Part 6

Bad News Strikes

As per the usual these days time passes without my even noticing it. If it weren't for Rory Gilmore and her mother I'd be totally lost. Rory being the student she is has kept my mind focused. Without her who knows where I'd be. Thank you Rory!

I never thought things would be like this. I should be happy were I am but losing Wallace has taken a toll. Well I haven't really lost him but he's been MIA for months. I haven't heard from him in so long and he is constantly on my mind. I write him when I can even though I expect no answering letters. Where are you Wallace?

I never wanted to need anyone. But I do. It's almost a desperation I will never admit out loud except to maybe Wallace. He's the one who deserves it.

"Hey are you up for some self induced pain and suffering?" Rory asked as came and sat next to Veronica.

"Well since my life can't get any more boring without everyone in it falling asleep I'm always up for some 'self induced pain'. What do you have mind?" Veronica told he sarcastically.

"The Gilmore family dinner."

"So, there is a lot of pain involved during these family dinners?"

"Every Friday is a new battle. What you think?"

"Are you sure I won't be intruding on family time?"

"Honestly I'm in a rebellious stage. I don't really care if you are. So the intrusion will be welcome and beside my Mom will love your presence especially if throws Richard and Emily off their game."

"Wow, make me feel loved."

"I'm sorry I didn't mean it like that."

"Whatever, I'm always up for some teen rebellion."

"I'm 21."

"You're a late bloomer. What time is dinner?"

Starts at 7, I'll pick you up at 6?"

"Great. I'll see then. Oh, attire?"

"Casual but nice better yet my grandmother would love someone dressed gothic or anime. Oh, that would go over spectacularly."

Veronica threw her a sideways glance, "Sunday best. Got it."

The day went by without incident. Classes were what classes usually are.

As they drove Rory had the radio turned to a local news station, "in local news Aaron Echolls, star recently released of a murder charge, is now here in Hartford promoting his new movie 'Strange Wilderness'. It's a tale of animal fans hunting Bigfoot in the Andes…" Veronica hearing this report felt her stomach tighten. He knows where I am. No one with me will be safe. I'm not safe. Oh God…

Veronica's thoughts were interrupted by Rory, "we're here!" They had pulled into the driveway of the Gilmore Manor. Rory had already unbuckled her seat belt and opening the door. Veronica made no movement until Rory spoke again, "hey, are you okay?"

She shook her head, "Yeah, I just was caught of guard by the news report. I went to school with Aaron Echolls' son." She decided to leave out the fact that she was party to the Aaron Echolls conviction.

They both exited the car with Rory saying, "Oh yeah, that's cool. Maybe we my dad can get us into the promotion thing."

The color drained from Veronica's face and her insides flipped with the prospect of seeing the man who tried to kill her. All she could say was, "it's cool I'm not a fan."

They met Lorelai standing outside the door.

"Did you ring the door bell?" Rory asked.

"I was waiting for you because I know what a thrill it is for you."

"Chicken", Rory retorted while ringing the door bell. The housekeeper answered the door taking their coats.

The same news report they heard in the car now issued from inside the living room with the volume control simply set to loud was stating, "now for news around the world." From the sound of things the owners of the radio were having some trouble finding the volume control. Raised voices flowed to the front door as the trio of Lorelai, Rory, and Veronica entered the house.

"Emily you bought this confounded thing. How do you turn it off?" Richard's yelled.

"Richard just because I bought it does not mean I know how to turn it off. Read the manual", Emily yelled back.

Underneath the raised the report continued, "tragedy has struck for our troops in Iraq." Hearing the new report mention troops in Iraq got Veronica's attention. She walked to the source. The report continued, "an explosion has ripped through the 11th Marine Expeditionary unit, killing 6 thus far and injuring several others. More as the reports continue…"

"No!" Veronica said now standing gripping the edge of the cabinet in front of the blaring stereo. No! No! NO! God! No! No! NO! Wallace can't be dead. He's not dead. He can't be dead. She couldn't breath. No! No! NO! God! No! No! NO! The air in the room suddenly grew heavy as the temperature rose drastically. No! No! NO! God! No! No! NO! Her palms were now damp with sweat. No! No! NO! God! No! No! NO! Everything seemed to be spinning. No! No! NO! God! No! No! NO! Her peripheral vision was starting to gray. "VVVEEERRROOONNNICCAA!" she heard her name being called. It seemed to drag on forever. She couldn't distinguish the voice behind it. She couldn't make out the people in the room with her. She turned her head to the voice but the movement was too much for her shocked brain. Aaron Echolls in Hartford was one thing but Wallace's death was something else altogether. Finally her world faded from gray to total darkness.

Hours later Veronica opened her eyes slowly to a foreign environment. She immediately started to panic then she heard a soft but familiar voice of Lorelai Gilmore, "take it easy, Sweetie. How are you feeling?"

Veronica lay back down closing her eye, "I don't know…kind of dizzy. What happened?"

"You passed out. Do you remember hearing that news report?"

Veronica started to shake her head slowly but stopped suddenly. Tears sprang to her eyes, "oh, God! He can't be dead. He can't be." Lorelai gathered the girl into her arms. Veronica had lost control repeating quietly, "he can't be dead." The dam holding back her emotions broke. Her shoulders shook as she cried. Lorelai held Veronica tight rubbing her back.