People! Thank you so much for the reviews. You guys are really great. Your support means a lot to me.
I also wanna thank Laura (ProFfeSseR) for proofread it to me even being so busy as she is.
And today I have some time so...
LukeNlorelaifan: Thank you so much honey. You almost cried? Yey! I love when people cries because of my story. I know I'm evil. Kisses.
VeroSNM: Thanks! Yes they had their seatbelts on. I putted it so you wouldn't be too worried. I know that I am evil but I wanted to put a cliffhanger because I don't have one in this story (I guess). Emily was a bitch? She really is sometimes. It's not like I don't like her, I do. But sometimes I just wish I have a gun, you know? Kiss.
CripticWolf: Hahahahahaha. I laughed so much awhile I read your review. I know it was a huge cliffhanger. I'm sorry. Really. I hope I didn't take so long to update. By the way you're a new reviewer, aren't you? Hugs.
Mimimoon: Thanks for the review. I really hope that I didn't let you waiting too much. But I just couldn't update earlier. Hugs.
LoVeLuKe: You missed my story? Yey! I know that sometimes I don't update for weeks but I don't do this in purpose, it's that or I am having a block or I don't have time. I know that is sad and it will be sadder. Sorry. Just because you kneeled I won't let them die. Hahaha. Kisses.
Now I have to warn you that this chapter is really sad and that probably you won't like the way that things goes. But I always pictured this to happen in this story. Really. So I really am sorry if you be sad, cry or something. But pleaaase keep reading the story because the end (don't worry it isn't close) will be happy. Because I just can't let everything messed. Now you can read.
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Chapter 18 – While you're asleep
Luke entered the hospital and ran towards the nurses station. Running. A hard thing to do for him, as his knees were so weak. His hands were trembling. He was still in shock. He waited impatiently for the nurse to stop talking to the woman in front of her so she could talk to him. It seemed like an hour but only 30 seconds passed. Luke didn't care. He needed to know how Lorelai and Rory were doing. He was trying to get her attention but she didn't even listen. He was about to yell when he looked backwards and saw a couple of light blue eyes. Those eyes that he knew so well. The person wasn't looking at him. She looked at the door, waiting for someone to come. Him probably.
Luke went towards her and wrapped his arms around her waist, so glad that she was okay. She had a scared look on her face and it seemed like she was in pain. But she was there and that was what all he needed.
Lorelai fell into his arms, her body against his. First she didn't realize that it was him, but when she smelt his scent she knew. She wrapped her arms around his waist and sighed heavily. She felt his hand rubbing her hair.
And without a warning he kissed her. Lorelai thought that she was dreaming, but since it felt so real, she felt happiness. He kept rubbing her hair while their lips were glued. It was sweet, without passion, but full of relief. Relief, because the love of his life is alive. For Lorelai it was as sweet as honey and full of that sleeping love. She pulled apart and he looked into her eyes. She tried to look away, but she couldn't. His eyes had that power over her. The power of making her want to watch even closer into his.
That was when he realized that Rory wasn't there.
— Where's Rory? — he asked.
— In the doctor's office. She broke her arm, but she's okay. We hit a pillar, it wasn't anything serious. And we had the airbags anyway. I just have some scratches. — Lorelai told him and he realized then that she had scratches on her face and arms.
— Thanks God that you're alright. I thought that you'd get hurt bad and... that I'd lose you... just like we lost the baby...— he took his hat of and pulled a hand through his hair. Lorelai gave him a small, sympathetic smile.
— We're okay. I just wish that it was my arm instead. It was all my fault, Luke. I was nervous and kind of drunk. — she sighed — I'm sorry I scared you. It was all my fault.
— Lorelai don't blame yourself. It wasn't your fault. You'd never want to hurt your daughter, or yourself. Everyone makes mistakes.
— It seems like I'm getting good at that. — she said sarcastically.
— Can I see her? — he asked.
— Sure. — she lead him through the hallway. They were almost at the end of it when Lorelai turned left. She opened the second door and entered, Luke following her.
Luke looked around and saw Rory sitting on a bed while the doctor was talking to her. She had a couple of scratches on her forehead.
— Daddy! — Rory called and ran towards him. He hugged her tightly and rubbed her hair just like he did with Lorelai.
— Are you okay, Rory? — he asked softly. She nodded.
— It hurts a little, but the doc already gave me some painkillers, so it will be okay anytime soon. — she smiled at him, not wanting to let go of him.
— I was so worried about you, honey. — he caressed her cheek. He kissed the top of her head and was about to pull away, but she held him tightly.
— Not yet. — she pleaded. Luke stared at her and saw how vulnerable she looked.
— Okay, Rory. That's okay.
Rory needed to stay with him as long as she could. To have him as close as possible. She wondered when Lorelai would have "the" talk with Luke. She would break them up, Rory knew. It's a horrible experience to live through. To see your parents, who you love so much, who love each other so much, apart. Rory sighed slightly. Luke felt it and tightened the embrace. He didn't know why, but he realized that Rory needed him. And he'd be there as long as she want.
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Lorelai's car had been towed, so she went home with Luke. The doctor said that it was okay for them to go home, that they needed just to take some medication and that Rory needed to rest her arm. The road home was quiet. Lorelai didn't say a word and Luke and Rory barely talked as they hadn't any subjects to talk about.
When Luke parked the car, Lorelai climbed out quickly and helped Rory from the backseat. They walked towards the front door, Lorelai with her arm around Rory's shoulder.
When they stopped at the door, they sighed all together.
— I'm going to my bedroom. — Rory said.
— Okay, honey. — Lorelai smiled at her. Rory gave Luke a kiss on the cheek and hugged him again, but it was quick this time. She waved at Lorelai after she kissed her and with that went inside. Lorelai glanced at Luke and sat down on one of the porch steps. — We need to talk. — she said quietly, admiring her shoes. Luke sat down next to her.
— It's over. — he murmured, the sadness transparent in his expression.
— It's not like that. — Lorelai was still talking quietly and looking down.
— How is it then Lorelai? When it's over, it's over. There's nothing more to it. It ended.
— Please, Luke. We didn't end. — Lorelai finally looked into his eyes, hers welling up.
— Are we still together? Will you come upstairs with me and sleep in the same bed? — he frowned. Lorelai closed her eyes and shook her head.
— I didn't thought that marriage would be like this. I thought that we'd be together forever. I was having a teenage dream. A dream Luke. I guess that I didn't realized that I was going too fast. Everything in my life happened too fast. I had sex when I was only fifteen. I got pregnant when I was sixteen. I ran away from home when I was seventeen. I married you when I was twenty-three. And I had to grow up before that. You've always been more mature than me.
— That is not truth.
— It is Luke. Look at me. I'm afraid. I'm afraid of what will happen next. I'm breaking up a marriage because I'm afraid. I'm afraid that this will turn out even worse. I'm afraid that if we keep doing this it fails and we get hurt, Rory gets hurt. She already is hurting, Luke. I don't want her parents fighting, arguing in front of her, like it happens in so many marriages. I still want to be able to go to the diner, have breakfast, watch you talk to Rory. To be her father. I know that it sounds lame, but I want to be your friend. I want to be able to walk down the streets with you, towards Miss Patty's for a town meeting. I don't want to never talk to you again. I don't want to screw things up in such a way that it won't be able to get fixed again.
— Don't you see that what you're doing is screwing things up? That your fear is blinding you? We can stay in our marriage, Lorelai. We can. Because it wasn't a teenage dream. It was two adults who hadn't anyone to help them. Who decided to help each other. Who found love. Who are growing together. Who are discovering how go through the obstacles. And now Lorelai, we have to get through it, together. You can't stop here, you can't go back, Lorelai. It's crazy. — Luke took her hand and locked his eyes with hers. Lorelai started to cry and hugged him tight. Her tears falling on his shoulders.
— I'm sorry Luke. I'm sorry. Maybe you didn't know the real me. I'm not going to stop here, I'm just going into another direction.
Luke grabbed her by the arms what made them less close. Lorelai was surprised at this gesture.
— I'm not going into a different direction, I'm going with you. I'll follow you. I'm not leaving you alone, because I promised so many times that I wouldn't let you go. I promised that I'd be there for you, no matter what. And I'll be there whether you want it or not. I'm more stubborn than you. I've already told you that.
— I want to be your friend. I can't be your wife anymore. This is the direction I'm going to take. — Lorelai said sternly.
— So I'll put my arms around your shoulders and walk with you.
Lorelai hugged him again. Crying so hard, being so fragile that she could barely recognize herself. Luke caressed her back, letting her cry freely. Letting himself cry freely.
— I love you, Luke. — she whispered in his ear. Luke rubbed her hair and kissed the top of her head. After that he sighed heavily and pulled apart.
— I'll stay here for the night. I'll sleep on the couch. You need to rest and Rory may need something.
— Thanks, Luke. — she kissed his cheek slightly and stood up. — Good night.
— Good night. — he replied with a sigh and stayed seated.
Luke watched Lorelai enter and climb the stairs. He set his elbow on his leg and put his head in his hands. He sighed and closed his eyes.
It really happened. It wasn't a nightmare, or his imagination. The end of an era. The end of a marriage. But he wouldn't let it be the end of a family. He's known Lorelai for seven years and he's never seen her so fragile, so scared as she was tonight. That shadow in her eyes. Her eyes that always shine with happiness, amusement. When he hugged her, he felt how cold she was. So out of herself. She was so small when she cuddled him. So small because of all her fears. So small because of her stubbornness.
Luke put his head between his legs and cried, silently, lonely, weakly, only like true lovers do.
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Lorelai fell on her bed with her arms wide open. Her head was pounding, her body shaking, the scene replaying over and over. And when it finally stopped, images, scenes and memories of her life filled her mind. She opened a drawer from her nightstand and took an album out.
She passed through it sheet by sheet, letting a mark on every page. A tear. A single tear on the pages, slightly wetting the pictures of her happy, funny moments with her family. Luke and she's first date. The first time Luke walked Rory to school. The first day that he slept at their house. Her birthday, when he proposed. Their trip to Harvard. She stopped and stared at the picture of them kissing on their wedding. She passed her index finger over the picture. A memory came to mind. She opened the wardrobe and took a white shirt that was all forgotten out the drawer. She unfolded it, and even 5 years later, she could still read "I am Luke's" written on it.
She cried even harder, soaking the shirt, staining the shirt. And now it was just a white shirt with a black stain. The words could no longer be read.
But no matter what she decided, how much she tried to erase her past, to change her future, she'd always be Luke's. Always. Because when you find your soul mate and let him go, you'll always be hurt. You'll always have a part of yourself broken. You'll always have an empty space inside of you. You'll always wish to have it back. The love of your life, the part of yourself, the other soul that completes you. Because that is how love works. Hurting you, healing you. It's a vicious circle.
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Luke entered the house and went towards Rory's bedroom. She was lying on her bed, with an open book next to her. He marked the page she was reading and put the book on her nightstand. Then he adjusted her on the bed, laying her broke arm on her belly. After that he covered her and kissed the top of her head. It seemed like yesterday, when he did it for the first time.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x Flashback x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Luke and Lorelai were together for 4 months. Luke liked just everything about her. Her laugh, her jokes, her smile, her eyes, her daughter. Rory was a 5 years girl. She was so beautiful, so smart, so charming, so full of energy, so perfect. She wasn't the kind of kid that bothers you and is always annoying, touching everything. She didn't ask everyone about everything. She didn't want something different all the time. She just asked for a few books. She didn't know how to read yet, but she loved the pictures and he knew that Lorelai read to her before they went sleep.
Now little Rory was having the flu and Lorelai was freaking out. She knew that Rory couldn't eat burgers or fries now, she needed something healthy. And that was why she called Luke.
He would do anything for Rory, of course he would.
Luke rang the doorbell and after a minute or so, Lorelai opened the door and kissed his lips slightly.
— How is she? — he asked, closing the door behind him.
— She has a fever, she's burning up Luke. She coughs a lot and she's hungry.
— Okay, I'll give her a kiss and make some soup, okay? — Lorelai nodded and shot him a small smile.
— Thanks a lot, Luke.
— No problem, I'm always here to help you. — he smiled and kissed her lips softly.
Lorelai led him towards a part of the house that could be a room, but was so small that looked like a box. Luke felt bad for Lorelai having to live in a such a small place. She was living in a small shed on the Independence inn property. When Luke appeared at the door, Rory smiled broadly and opened her arms. Luke put the bags he was carrying on the floor and went towards her to hug her.
— Hey, Rory. — he caressed her cheek.
— Hey, Luke. I'm sick. — she said sadly.
— But I will make you soup that will make you stronger than Popeye. — he winked at her and she winked back, giggling. Lorelai watched them quietly. Luke went to the kitchen and left the girls alone.
After a lot of complaining from Lorelai, they finally sat down at the dinner table and ate the soup. Lorelai took over 30 minutes to eat her food. When 20 minutes passed she said that she wouldn't eat because it was cold. But Luke said that it was her own fault and that she could only leave the table when her plate was empty. Lorelai sighed and glanced at Luke and Rory who were going to watch some TV in the living room that was also Lorelai's room.
When Lorelai finally finished she joined them and when "Mickey and friends" ended Lorelai said that Rory should go to sleep so she'd be feeling better the following morning.
Lorelai went with Rory to the girl's room and Luke grabbed the remote to watch a baseball game.
— She's sleeping. — Lorelai said 10 minutes later. She sat down next to him. She was obviously tired.
— Hey, you are tired. You should get some sleep. — he told her, turning off the television.
— I guess. But Rory will wake up again anytime soon because the poor girl just can't sleep when she's sick. And within 2 hours she needs to take her medicine.
— Lorelai, I'm here. I'll take care of Rory. — he assured her.
— You don't have to Luke. You don't know how great you were coming here and making us dinner. I can't ask you to spend the night here, taking care of my daughter. That is my responsibility.
— Today you'll share this responsibility with me, because I care. You and Rory are important to me, okay? Now, lay down and close your eyes.
— But Luke — Luke cut her off.
— No buts. Bed, sleep, now.
— Yes, daddy. — she kissed his cheek.
— Goodnight Lorelai.
— Sweet dreams, Luke. — she laid down on the bed and covered herself. Luke sat on a chair from the dinner table and started to read a magazine.
40 minutes passed and Luke already read 3 magazines when he heard a cough. He stood up quickly and went towards Rory's bedroom. She was in her bed, with her head resting on her hands, her eyes opened.
— Luke? — she rubbed her eyes.
— Yeah, Rory. Everything is okay, your mom is sleeping, but I'm here with you.
— Can I tell you a secret? — she asked and coughed loud.
— Sure. — he rubbed her hair.
— I feel safe when I'm with you. You are like my superhero. — Luke couldn't help but smile.
— I love to be around you, Rory. You are a very special little girl. Very special. Don't let anyone say that you aren't. Okay? — she nodded and kissed his cheek.
— I love you, Luke. — she murmured.
He was stunned. She was so innocent, so pure. He knew that she really meant it. She loved him. In that moment he found out that the feeling was mutual.
— I love you too, Rory. — she smiled broadly — Now, let me take your temperature. — she nodded.
Luke sat on the bed next to her and putted the thermometer on her mouth. While they were waiting for the thermometer to be ready, Luke grabbed a small book and started to read it. As the time passed, he took out the thermometer and confirmed that she didn't had a fever anymore.
— Your magic soup healed me. — Rory said. Luke smiled at her and kissed her forehead.
— No, it were your magical powers. Those powers you have inside of yourself. They healed you.
— But the soup helped. — Rory smirked.
— Okay, I give up. I put some magical ingredients in the soup. — Luke pretended to be serious.
— Like what? — Rory asked curiously.
— Like a pinch of happiness, a soupspoon of determination and a whole pot of love.
— A whole pot of love? — Rory's eyes widened.
— And just because you are my special little girl. When I make it for others I just put half of it in, or even less.
— If I am your special little girl, you are my special giant wizard. — she said.
— It's a deal. — he extended his hand and Rory shook it with her tiny hand.
— It's a deal. — she repeated and yawned — Would you mind if I close my eyes for just a second?
— What about going sleeping instead?
— But I want to talk to you.
— Look, I'll keep reading the story while you fall asleep. And I'll stay here all night if you need me. Here with you. Alright?
— Sounds wonderful. — she yawned once more and then closed her eyes. — Good night, daddy.
Luke looked at her astonished. He wasn't expecting that at all. That day he thought that Rory had just said it because he was there with her, when her father was the one that should be there. And she was sleepy anyway. But that was the first time that Rory called him "daddy". And on that day a relationship started. A relationship that goes beyond any other. The father/daughter relationship. One of the most special and important relationships that exist.
— Good nigh, special little girl.
He covered her and kissed the top of her head. Then he laid down as well and started reading the story. It didn't took long before Rory fell asleep. But Luke stayed awake taking care of her. An hour later he waked her up so she could take her medicine. And once more he read the story so she'd fall asleep again. The book was "The Wizard of Oz" and this book started to become their book. Anytime Rory got sick, was sad or just needed her father near of her, Luke read it to her. Even when she already knew how to read. It was their protection from the problems around.
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Luke was about to leave the room when he heard Rory wriggling in the bed. He turned on his heels, facing her. She opened her eyes slowly and looked at him a little confused at first. But soon she realized that he really was there.
— Dad? What are you doing here? — she asked.
— Taking care of you. — he sat on the bed — are you alright?
— I guess. — she smiled. They gazed each other for some seconds. Luke could see the question "did she talk to you" in her eyes. He nodded slightly.
— Yes. — Rory looked down on her sheets. She was becoming nervous.
— And... humm... what did you decide? — he cuddled her in his arms.
— We're going to separate, Rory. — she nodded, still looking down. What she feared so much was happening.
She opened her mouth a couple of times, about to say something. But the words got stuck in her throat. She laid her head on the pillows. Luke rubbed her hair and kissed her cheek.
— We don't expect you to be okay with it, Rory. You can be mad, angry. It's your right. We're changing your life too. — Rory shook her head.
— I'm not angry, dad. I just don't understand. That's it. It's weird, because you were so happy. And then everything changed in a glimpse. I... wish it doesn't have to be like this. I'm not going to lie. It's hard to think that you won't be upstairs if I need you.
— Rory, I won't be here. But you can call me. And I'll come, I'll run.
— You know that it isn't like that, dad. You know me better than that. — she sighed — Who is going to take care of you?
— Myself. I'm enough grown up for that.
— No, dad. — she shook her head again — Everyone needs someone else to care of them.
— Rory, don't worry about me, okay? I'm going to be alright. I promise you. — he said softly.
— Don't promise. — she said.
— Why? — he frowned.
— You once told me that you can't promise something that you know you can't keep. — it was her time to caress his cheek.
— I will, Rory. I will be alright. — he assured.
— I wish it was truth. — she gave him a small smile. Then she rested her head on his chest while he played with her hair — Dad? — she asked a few minutes later.
— I'll grab the book.
He already knew that she wanted him to read "The Wizard of Oz" to her. So he stood up, went towards her desk and opened the second drawer on the right. There was the book. He sat back on the bed and Rory cuddled herself in his arms again. Luke was starting to read when Rory took the book out of his hands gently. He frowned and she smiled. Rory opened the book on the first page and started to read it to Luke. 5 minutes later, he was almost asleep.
— Good night, daddy.
— Good night, special little girl. — he said softly. Rory smiled remembering that day vaguely.
— I'm not little anymore. — she said sadly, more to herself than to him.
— Kids are always little to their parents. — Luke said, his eyes closed. Rory grinned but he couldn't see.
She kept reading the book till it's end. When she saw that he was asleep she covered him and kissed the top of his head. She stood up sighing. So she got out off the room and climbed the stairs towards what once was her parent's room. Now it is just Lorelai's room. Once inside, she looked at Lorelai, sleeping with the album by her side. Rory covered her and kissed the top of her head just like she did with Luke, and Luke did with her.
She descended the stairs and sat on the couch. Now she could cry freely. As the tears rolled down her cheek she realized that now she was the one that would take care of her parents, of their broken hearts. She'd fix them, heal their scars, clean their souls. She leaned her head on the couch's arm. She gazed the ceiling for a few minutes and finally closed her eyes. Tonight it was her that would be up, to take care of them, just like they did so many times for her. They still were a family, in their hearts at least. And only that matters. She would keep their family together, no matter how many tears, as that ones that rolled down her cheek now, she had to dry.
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Again: I know that I'm evil. I know that I am going to hell. I know that I don't have a heart. But pleaaaase be a better person and review. Please, please, please. This purple buttom is pretty. Don't ya think?
