Collide Chapter 51: Who You'd Be Today Part IV, a gilmore girls fanfic

A/N: Here we go again. I'm down to the last chapters of Collide. This one is a little sad and you may cry. I just want to say that I have throughly enjoyed writing this story and will be very sad to see it end. Thank you to all my faithful readers who have helped me want to continue writing this story.

Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again was written by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Charles Hart.
Who You'd Be Today as preformed by Kenny Chesney

Chapter 51: Who You'd Be Today Part IV

Three days later Audrey sat in the second row with her parents in a small church in Woodbury. Audrey looked around the very crowded room and spotted her other friends from the pageant. She saw Honor sitting with her parent's Finn and Rosemarie and Annie with her parents Sam and Stacey. Isabel snuck in the back. The top five were all together again. The minister took the podium and looked over the group in front of him.

"It always pains me to preside over the service of a young person," the minister began. "Holly Charlotte Matthews was a beautiful girl with much promise. She was an honor student and well on her way to Julliard. Holly was in the top five of the Miss Connecticut pageant. Her best friend from the pageant would now like to dedicate a song in Holly's honor. Miss Audrey Danes."

Audrey stood up and walked to the front of the room. She placed her hand on Holly's cold, lifeless hand and took a deep breath.

"Holly has been one of my best friends since we met at the Little Miss Connecticut Pageant. The song I am about to sing is from The Phantom of the Opera, Holly's favorite movie and Broadway show. She had at one point hoped to have sung this at the Miss America pageant," Audrey said, nodding to the guy running the music. "Holly, babe, this one's for you."

You were once my one companion,
you were all that mattered.
You were once a friend and father,
then my world was shattered.

As Audrey began to sing a slide show of Holly's life played. There were pictures with her parents. Soon they turned to her pageant pictures. They all had her and Audrey in them.

Wishing you were somehow here again,
wishing you were somehow near.
Sometimes it seemed if I just dreamed,
somehow you would be here.

Wishing I could hear your voice again,
knowing that I never would.
Dreaming of you won't help me to do,
all that you dreamed I could!

Audrey looked to the back of the room and saw Holly and Christian standing in the doorway. Holly waved and smiled at Audrey. Her eyes seemed to be telling Audrey that she was fine and happy and that she was all right. It gave Audrey hope.

Passing bells and sculpted angels,
cold and monumental.
Seem, for you, the wrong companions,
you were warm and gentle.

Too many years fighting back tears,
why can't the past just die!

Wishing you were somehow here again,
knowing we must say goodbye
Try to forgive, teach me to live!
Give me the strength to try!

No more memories, no more silent tears!
No more gazing across the wasted years!
Help me say goodbye
Help me say goodbye...

"Goodbye Holly," Audrey whispered.

The last two photos were of the Miss Connecticut pageant. Thethirdto last was of Holly, Audrey, Annie, Honor and Isabel standing on the stage waiting for their names to be called. The second to last was of the five of them again with Audrey in the middle in her crown. The last photo that remained on the screen was of Audrey and Holly. Audrey was placing her crown on Holly's head and both girls were smiling.

Soon it was time to walk past the casket and say their final goodbyes before Holly was laid to rest. Audrey stopped in front of the deep red wood casket and fished something out of her pocket. It was an old plastic half-heart that said "Best" on it. Holly had given it to Audrey when they were seven. She dropped it into the casket.

With tears brimming in her eyes she whispered, "Goodbye Holly. I'll always miss you. Take care of her Christian."

In the weeks that followed Holly's senseless death, Tarah's revelation about Ricky and Audrey's own attack, Audrey created her new platform: Debutantes Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Crimes. She used her speaking engagements she had booked before to launch her ideas. She spent weeks arguing with the state to make self-defense classes available as PE classes in all the schools. She got it passed in Stars Hollow. She created lessons for the Health and Safety classes.

On August 3rd she held her first rally in the courtyard of Chilton. She used her sister's many friends from college to help sponser the event. She enlisted her friends from Chilton to help her run the rally. Over a thousand students, teachers and city officals gathered in the courtyard of Chilton. Everyone in attendance recieved a purple ribbon, Holly's favorite color. Audrey took the microphone off it's stand and began to speak to the crowd.

"I would like to take this time to thank all our generous sponsors for all their support. Thank you to to the Gilmore Insurance Firm, the Martin Hanson Engineering Firm and Huntzburger Publishing for all their help. Without them this rally would not have taken place," Audrey said. "Debutantes Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Crimes would not be here without all the support of those of you gathered here today. This day is dedicated to the memory of the women and children affected by these senseless and heinous acts. I would now like to introduce Mrs. Corrine Matthews, whose daughter Holly was murdered in New York City this summer."

A photo of Holly stood on a small stand next to the podium. Mrs. Matthews kissed the tips of her fingers and placed them on Holly's forehead.

"Holly had always dreamed of being on the stage. Even as a little girl she knew what she wanted. Holly had an audtion in New York City to be in The Phantom of the Opera. The producers were so impressed with her preformance that they asked her to stay and read for the part of Meg Giry and to be an understudy for Christine. She was so excited. Sadly she didn't have enough time to get back home so she decided to stay with her aunt in Brooklyn. That was the last time I ever heard from my daughter," Mrs. Matthews read from a card. "Almost a week of fearing the worst, it came to be. Holly had been found. The NYPD found her in a dumpster. She had been raped and beaten to death. The crime lab was unable to uncover who it was that killed my daughter. I hope that with the help of this organization and continued efforts by the NYPD and the crime lab that Holly's murderer will be found and punished. Holly's father and I have created a scholarship for rape survivors. The Holly Charlotte Matthews Fund will provide deserving girls the chance to go to college and make something of themselves. I hope that with time and the combined strenghths of those gathered here no other girl's life will be ended in the same way that my Holly's did. Thank you."

Mrs. Matthews was responded by loud applause. Audrey took the microphone and looked over the crowd. She loved all the people that came to support her cause. Things were going to change. She nodded to Ryan and James and they gathered up all the guys and brought them forward. They each held a card and they began to recite the words.

"We, the young men of Connecticut, will do our best to protect our mothers, sisters, cousins, neices, girlfriends from the hands of those who mean to do her harm," the boys said in a faithful resound. "We, the young men of Connecticut, will never lift our hands in ager to any girl. The circle of abuse stops today. No will now and forever mean no."

Next the girls began to speak. "We, the young women of Connecticut, are silent no more! We stand together strong this day to say NO MORE! We are no longer a punching bag for anyone! No more are we going to allow oursleves to be taken advantage of. We are debutantes, proper ladies and we shall be treated as such."

The words being shouted by the hundreds of girls in attendance in the Chilton courtyard brought smiles and tears to the eyes of the parents of the children still missing. Soon the summer was over and it was time to head to Atlantic City. The Danes', Hansons, Marianos, Ryan, Camille and Tarah met at Audrey's to drive over together. Audrey had to be there two weeks before the actual date of the pageant for all the pre-pageant festivites.

"Mom you remembered the tickets for Mr. and Mrs. Matthews right?" Audrey asked as Luke pulled away from the house.

"Audrey, for the last time, we have everything. You have everything. These are going to be the greatest two weeks of your life," Lorelai replied, taking her daughter's hand.

Audrey's ribs had healed and after a lengthy process both Harris and Ricky were spending their senior year in a juvie center. Everyone in Stars Hollow now donned a purple ribbon in support of Audrey and her cause. Kirk, being Kirk, did pleanty of research on all the other contestants and created a profile for each one. He listed their strengths and weaknesses. Nothing was standing in Audrey's way.

Rehersals came and went. Audrey met a bunch of new girls but none were Holly. Alicia Woodard, Miss California, was her roommate. Alicia was a sophomore at UCLA on a volleyball scholarship. She got up every morning at 5:30 to run the boardwalk. Occasionally Audrey went with her. She didn't mind talking with Laura and Haylee when Audrey brought them to the meet and greet. Laura and Haylee wanted to get all 49 of the contestants autographs so they could use them for Show and Tell.

When Audrey wasn't at rehersal or at press meetings she found time for her friends. Audrey, Camille and Tarah had lunch at the Trump Taj Mahal, went shopping at all the fancy boutiques. Audrey made sure that she had dinner with her family as often as she could. And she made time for Ryan. They would walk along the beach together, holding hands and making plans for the rest of the year. They spent the night before the pageant together walking on the boardwalk.

"This is nice," Ryan said staring out at the ocean. "I love getting to be here with you. I love being able to share this experience with you."

"Hey, have I thanked you enough for all the work you've done for DADVSC this summer?" Audrey asked, moving in front of him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Yeah you have," Ryan said sullenly.

"This has been a crazy summer. Getting hurt, losing Holly, creating this amazing group, the rally at the school. We barely got to spend anytime together," Audrey said, not picking up on Ryan's displeasing mood.

"What's going to happen to us if you win tomorrow, Audi?" Ryan asked, distancing himself from her.

"What do you mean, Ry?"

"I mean, if you win tomorrow, I'll never see you. You'll be off promoting DADVSC on all the talk shows, meeting all these famous people. You're going to forget all about me."

"Ryan, I'll always have time for you. You'll always be at the top of my to-do list," Audrey replied moving closer to him. She wasn't liking the way he was acting. She placed her hands on his cheeks, making him look at her. "I love you Ryan. That's not going to change."

"Let's get married. Tonight," Ryan said suddenly.

"Have you lost your mind!" Audrey exclaimed. "We can't get married!"

"Why not?" Ryan questioned. "Audi, come on. I love you. I want to be with you always."

"Ryan, I love you but I'm not ready to be a wife. I have so much I want to do before I get married," Audrey said, trying to make him understand. "The most important thing to me right now is spreading the messege of DADVSC to the entire country. I want to make so many changes in this world. I have to focus on that."

"What about me? You just said I was at the top of your to-do list. What, am I now being bumped?" Ryan yelled.

"When did this turn into a fight?" Audrey questioned. "Ryan, you've never been on the bottom of the list! You're my everything."

"It doesn't seem like it anymore. You've changed. You've been a different person ever since Holly died. Everybody's seen it. You run yourself ragged pushing DADVSC and Holly's scholarship. You've canceled plans with everyone to work in more speaking engagements. Audrey you're pushing everyone away. Me most of all! It's like you blame me for Holly dying!"

"Ryan what are you trying to say?" Audrey asked quietly, staring at her shoes.

"Holly is gone. Audrey, she's gone. No amount of rallies, bills that make it to the Senate, or speaking engagements that you take is going to change the fact that Holly is dead. It's not going to bring her back."

Tears stung in Audrey's eyes. "Ouch. That was a low blow Ryan. I don't blame you. I blame myself. I should have made sure she took someone with her when she went to that audtion. I should have gone with her."

"Audi, stop. There was nothing you could have done. I didn't mean to yell."

"I'm trying to honor my friend. I'm trying to not be sad for her like she told me."

"Like she told you?"

"Holly came to me the day the call came from the city letting us know that she had been found. She came to me in her garden and told me that she was fine and that no one was going to hurt her anymore. She's with my brother."

"Audrey I didn't mean to pick a fight with you. There are times when I get jealous of all the time you spend away from us. I feel like I have to compete with a ghost for your attention."

"You're human," Audrey whispered. "Let's go back to my room. Alicia is out with her family for awhile."

Ryan nodded in agreement. They linked arms and walked back to their hotel in the middle of the boardwalk. They kissed in the elevator and stumbled into the hallway. He pushed her against the door of her room as she struggled to find her key. They got the door open and fell into the room. She closed the door and put the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the handle. She removed his jacket and let it fall to the floor. Ryan reached hungerily for Adurey. He began to unbutton her shirt. He paused a second.

"Audi, are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes, I am."

A few moments later they were under the blankets of Audrey's bed. Tangled in the sheets, Ryan heard her whisper his name over and over. He held her close to him as she began to drift to sleep.

"Ryan, you have to go," she whispered.

"Why?" he replied.

"Alicia, my parents, sister, brother in law, cousins," Audrey said, sleepily.

"Oh yeah, them."

He kissed her again. He tossed the covers aside and searched for his clothes. He found his pants and shirt and got redressed. He got back into bed with her, hugging her. He kissed her bare shoulder and traced her name with his nose.

"I love you Audrey," he whispered in her ear. "I still want to marry you."

"We'll talk about it later Ryan," Audrey said rolling over. "Good night."

Ryan opened the door and slipped into the hallway.

"You better not let Luke find out your sleeping with his little girl," a voice behind him said.

"Jess," Ryan said, turning around.

"I'm serious Rayn. If Luke finds out, you will be the teenager formerly known as Ryan Turner."

"I don't know what you're talking about Jess," Ryan said walking away.

"Don't lie to me! You've entered very dagerous ground with Luke. You are now within the realm of unsuing Luke's wrath. You, Marty and I know the dangers of dating a Danes daughter," Jess said, taking a step closer to Ryan. "I like you Rayn. You make my cousin happy. Becasue I like you I am going to help you get inside the mind of Luke Danes."

"I don't want or need your help," Ryan said walking past Jess.

"Then don't come crying to me when Luke forbids you and Audrey to see each other anymore," Jess commented.

"Jess, you won't say anything will you?"

"No but you should," he replied. "You and Audrey need to go to Luke and Lorelai together. Now you will take 99.9 percent of Luke's wrath."

Ryan turned around and faced Jess. "How bad will it be?"

"Forget your alone time. I think yours will be worse than the "every ten minutes" thing that Luke pulled on me and Rory. Oh yeah and the treehouse, never again will you two step foot in it together."

"Every ten minutes?"

"Luke kept a box of stuff in the diner that he would put up in the apartment above the diner that every ten minutes he would come up claiming he forgot something. That was 23 years or so ago so he may come up with something worse."

"Thanks Jess. You're a pretty cool guy," Ryan said.

Audrey laid in her bed trying to sleep but Ryan's harsh words floated above her, taunting her.

"That's not what I'm trying to do," Audrey whispered. "I'm honoring her."

"Audi," she heard a voice call in the wind. "Audi."

She heard a soft laughter coming from outside her room. She put on her bathrobe and walked over to the window. Out in yard was Holly and Christian playing baseball. Christian was pitching to Holly but she kept missing everytime. Holly looked over and saw Audrey watching.

"Audrey come play with us," Holly called out to her. "Chips's trying to teach me how to play baseball but I'm no good at it. I need your help."

"What are you guys doing here?" Audrey asked coming outside. "Is something wrong?"

"Audi I know you miss me but Ryan has a point. I'm gone. I'm at peace, I'm in love," Holly said missing yet another pitch.

"Audi, you have to let us go. Live your life the way you want. Not in memory of us," Christian said, tossing another pitch to Holly.

"Chip, if I let go of you guys I'll start to forget and I don't want that," Audrey said trying not to cry. "I don't want to forget all the times we had."

"Audrey Avery Danes, if you dwell on the fact that we are gone, you will be haunted by our memories for the rest of your life," Christian scolded. "That's why Pop's so protective of you, Mama and Rory. He won't forgive himself for letting me die. I don't want you to be like Pop."

"Let us go," Holly whispered. "Let us go."

Holly and Christian vanished before Audrey's eyes. "No Holly! Christian! Please come back! Please don't leave me!"

Audrey awoke with a start. She was crying. She knew she had to let Holly go, but in truth it scared her. To let go of Holly would mean to slowly forget all the memories they shared. Audrey didn't want to forget. She didn't want to forget the birthday parites at the diner, or in Hartford.

The next morning was The Morning. She had breakfast with her family and friends. After his talk with Jess the night before Ryan was very cautious around Luke, making sure that none of his actions towards Audrey could in any way be interpreted as sexual. Soon it was time for the final dress rehersal.

The back biting in the dressing room was worse than Audrey had ever seen it. Being the youngest contestant in the pageant Audrey had to be very careful who she made allies with. She had to be very careful of what she said and who she said it too. Alicia, Miss California was her strongest ally. She introduced Audrey to Ann Marie Bullock, Miss Florida, Julie Francis, Miss Texas, and Sara Hart, Miss Wyoming. The five of them grouped together and hung out most of the time.

"So Audi, who is that guy I keep seeing you with?" Ann Marie asked. "The one whose picture is on your mirror?"

"That would be my boyfriend Ryan," Audrey replied, smiling.

"He's so charming," Alicia said. "If only he was three years older."

"Audrey you have such a unique platform," Sarah said, applying yet another layer of makeup. "How did you come up with it?"

"Debuatantes Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Crimes was created in the wake of my best friend Holly's senseless murder, my friend Tarah getting caught in an abusive relationship and an attack made against me for having Tarah's boyfriend thrown in jail," Audrey explained. "Would you guys like a purple ribbon? The color purple was Holly's favorite. It's the official color of DADVSC."

"Sure," her new friends answered.

The night before Camille and Tarah sat up making thousands of purple ribbon pins. They now stood outside the doors of the convention center each holding a basket of ribbons.

"Are you sure about this Cammie?" Tarah asked. "Do you really think this is what Audrey would want us to do?"

"Audrey wants as many people as possible to know about DADVSC and the Holly Charlotte Matthews Foundation as possible. What better way to do than to stand outside the convention center and hand out the ribbons and the pledge cards?" Camille answered. "Hi, I'm Camille please take a ribbon. Enjoy your evening."

Camille and Tarah hoped to pass out every single card before the start of the show. They achieved their goal. Sneaking back inside they took their seats next to Ryan and the rest of Audrey's family. On the aisle sat Luke, with Lorelai next to him, Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, Rory and Marty next with Matty, Laura, Haylee and Jeffery in between their parents, Jess and Annie and on the other end was Camille, Tarah and Ryan.

"Good evening and welcome to Atlantic City," said two women taking the stage. "We're Hilary and Haylie Duff, your hosts for the evening. We have so many beautiful young women competeing this evening. Here they are your Miss America contestants."

The music started and a set of stairs moved into place. One by one the names were called out.

"Miss Audrey Danes, Connecticut," Hilary said.

Audrey's friends and family went nuts. A few states away, sitting in Miss Patty's studio was 95 percent of the population of Stars Hollow. When Audrey appeared on the stage and they heard her name called they cheered. Soon it was time for the top fifteen to be annoucned. All of Audrey's new friends made and much to Audrey's delight and fear, she did too.

"Singing 'Who You'd Be Today' Miss Connecticut, Audrey Danes," Haylie annoucned.

"This song is dedicated to my brother Christian, who died way before his story could even begin and to my best friend Holly, whose life was also cut short," Audrey said, as the music began.

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile, I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
I still can't believe you're gone

Lorelai leaned into Luke and in her mind she replayed all the times she had with her son. She remembered bringing him home and watching him sleep. She remembered the pain she felt as she held him when he took his last breath.

It ain't fair you died too young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I've been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you'd be today

Rory thought of someone else whose life had also ended before it was supposed to. She thought of all the times they had spent together. Their first real date at the Chilton winter dance, the car, breakfasts at Luke's, dessert at Weston's. A small tear trickled down her cheek. She leaned into her husband. She still loved Dean, but now he was just a distant memory.

Would you see the world, would you chase your dreams
Settle down with a family
I wonder what would you name your babies
Some days the sky's so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
I know it might sound crazy

Audrey mind reeled of all the times she and Holly spent talking about what they were going to name their kids. Holly was completely in love with the name Sebastian and Audrey loved Riley. They had made a promise to each other that if Audrey had a boy and Holly didn't she would name her son Sebastian and if Holly had a daughter and Audrey didn't Holly would name her Riley. Marty felt a tug on his sleeve.

"Daddy why's Mommy and Auntie crying?" little Matty asked.

"Because they miss their friend and brother," Marty answered.

Today, today, today
Today, today, today

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know I'll see you again someday

Someday, someday

Luke reached over and lovingly squeezed Lorelai's hand. He never imagined that she would be sitting in Atlantic City watching his daughter preform before millions of people. Luke had a goffy grin on his face. His beautiful little girl, his precious angel, was all grown up.

As she was singing she felt someone take her hand. Opening her eyes she saw Holly standing next to her. She was wearing a beautiful white gown and had a crown of precious stones set ontop her brown curls. Christian was standing next to her, in a tux. He was smily proudly for his soulmate and his baby sister.

The top five were annouced. Texas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida and Wyoming. Hilary and Haylie came onto the stage for the interview portion of the pageant. Audrey was selected to speak first.

"Miss Connecticut," Haylie began. "We have seen a lot of purple ribbons floating around the city these past few days. We've been told that you have something to do with them. So, our question for you this evening is, what's with the purple ribbons?"

"This past summer two of my best friends had some terrible things happen to them. My friend Tarah was trapped in an abusive relationship. She came to me the day after he had beat her beyond recognition," Audrey explained."I took her to the Hartford police station and we filed a complaint. Repurcussions from that caused her ex and a friend of his to case out my house and wait for me and my boyfriend. He beat me up, bruised my ribs. Luckily now they are both in jail and there they'll stay until they are 21 or longer if my bill in Congress is passed. Then Holly, was given a chance to audtion for Phantom of the Opera in New York. She was killed on her way to Brooklyn to stay with her aunt. Holly had been accepted to Julliard and was going to be in the Metropolitan Opera. Purple was her favorite color. After Holly died I created Debutantes Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Crimes."

"It sounds like you had quite a summer," Hilary commented. "How has your organization impacted the community?"

"DADVSC has petioned the Stars Hollow, Woodbury, Litchfeild and Hartford school boards to offer self-defense classes as a PE elective. Thanks to many large and well respected businesses in the Hartford area, my organization was able to host a rally where more than a thousand young men and women gathered to to the chain of abuse. We passed out pledge cards to everyone in attendance."

"What did these cards say?" Haylie asked.

"The girls' card said, 'We the young women of Connecticut' now you can enter whatever state you happen to live in, 'are silent no more!We stand strong together this day to say enough! We are no longer a punching bag for anyone! No more are we going to allow oursleves to be taken advantage of. We are debutantes, proper ladies and we shall be treated as such.' The guy's card said 'We, the young men of Connecticut, will do our best to protect our mothers, sisters, cousins, neices, girlfriends from the hands of those who mean to do her harm. We, the young men of Connecticut, will never lift our hands in ager to any girl. The circle of abuse stops today. No will now and forever mean no.' I just want the circle of abuse to stop and if my organization can do then I will do whatever it takes to make it happen."

"Thank you Miss Connecticut."

It was the moment of truth. Now according to Kirk's stats. Audrey had a one in five chance in winning Miss America. In the history of the pageant, Texas, Florida and New York won most of the time. Never had Miss Wyoming ever taken the crown. The five young women stod on the stage and awaited the results and for their name to be called. Luke, Lorelai, Rory, Marty, Jess, Annie, Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, the four kids, Camille, Tarah and Ryan all held their breath. Hilary and Haylie stood with the envelope in their hands. They took a breath and opened the envelope.

"Fourth runner up, Miss Ann Marie Bullock, Florida. Third runner up Miss Jennie Green, Colorado. Second runner up Miss Julie Francis, Texas," Hilary read.

Sara and Audrey shared a hug as they waited for Haylie to finish reading off the results.

"First runner up, who will take the winner's place if she is unable to complete her regin is...Miss Sarah Hart, Wyoming."

"She didn't say Sara. She said Audrey. She said Audrey Danes, Connecticut," Audrey mind screamed.

Tears poured off of Audrey's cheeks as the crown was placed on her head. There was rejoicing in the aisle that held Audreys friends and family occupied. Champange popped open in the Hollow, the Founder's Day punch flowed. It was a night to celebrate in the little town off the I-84. Tomorrow would be Stars Hollow Loves Audrey Day.

Ushers came to the row to escort Audrey's family to the winner's room. As Audrey was being led off the satge after her walk as the new Miss America she saw her brother and Holly waiting in the wings. And that made her smile. The second Audrey entered the room she was pulled into her parent's arms.

"I love you so much Audrey," Lorelai whispered, almost crying.

"You looked so beautiful, little girl," Luke whispered, rubbing his and Audrey's noses together.

"Thank you, Mom, Daddy for everything," Audrey whispered in her parent's ears.

A photographer entered the room. "All right gather around Miss America."

Audrey sat down in the Queen Anne chair and Haylee crawled onto her lap. Luke, Lorelai and Rory stood behind the chair. Jess and Marty knelt beside the chair with each of their sons on their knees. Ryan stood behind Jess. Camille, Tarah and Laura sat on the floor at Audrey's feet.

"Everybody smile!" the photographer said. "Ok now I just want Miss America and immediate family."

It took a few moments but they got the picture taken. Luke was on Audrey's right and Lorelai and Rory were on her left. When they got the photo back a few days later another person was in the picture with them. It was a young man, about the same height as Ryan, but it wasn't Ryan. He had the Gilmore-Danes bright blue eyes. Lorelai and Luke stared at the picture. They knew who it had to be, but neither one wanted to be the one to say it first.

"Luke is that?"

"It has to be."

Audrey's life at school was an interesting one. People stopped her in the hallway to congratulate, to ask her if she's met the president yet. She wore the pin proudly on her shoulder. She had one stop to make on her way to her first class. She had someone she had to forgive. She stood outside the door of Mr. Max Medina's classroom. She put her hand on the knob and tunred it slowly. She stepped into the room.

"Miss Danes, welcome back," Max said. "I believe congratualtions are in order."

"Thank you, Mr. Medina. I just want you to know that I don't blame you anymore for what happened last spring," Audrey said. "I'm sorry that I was so rude to you. You did not deserve that disrespect."

"You're welcome Miss America," Max replied.

Adurey didn't mind her new nickname. In fact she didn't mind it at all.

A/N: I think I have about two more regular stories before I start the song fics, which will all be Audrey and Rory's memories of their parents. So Read and Review. I hope to get at least 25 reviews before I start working on the next chapter. It must be killing you guys to not know if I'm going to make Audrey repeat her mother and aunt's mistakes or not. You'll just have to see. I hope you guys enjoyed this story and I hope to start on "Rebirth" Rory's story which will intersect with Audrey's in other parts. I hope you will all like it as much I you liked Collide.

The pretty purple button is calling to you!