Luke pulled the truck around the back of the diner so no one could witness him lifting Jess out. A car that was lower to the ground and handicap passenger plates now had to be added to the list of things Luke needed to obtain.

"Um, Luke," Jess said tentatively. "Is there going to be a lot of people in the diner? I mean I know I'm going to have to see people eventually but…"

"Don't worry about it, Jess. I'm closed for the day," Luke told him. "You can rest awhile while I help Rory and Lorelai move our stuff over to the Inn."

"We're staying at the inn?" Jess asked surprised.

"Yeah. Lorelai's going to rent us Room Twelve. It's all on one floor and it has two bedrooms. It'll be perfect for you," Luke said.

"Yeah, but it's going to cost you more money," Jess sighed. He knew all the bills were putting a financial strain on his uncle.

"Let me worry about that. Lorelai and I have it all worked out," Luke said as he closed up the back of the truck. "Go on around the front, I'll be a minute."

Luke never told anyone that he'd loaned Lorelai money, so he didn't tell Jess the details of the arrangement surrounding their new lodgings.

Jess maneuvered his chair around to the front of the diner and made a reach to open the door. Rory came down from Luke's apartment at about the same time. When she saw Jess reach for the knob she all but dropped the box of stuff she was carrying to open it for him.

"Thanks," Jess acknowledged entering the diner. "Can I do anything to help?"

"No, we've got it covered. Why don't you best. I'll get you a blanket for your legs. Do you want a book?" Rory asked. She was very solicitous of Jess' needs and desires since the accident.

For example, Jess' legs got cold quickly and tended to shake or tremor, sometimes that happened anyway, but the blanket kept it from the public eye. When Jess' legs would tremor it would embarrass him. The blanket seemed to allow Jess some physical and emotional comfort, and that was all that Rory wanted him to feel, comfort. The book offer was self explanatory.

"Yeah, bring down something by Miller," Jess requested.

"The Crucible it is," Rory implied and went to retrieve the promised items.

"Jess and Luke here yet?" Lorelai asked when Rory returned.

"Yeah. Jess is downstairs and I didn't see Luke," she answered.

"Good. Maybe Jess could do some folding," Lorelai suggested. "That way we can carry the boxed down empty."

"Mom, Jess need to rest. It's been a big day for him," Rory protested.

"Did he say that?" Lorelai asked.

"No, but he's tired," Rory replied. "I'll be right back I'm just going to bring this stuff down for Jess." Rory help up the blanket, the book, and a pillow.

"Okay," Lorelai sighed. She knew Rory meant well. She knew she wanted Jess comfortable and happy, but it bothered her that Rory was so protective. You can't be like that us a boy like Jess. He'll want his independence and he'll revolt to win it.

When that happened, Jess would push Rory and Luke away. And in both cases there would be a very loud thud when they hit the ground leaving Lorelai to pick up the pieces. She reached into her pocket and fingered the phone number that Dr. Camden had given her. It was his home number. He'd said he knew someone who may be able to help if need be. Lorelai hoped she'd never need to use it.

With a wide bright smile, Rory bounded down the stairs. Jess was sitting down there looking out the window at Luke, who had pulled the truck to the front so that he and Lorelai could start loading things up.

"Here you are," Rory smiled. "Here's your book and your blanket." Rory put the book down on the table and shook the blanket out once before setting it gently over his legs. "Can you lean forward for me a little bit?" Rory asked. "Sit forward just a little bit."

Jess looked confused but when he saw her with the soft pillow and understood. Obligingly he leaned forward, the motion strained the sensitive muscles and Jess let out a little cry.

"I'm sorry, Jess," Rory hastily apologized, as she gently pressed him back. "There, relax into the pillows."

"Are you sure I can't do anything to help?" Jess asked once he was settled.

"I'm sure. Mom, Luke, and I can handle everything. You just rest," Rory instructed kissing his forehead before heading back upstairs.

Lorelai came down with another box. "You look comfortable."

"I feel like a ninety year old man," Jess grumbled. "Can't I help with something?"

"Um, we've pretty much got the moving stuff squared away. But the coffee stuff is…" Lorelai frowned at the empty pot.

Jess smiled at the meaningless chore, "Coming right up."

Jess never thought he'd be glad to get coffee for Lorelai or that she would understand him more than Rory or Luke would.

The coffee maker was low enough for Jess to reach and so was the coffee canister and filters. The sink was bit of a stretch but Jess did manage to fill the pot with water and pour it into the top of the coffee machine.

It took most of his energy, but the task was done and Jess settled back into his chair feeling like he'd hung the moon.

Rory emerged once again from the apartment and saw Jess had moved behind the counter. He was sitting in his chair with the blanket untucked. He was breathing hard and perspiring.

"Jess!" Rory exclaimed and rushed over. "What are you doing?"

"Making coffee," he replied.

"If you wanted coffee, I would have…wait a minute. You don't drink coffee." Rory was confused.

"It's for your Mom," Jess replied.

"Still. You shouldn't be pushing yourself so much," Rorry gently scolded. "Go read your book. I'll finish up here."

Rory took over before Jess even had a chance to protest it. He tried to understand where Rory was coming from on this, but try as he might, he couldn't get it to all line up in his head.

Rory was a smart woman. She was present at every consult and exam since the accident happened. She heard the same reports he had heard. No where did they say he was an invalid or a sickly sort of person, only that he could not use his legs. Even with that, Rory still insisted on treating him as if all he was capable of was idleness.

Jess understood partly. Just before the accident happened he and Rory had a pretty emotional exchange. He declared his feelings, his deep desire to be with her, and be a companion to her. He'd pushed to hard, he knew that, but it was by not pushing, not communicating that he'd first lost her. He didn't want to lose her again, so he studied and read Luke's book.

"Be truthful," it said. "Lay out all your cards," it said. "Shower your appreciation and love to the other person," it said. So he did that. He let it all hang out the night of his mother's wedding and was quickly rebuked.

Truth be told, Jess was actually surprised to see Rory next to him when he regained consciousness in the hospital. Since, she'd never left his side for very long. She tended him, nursed him, held him and comforted him during sometimes long bouts of pain. She waited on him; she did nearly everything for him.

Most of the time, Rory was content to do it and Jess was happy having her so close. Other times though, it set Jess' mind to wondering. He was wondering why there was such a sudden turnabout. She'd gone from vehement denial of any feelings for him of any desire to be with him to complete and total dedication and devotion. Part of him, his heart was screaming for him to let it flow and not think it out. But another part, his brain, was ordering him to do so, because his head wasn't sure if Rory was with him out of pity and guilt or out of a deeper emotion, as she claimed. He needed to find out. The uncertainty of it was eating him up inside.

Rory finished fixing her mother's coffee then started fussing with the blanket across Jess' legs. "There. How's that?" she asked.

Jess was lost in thought and didn't hear Rory's question. "Jess?" she repeated. "Jess!"

Three times was a charm because he heard her the last time. "What?" he asked her gently.

"You were far away," Rory commented. "I asked if you were comfortable."

Jess nodded, "I'm good."

"Good," Rory smiled and leaned over to gentle kiss Jess' lips. You relax. I'll be right back."

Meanwhile, Lorelai was outside in deep conversation with Luke. He was maneuvering boxes into the back of his pick up truck while Loreali chattered on. It wa shard for her to approach what was on her mind, so after a lot of shading and circling she finally spit it out.

"Luke, I'm concerned," she began.

"Concern? About what?" Luke asked swinging a full box into the back of the truck.

"Oh, Jess. Rory. You. You, Rory and Jess," Lorelai replied.

"Why?" Luke grunted moving another box.

"Jess feels left out," Lorelai replied. "He wants to help. You and Rory won't let him…" Lorelai sighed.

"Lorelai, Jess just got out of the hospital. He's still recovering from broken ribs and surgery. It's only been five weeks since the accident," Luke explained. "When he's stronger, actually stronger, I'll let him do more. He can wait tables in the diner, whatever he wants. But not now. He's still too…"

"Too weak. I know," Lorelai replied. "But surely if he was well enough to start rehab he's well enough to fold sweatshirts."

"It's been a long day for him. I decided…"

Lorelai cut him off. "That's the problem Luke. You decided. It's Jess' body, let Jess decide. He's nineteen, an adult and he's been making choices a lot longer than most kids his age. All you have to do is help him make the right choice. The right choice for Jess," Lorelai explained.

Luke's throat worked up and down as he felt the anger simmer deep inside him. Lorelai had never cared about Jess before. She hated him just like everyone else in the town. It didn't matter what they thought, their opinion didn't count. It did matter what Lorelai thought, because she did count. Still, for someone who led the parade when Jess left to so openly advocate for him now left suspicions in Luke's mind, pain in his heart, and a sour taste in his mouth.

"Funny coming from you, eh?" Luke questioned. "You were always preaching how irresponsible Jess is. Now that he no longer a threat to your daughter your fine with him, huh?"

Luke made absolutely no sense. "No longer a threat? What does that mean?"

"He's a paraplegic, Lorelai!" Luke shouted. "No sensation below the waist. He can't get her pregnant." Luke laid it out for her.

Lorelai was shocked at Luke's comment. It was true she'd viewed Jess as a danger to Rory, but to her heart not to her maidenhood.

"What a crude, despicable thing to say!" Lorelai shot back. "When Jess came here, the kid was out of control Luke. You had no idea what he was doing. You had no idea what you were doing. I only knew Rory was interested in him, just like I was interested in Christopher. I know kids like Jess who come from loveless homes. Those kids can't commit. I was afraid from her heart, Luke. And I was right. He did break it!"

"So what's different now?" Luke pressed. "Why do you care now? Why aren't you still afraid?"

Lorelai couldn't really answer that. She didn't know why. All she knew was it had nothing to do with Jess' accident. "I don't know," Lorelai replied. "He grew up maybe? He's made it alone out there, and he is in love with my daughter. More so, though, she's in love with him."

Luke absorbed what Lorelai said as he loaded the last box in the truck. He knew he'd been cruel but he couldn't control himself. He was so hurt and angry he had to let it go, but he couldn't let it go. He couldn't let it go if it meant more pain.

"That never mattered to you before," Luke countered. "Why now? Why are you of all people choosing hypocracy now. Why not just boycott us like the rest of the town. Huh?"

Lorelai looked as if Luke slapped her, his words hurt worse than any physical assault could have. She didn't know why he was being so mean.

"Luke," she said taking a long steadying breath. "You have no idea how rude and insensitive you are being. If you did realize it, you'd hate yourself for it. Whatever happened that got you in this mood, I'd like for you to tell me and let me help. If you're not ready to do that, that's let me help. If you're not ready to do that, that's fine. I won't push you. But I won't stand here another minute and let you insult me ridicule me or question my motivation. Tell Rory I went home. It'll be there for the rest of the day. When you're ready to talk and to apologize, feel free to come over."

Lorelai kept her voice even throughout her speech; he cool blue eyes never wavered from Luke's hard gaze. Once she'd said her piece, she turned around, shoulders squared and headed in the direction of her house.

"Luke," Rory called when she came outside. "That's the last of it. Where's my Mom?"

Luke was ashamed of how he treated Lorelai so he just replied, "She headed home."

Rory thought it was strong, but didn't press it. Things had been tense with Luke lately. "Okay," was all she said.

"Jess wants some air, so I'm going to walk him to the Inn. Okay?" Rory told Luke.

"Sure, fine," Luke replied. "I'll see you over there." With that, Luke got in the truck and started for the Inn.

Rory pushed Jess' wheelchair through the streets of Stars Hollow pausing ever once in awhile to greet a town member. People generally were polite when Rory and Jess approached, smiling and exchanging pleasantries. There were some people who avoided them totally, such as Taylor. And others, who were curious and regarded Jess as an interesting change in the landscape. Case in point, Miss Patty.

"Good afternoon, Rory. Jess," Miss Patty greeted as they were passing the Dance Studio. She intercepted the path. "How are you? It was such a shame, I felt terrible when I heard."

"Didn't we all?" Jess mumbled. Rory flicked his shoulder just after that, a signal for him to behave. "So," he said. "I'm not feeling too badly. Just tired."

"You aren't overdoing it I hope, being out of the hospital so soon after such a terrible accident." Miss Patty shook her head sadly.

Jess began to form his reply, but Rory cut him off. "We felt he'd do better at home where he can relax and Luke and I can look after him."

Jess felt his face flush, "Yeah, I wasn't getting too far in rehab."

Jess couldn't have kicked himself. Of all the stupid remarks to make and to Miss Patty of all people, but it was too late now.

The conversation carried on a bit longer and Jess could feel the pain building in his back. The pain started out like a tensed muscle, a slight dull ache. Then it intensified into a full blown spasm, the muscles contracting and nerves firing of their own accord causing the pain to seize Jess from behind, clamp down, like a vice around his chest and shoot like fire down his legs until he felt like his feet were submerged in hot coals.

Jess hated giving in to it, crying out from it, even in private, so out here on the street in front of Miss Patty was the last place he wanted such a pain.

Rory and Miss Patty were still jabbering on when Jess felt he had to try and get Rory's attention. The pain was getting intense and he had to get away. Jess was concentrating on lifting his hand to touch Rory's as it held the back of his wheelchair.

Rory broke off from her conversation, "What is it, Jess?"

"I'm tired, Rory. Can we…" He nodded in the direction of the Inn.

"Oh, sure. We'll se you later, Miss Patty," Rory hurriedly excused them and headed away.

Once Miss Patty was out of ear shot, Rory giggled. "Thanks, Jess. That…Jess?" Rory stopped and knelt in from of him when she saw Jess' head bent, fists tightly clenched. Rory smoothed back his hair to reveal Jess' brown, which had broke out in a sweat.

"Jess, what is it?" Rory asked softly. "Are you in pain?"

Jess nodded gritting his teeth. Rory remembered Dr. Camden and Dr. Cameron's advice about Jess' wheelchair. When he had them, their cause was more than likely sitting too long and over stretching sensitive areas. He was supposed to lie on his side when they happened until the muscles relaxed and the pain subsided.

Rory looked around. They were no where near the Inn, but Jess looked like he could not bear anymore. The bridge, their bridge was near, private and peaceful. With a reassuring smile, Rory whispered. "Hold on, Jess." Before she resumed pushing the chair in the direction of the bridge.

Once they reached the privacy of their own private glenn, Rory eased Jess out of his chair and play him on the blanket that had covered his legs. She helped him be so he was facing the pond, gently positioning the pillow under one of his hips.

"There you go," Rory whispered. "Just breathe." She coached running her hand through his hair. "It'll be over soon."

When Jess jack knifed with pain, Rory took her small hands and began a massaging the area that plagued him. She felt Jess relax as she worked on his back and murmured soft words to soothe him. When Jess was finally relaxed again, Rory spoke."

"The other day my Mom asked me to think about my feelings for you. Not what they were, but more where they came from," Rory began.

"Rory, don't…" Jess cut her off and pushed himself into the sitting position, using his arms for leverage. "I all ready know you're…I know this is some sort of obligatory…I know this your way of relieving the guilt you feel about my accident." Jess finally said. "You don't have to clarify it or clear it up. You don't even have to feel guilty. There really isn't a reason to."

Rory was shocked for a moment then grew angry. "If you believe I'd do that Jess Mariano, then you don't know me as well as you claimed. I can't believe…" Rory's voice broke and she turned to hide her tears from Jess. Try as she might, she couldn't help but let out a sob.

"Rory," Jess whispered. "I'm sorry, I didn't…Come here."

Rory turned around and moved to join, Jess on the bridge. She helped him lean against a post before snuggling against him. Jess smoothed her hair; deeply sorry he'd made her cry. Before Jess could explain Rory continued, "Mom asked me if I was with you out of love or pity. I could have answered her right off, but she told me to think about it first."

Jess was silent and waited for Rory to finish. "I realized now, while I am sorry you were in an accident and while I can't help but feel partly to blame for it, I'm here no because…because I love you, Jess. So much."

Those last words were said on a sob and Jess help Rory even tighter, his lips caressing her hair as he spoke. "I love you too Rory. And none of this," he gestured to his legs and wheelchair, "is your fault. It's my fault."

Rory pulled away and searched Jess' face, "Your fault? How…"

"I never should have left you the way I did," he replied to her unasked question. "Even if I did go to California, I should have told you about it, said a proper goodbye to you after all we shared, but I didn't. When I finally did see you after I let a year go by, I didn't do that right. I avoided you and then I told you I loved you. But instead of sticking around, of talking about it, I ran away from you again." Jess paused and swallowed, "Then, that night at the dorm, I asked you to sacrifice so much, when I never gave up anything for you. If I wasn't so stupid, I'd be standing here right now telling you this."

A dark look crossed Jess' features. "Jess, I understand about California. You had to go out on your own to find your way back, and I'm glad you found your way back to me."

"So am I," Jess replied, kissing her lips gently. "And I'm glad on some level I left in spite of you and you turned me down flat at your dorm. "

"You are?" Rory asked confused. "Why?"

"Because if it worked out differently we never would have learned that love shouldn't equal sacrifice," Jess explained. "It should only equal compromise." He kissed her nose.

"It also equals forgiveness. Let's forget all the stupid mistake we made and start new just like you suggested. Only we'll do it here, in Stars Hollow." Rory was excited at the idea and thrilled when Jess smiled.

"It's a deal," Jess replied and kissed her lips. "We better get moving. Luke will worry."

"You feeling better?" Rory asked getting up and getting ready to help Jess.

"Yeah, just move my chair closer. I'll do the rest," Jess said using his therapy to push himself into his chair. He was perspiring and breathing hard when he was done, but he was proud of having done for himself.

Rory walked beside Jess as they continued towards the Inn. Luke was waiting outside for them when they arrived, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Where were you? I was worried," Luke demanded.

"Sorry, Luke," Rory apologized. "We got Pattied and stopped at the bridge to talk."

Jess silently thanked Rory for leaving out his back spasm. "Sorry you were worried, Uncle Luke."

Luke sighed, "It's fine. Just don't wander around like that again. Your condition is very new to you…"

Jess wanted to scream when Luke said that, but instead he calmly replied, "I know. I'll let you know next time."

Luke moved out of the way so Jess could go inside and start unpacking. "Thanks for helping, Rory. Go home now. I've got it covered."

Rory nodded, "Tell Jess I'll call him tomorrow."

Luke nodded and watched her walk back toward her house. He went inside to see Jess unpacking a box. "Oh, I'll do that," Luke hastily offered and usurped Jess' task.

Luke busily ran about the room, unpacking clothes, CDs, and books, quickly scolding Jess anytime he tried to help out.

A few hours later, the unpacking was done and Luke insisted he help Jess into bed. Jess was grateful for the help he was truly exhausted and his back ached. Jess sank back into the pillows and let his body relax and his mind unwind.

This life would be difficult and although he wasn't fully convinced his paralysis was permanent the realization was beginning to settle. Jess lay awake for some time pondering what that meant for his future, for Rory's future, and for his future with Rory. Jess was too tired to resolve anything that night, but he knew it was a reality he'd have to think about very soon.

Once Jess was settled for the night, Luke sat at the suite's tables and poured over their bills. Somewhere he had to find the money to pay the mortgage on the diner in addition to making pay roll. The task before him was too daunting to deal with Luke longed to sleep.

Slowly, he cleared away the paperwork and started for the shower when he heard a knock on the door.

"Probably Sookie or Lorelai," Luke grumbled, wishing it was Lorelai so he could apologize to her.

When Luke opened the door though, he realized his luck was till on the downslide. It was not Lorelai's face that greeted him, nor Sookie's or Rory's. Instead, Luke opened the door to come face to face with Liz and TJ.

"Hey, Luke. I'm here to see Jess."