know. Years of experience."

"Well thanks honey. You're so kind, good I know better."

"No you don't."

"Well okay, that's true. You should thank Luke though, he told me not to touch anything."

"Well thank you Luke."

Luke looked up when he heard his name. "What?"

"Nothing." Rory smiled. "Goodnight everybody."

"Goodnight hon." Lorelai lifted Lucan's hand so it looked like he was waving "Goodnight." She said in a baby voice.

"Goodnight Rory."

A few minutes later Lucan was done drinking. Lorelai lifted him to her chest and leaned herself against Luke. "You want to go to bed too?"

"Sure let's go." He turned off the TV and took the baby from her, then he gave her a hand to help her up from the couch. They walked upstairs together, into Lucan's room. Luke laid the baby in his bed, carefully not to wake him. Lorelai put her arms around Luke's waist and together they watched their son sleep. "He looks good in his own bed." Lorelai whispered.

"Yeah he does. I hope he sleeps as well as he slept in the hospital though. Otherwise we might have to get him one of those bassinets."

"No way. This one is much prettier."

Luke smiled, glad that she liked this furniture better. "So you rather wake up every night than buying him a new bed?"

"Absolutely. This bed is too special to get rid off."

"Well, I don't believe you though."

"What?"

"If there is a way to get him to sleep trough the night, you would. You hate waking up when you're finally asleep."

"I did at first, but now I actually like those moments with my son." She confessed.

"You do?" He turned his face to look at her.

"He stays this little only for so long, and it's kind of special you know."

"It is. I just didn't know you felt like that, too."

"What, you're saying you like waking up for him in the middle of the night as well, Luke Danes?"

"I'd do anything for him." He whispered so softly Lorelai hardly heard the words.

"I know you do. That's what I love about you."

"So how will it be from now on if he wakes in the middle of the night? Do we fight about who gets to go up with him?"

Lorelai smiled. "Let's see if he wakes up first, and if he does, let's get back to our old schedule. I believe it was my night, so if he wakes up, I'll get him."

"Are you sure it was your night?" He teased.

"Let's go to bed." She smiled.

And that's what they did. They all slept very well that night. The knowledge of Emily being better, the feeling of their own soft beds instead of the hard chairs in the waiting area. Except for Lucan who had the comfortable bassinet all to himself those nights. Now he was lying in his own bed, he woke up again that night. At 2.30 exactly. Both Luke and Lorelai woke up when they heard his crying through the baby monitor. "I guess we do have to get him the bassinet from the hospital after all." Luke smiled.

"I wonder what the difference is though. But I better check up on him."

"Yeah, you should. It's your night after all."

Just when she sat up to get out of the bed, they heard Rory's voice from the baby monitor. "I guess it's someone else's night." She smiled as she heard Rory talk to her little brother and how he calmed down at his sisters voice. Lorelai laid down next to Luke again, her head on his chest, his arm around her. Together they listened how Rory talked and sang and realized how happy they were to be home again. And to have their family complete. They didn't know what would happen in the future. Maybe Rory would go back to London to finish the last few months. Maybe Emily wouldn't fully recover, but at that moment it didn't matter. All that mattered was that they were together.

A/N: Again it seems like this could be the end. It could very well be an end and it would be a good one too if you ask me, but it isn't, not yet! So, let me know what you think of this chapter.