Summer couldn't have gone any better for Lorelai Gilmore.
Though she was only fifteen years old, she had spent every summer day partying with her friends, not listening to what her snobby parents told her and simply enjoying being young, free and alive.

Lorelai was an unbound spirit.

She enjoyed rock music, dressing in short, black leather skirts and enjoying the boy's whistles when they saw her.

It seemed that all the boys were after her but there was one boy in particular who was after her in a very subtle and somewhat sweet way.

Christopher Hayden.

Lorelai had kissed him a year ago.

She had known him from school and found him cute, she knew he had been unkissed (as she had been back then), so she had just stepped up to him at a parking lot and kissed him.

And ever since then he was after her. He wrote her love letters. Looked at her, smiled at her. But he had never asked her out yet.

Probably because he saw Lorelai with other guys all the time, she was a hot topic and always surrounded by the coolest guys.

The girls of course did not like her at all, Lorelai only had male friends. She had heard Olivia Nolan and Teresa Sanchez talk about her at the school's restroom one day - about what a slut she was and that she had slept with the (now ex) boyfriend of the head cheerleader and it-girl Lily Wilson.

Lorelai wished that the rumour was wrong but sadly it was true. But Lily's ex had desired her and she had allowed him to take what he wanted

Gladly she had long stopped caring about what other people thought about her.

Now it was summer and Lorelai was simply enjoying her freedom before she would start her sophomore year at high school.

Usually she was hanging around with her best friends Seth and Tyler Wells, two brothers who were one and four years older than her.

The older one, Tyler, had a motorcycle and bought his brother and the young beauty cigarettes and alcohol with his faked ID.

There was hardly a day Lorelai didn't wake up on their couch with a hangover - or sometimes she even woke up in Seth's bed.

Lorelai didn't worry about Seth hitting on her or doing worse stuff to her, since he was more like a lady friend to her. He didn't know it yet, but Lorelai knew. It was obvious.

One evening they sat in Seth's room, getting ready for a Friday night.

"Do you think that Hayden guy will be brave brave enough to ask you out one day?" Seth asked Lorelai while painting her nails. Red. Red was definitely her colour.

"I don't know, we've already kissed, so I don't get why he's hesitating," Lorelai replied with a shrug and looked into the mirror. Her lips were red as well, and so was her dress.

Her hair was curly as usual and already reached until the mid of her back. If she flattened it, it would reach to her buttocks.

She took a strand of her curls and wrapped them around her finger while practicing her brightest smile. "How do I look?"

"Like a fucking goddess," Seth commented and took Lorelai's hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss. "Milady, may I have this dance?"

Lorelai laughed.

They were invited to a party in a town not far from Hartford, or at least Tyler was invited and he was taking along his girlfriend, his best friend, his brother Seth and their younger friend Lorelai.

She was excited to meet new people at a real house party for a change, a place where no one was checking IDs (hopefully) and a place where no one knew her, where no one could judge about her or call her a slut.

This day Tyler was driving with his car, a brand new Mercedes.

Before they left, Tyler had to promise his mother ten times that he wouldn't drink. And finally, after they were released, he, Seth, Sandra, Patrick and Lorelai squeezed themselves into the Mercedes, driving off to that town.

A town called Stars Hollow.

•

Tyler pulled into the parking lot of a so called family Hadley.

"So, whose birthday party is it?" Lorelai asked as she got out of the car. She put on her black heels, praying that she'd survive the evening in them.

"It's not a birthday party, it's a 'safe travels' party," Tyler said and locked the car, taking his girlfriend's hand.

"My friend Rachel is going away for a while," Sandra told Lorelai. "She's a photographer and about to travel the world."

"Woah," Lorelai said. "Thanks for taking me with you!"

"Sure," Sandy replied and smiled, though it didn't look completely honest.

Lorelai didn't care and hung herself on Seth's arm as they entered the house of the Hadleys.

•

Rachel was a twenty year old beauty.

Lorelai found it easy to talk to her, since Rachel was a very open minded person and funny character, just as Lorelai herself.

They quickly found common interests and Rachel didn't seem bothered by Lorelai's age.

She called her "witty girly" and after know i g her for two hours only, Lorelai had told her about everything that was going on in her life.

Her parents. Her bullies. Christopher. That she was having sex, yes, but not with everyone, as they said.

Rachel was an amazing listener and spent almost half an hour on giving her advice about her bullies.

At some point, one of the party guests came over to them. It was around eleven and the party was going really well, but as the girl whispered something into Rachel's ear, her face went dark.

"What's wrong?" Lorelai asked.

"My ex is here," Rachel said and Lorelai nodded.

"I see. Who broke up?"

"Him," Rachel said. "Because I'm going away. He was really mad when I told him and broke up immediately. Without wanting to talk to me. What is he doing here, Mel?"

The other girl shrugged. "I don't know! He said he has just ended his shift at the hardware store and he wants a drink. Shall I kick him out?"

"Nah," Rachel sighed. "Give him a drink. Ask him what he wants. And if he says he wants another chance, tell him to get lost."

"Will do," Mel promised and went away again.

"He's a good guy," Rachel told Lorelai as she noticed her worried face. "A wonderful guy, even. He just doesn't know what he wants. Well, it's too late for him to have me!"

"I drink on that, sister!" Lorelai giggled and they clinked their glasses.

•

Later Lorelai was alone.

Rachel had been pulled away by a group of girls all of a sudden and Lorelai had left to look for anyone of her friends.

She walked around the house, feeling a bit lost. She wasn't scared or anything, it was nice to see that there were people who didn't even look at her. Or at least not in a dirty way, like she had expected.

But then, in the living room, something happened.

She sat down to the couch, next to a kissing couple. It was the only free spot to sit and her feet hurt.

She took off her shoes and started kneading them.

She planned on waiting here until someone would find her.

Though as she was looking around the room, her eyes met those of a very handsome guy.

He looked quite grumpy but as their eyes met, his features softened.

Lorelai smiled at him and the young man smiled back shyly. Lorelai knew she liked shy men, like Christopher.

She nodded at him. He nodded back.

He didn't move though, so Lorelai took the initiative. Without putting her shoes on, she stood up and walked over to him. "Hi," she said as she had reached him. "I saw you over there, alone. Are you here alone?"

"Yes," the guy replied. Now he looked grumpy again.

"Oh. Do you rather want to be alone?" Lorelai asked carefully. He didn't answer. "Sorry, I just figured. I saw you standing there alone and smiling at me. I'll leave you alone again."

"No, it's okay," the guy said quickly. "Sorry, I'm just tired. But stay, if you wanna."

"Okay," Lorelai said, giving him her brightest smile. "I'm Lorelai."

The guy smiled back again and Lorelai's heart melted. He was very, very handsome. "What a pretty name," he said lowly.

"Thanks," Lorelai replied and threw her hair back in a flirty way. "So what's your name?"

"Doesn't matter. You're a friend of Rachel?"

"Not really. I've just met her. I'm here with my friends, actually, but they vanished."

"Oh," the guy replied.

"So, tell me your name! I don't want you to be a stranger to me."

He sighed. "Luke."

"Hi, Luke," Lorelai said and reached out her hand.

Surprised, Luke took her hand and shook it. "Hi, Lorelai."

"Are you a friend of Rachel?" Lorelai asked as they let go of each other's hands.

"Not ... exactly." Luke winced. "I wasn't really invited either, but it's Friday and a party is a party, right?"

"Yeah, exactly. Speaking of It, I want a drink. You want a drink too?"

"No," Luke chuckled. "And I think you've had enough too. How old are you?"

"Uhm, seventeen," Lorelai said quickly. "You?"

"Nineteen," Luke answered lowly. "Lorelai - would you like to join me outside?"

"I would like that, Luke. Wait, just let me get my shoes."

Lorelai's heart was beating as she got back to the couch to put on her shoes. She knew it was wrong. He was four years older than her. She had lied at him, made herself older than she was.

If something happened between them, he could get into trouble.

She promised herself not to let anything happen.

She went back to him and smiled as Luke obviously checked her out. "You're tall," he just commented.

"Thanks?" Lorelai laughed. "Let's get going."

•

Though they had only just met, they got along as if they had known each other for a lifetime.

Lorelai was eager to see Stars Hollow, and though Luke told her that it wasn't worth a tour, Lorelai didn't give up.

Finally Luke agreed to show her around and after a short walk, Lorelai took off her shoes again. "I don't want to walk in them. They already hurt my feet," she explained.

"I understand that. Should I carry them for you?"

Lorelai didn't answer, she only looked at him in awe as he took them from her "I like you better when you aren't so tall anyway," he added with a grin.

"Oh well, thanks." Lorelai rolled her eyes. "So now, what's that, the middle of Stars Hollow?"

"Yes, that's the gazebo. We've only been walking for five minutes. So, five more minutes and we've reached the end of the town."

"Nice," Lorelai sighed. "I like small towns."

"Where at you from?" Luke asked.

"Hartford," Lorelai replied bitterly. "Born there, grew up there, probably going to die there."

"That's not said. Look at Rachel, she's made it out of here too."

"You're right," Lorelai sighed. "She's going to Europe, I hope. I like Europe, Paris is really cool. And London. And Prague. Prague is so gorgeous!"

"Have you been there already?" Luke asked, his eyes wide.

"Yeah," Lorelai said carefully. "Years ago. My dad ... He took me along one day. But it wasn't a fun trip for me."

"Business trip?"

"Yes," Lorelai sighed. They kept on walking, until they crossed a store that said "William's hardware."

"That's my dad's store," Luke explained and pointed at it.

Lorelai suddenly remembered that Rachel's ex boyfriend worked there (according to Mel). It had to be this store, Lorelai doubted that there was another hardware store in Stars Hollow.

"Ah, okay," she said. "And where do you work?"

"At the moment I don't work at all. I'll start college this semester and I'm currently getting ready for it."

"Oh, which college?" Lorelai asked and Luke cleared his throat.

"Uhm - nothing big. Only - only the Capital Community College."

"Well, that's nice, it's close to me!" Lorelai called out. "We could meet every now and then."

"Yes." Luke smiled again.

"My parents want me to go to Yale," Lorelai sighed. "My dad has been there and now they're sure that I'll go there as well."

"And you don't want to?"

"I don't know. I'm not stupid but but I'm lazy as hell. I definitely wouldn't be accepted to Yale."

"You are smart, Lorelai," Luke said. "I've only known you for like an hour but I sense you're smart. Smarter than I for sure. I think you could be accepted to Yale."

"Let's see." Lorelai shrugged. Her face had turned hot. She liked Luke. It was weird, since she didn't know him.

But there was something about him ...

Something that made her trust him completely. Something special.

They went on with their walk until they had reached the end of the town. "So ... that was it," Luke spoke. "Beautiful Stars Hollow."

"I like it," Lorelai admitted. "Let's walk back?"

"Do you really want to?" Luke asked. "Cause I don't. I know you don't know me and I don't know you, but I'd like to sit down with you and talk a little more ..."

"Fine with me!" Lorelai immediately agreed. "My friends never want to go home before three in the morning. Usually it gets even half past four. My friend Tyler sometimes stays awake all night. They probably don't even miss me right now."

"Okay," Luke said with a light smile. "Uhm, do you trust me, Lorelai?"

"Trust you?" Lorelai pretended to think. "Are you a murderer, Luke?"

"I promise I'm not," Luke replied and looked at her as innocently as possible. Lorelai had to laugh.

"Okay. What do you wanna do?"

"Take the car and drive you to the lake outside of town. Then sit down at the jetty and look at the starts."

"Sounds nice, I'm in!" Lorelai agreed immediately. "Did you have something to drink?"

"Only water. I'm not really into alcohol."

"Oh. Okay." Lorelai smiled, a little ashamed. He knew that she had had more than enough to drink. "Where's your car, Mister Luke?"

"At home," Luke chuckled. "It's not far, let's go."

And they continued, walking back to Rachel's house. They crossed his father's hardware story, the gazebo and the post office, and took the left path instead of walking straight ahead to the Hadley-house.

Two minutes later they reached a white house. Lorelai waited while Luke went to the garage to get the car.

She felt crazy, crazier than ever. She was literally about to leave this place with a stranger. He could do anything to her.

But strangely her gut feeling told her to trust him. And so she decided to trust him. Even though she didn't even know his last name ...

Well, he didn't know hers either.

It was mysterious and thrilling, yet Lorelai was curious. She walked to the mailbox, eager to find out how Luke was called.

And it turned out that his last name was Danes.

"Luke Danes," Lorelai mumbled and grinned. "I wonder if he's related to Danish people?" She chuckled.

And then Luke stopped an old clunker next to her. "Hop in."

"That's your car?" Lorelai asked slowly.

"Yes, get in," Luke demanded and Lorelai opened the car door. "Won't it break if I get in?"

"I don't know, how heavy are you?"

Lorelai let out a loud laugh. "That's not what I meant. Okay, I'll get in."

She closed the door behind herself - carefully - and fastened her seatbelt. "Sorry, I'm just used to guys with nice cars."

"Well, I can't afford a nice car."

Lorelai went quiet. Oops. Of course she was used to nice cars, all her friends were wealthy or at least had more than enough money. Some of them had been to Chilton, Tyler for example.

She had forgotten that there were people with less money. People who couldn't afford a Mercedes and people who could only go to a community college - like Luke.

Maybe that was why he had acted so weird when he had told her about his college.

"I'm sorry. Really, I am such a stupid thing."

"Not at all. It's okay." Luke forced himself to smile. "You couldn't know but now you do. You're not stupid. The lake's just a five minute drive away."

"Okay." Lorelai leaned back and watched him while he was driving.

He was so handsome.

His hair was longer than a man's hair usually was (her mother would freak out) and he had a light shade on his face, as if he hadn't shaved for two days. His eyes were of a shining blue and his lips looked ... damn kissable.

Lorelai forced herself to look away. No. He was too old. Or she was too young. Two years too young. He could get into trouble, she told herself over and over again.

Five minutes later they got out of the car and settled themselves on the wooden jetty, looking up at the stars, just as Luke had promised.

"Are you happy in your life?" Lorelai asked after a while of silence and looking into the clear sky.

"Wow, good question," Luke muttered and shifted, looking at her. "Not so much at the moment. Why?"

"Because I'm not. Not at all," Lorelai sighed. "I'm treated very badly at my school. My classmates call me a slut and they make fun of me. I don't have a single female friend. And all the guys are only nice to me because they think I'm easy to get into bed"

"I'm sorry," Luke said. "People can be so mean."

"Indeed. I'm strong but also I'm a very sensitive person. They all think I'd just hop into bed with anyone and that's why none of the girls want to be friends with me, while all of the guys want to."

She sighed and smiled at Luke, who seemed a bit uncomfortable all of a sudden.

"What?" Lorelai asked and took his hand. Luke swallowed.

"I have to admit something, Lorelai," he said, avoiding her look. "I know this is not what you want to hear right now, I guess, but I've brought you here for a reason."

Lorelai's heart stood still for a second. "What?" she whispered and let go of his hand quickly.

"Don't freak out but ... I saw you and I ... thought the same about you. That you're - don't get me wrong - easy to get. You're dressed like you'd - uhm - want it."

Lorelai's mouth slowly went open. "Oh," she said quietly.

"Yes," Luke said and quickly added, "But as I said, don't freak out. I'd respect it if you said no and I would never force you to do something you don't want to do. I just figured ... since you talked to me first. Really. And damn, Lorelai, you're so, so beautiful."

He leaned in slowly, giving her enough time to reject him.

But Lorelai didn't move. "Just say the word," Luke said again.

Lorelai didn't say the word. Instead she got lost in the depth of his eyes.

And then she let his lips meet hers, his tongue find hers and his hands get a grip on her waist.

She let him caress her body, her hip and the side of her chest, let him kiss her deeply, let him moan lustfully.

Only as he pulled her against him, pressing his hand on her thigh, slowly pushing it up to the hem of her dress, she shoved him away.

His lips were red from her lipstick and they both were panting.

"No," Lorelai gasped. "No. I don't know you. I'm not a slut. I - I can't. Sorry."

Luke smiled gently and Lorelai melted. "That's fine. I'm sorry I kidnapped you. I'll bring you back now, okay?"

Lorelai nodded thankfully.

Even though she had turned him down, he still acted like a gentleman towards her. He opened his car for her and gave her his jacket as he noticed that she was shaking.

He drove her back to Rachel's place without seeming mad.

Lorelai was confused - had she just turned down one of those rare guys who were actually good guys?

But what could she have done? She was fifteen! She knew she had wanted to. But it would have been so wrong.

Before they got out, Luke turned to Lorelai. "Thanks for kissing me back, by the way," he said. "I don't think you're a whore. I think you're an outgoing, beautiful woman who knows what she wants and what she can get. You're an amazing woman, Lorelai, smart and sassy and I want to see you again. If I may."

Lorelai stared at him in awe.

Then she nodded, took his cheeks in her hands and pulled his face back down to her to kiss him again.

Then they went out of the car.

And everything went downhill.