Chapter FOURTEEN

Lorelai practically had to yank Rory up that morning, since she loved her new bed so much. Once Rory had finally gotten dressed, they walked to Luke's. They took a table this time, since Rory had brought coloring books and it would take up more room.

"Hey," She greeted when Luke came by their table.

"Oh, hey," He replied, while his hands were full of plates.

Once he delivered his last plate, he settled in front of their table.

"Lemme guess, coffee…"Luke began.

"And blueberry pancakes, fries, and a strawberry muffin," She replied.

"You're gonna die," He shook his head.

"But at least I won't be hungry," She shrugged.

Then Luke went back to the counter to fill their orders and a few other peoples'. Within minutes Rory had appeared at the counter. Luke stopped from his work momentarily and asked what was up. Then Rory whipped a folded piece of paper from behind her back and held it out to him. He took it and looked at it for a little bit. The front read "Thank You Luke!" in what he could tell was Rory's neatest handwriting, and it was adorned with doodles of puppies and cats and some stickers of random things like flowers and birds and a fire truck. He opened it and read the inside. It said:

"Dear Luke,

Thank you very much for my new bed. I love it a lot. It's really pretty. Mommy says thanks too.

Your friend,

Rory"

And of course, everything was spelled right, since Rory was a little perfectionist.

"Wow, thanks," Luke smiled, "This is really nice."

"You're welcome," Rory smiled, then made her way back to the table.

Luke re-read the card one last time, and then finally completed everyone's orders. Luke delivered them, leaving Lorelai and Rory's last. He placed their plates down, and even gave Rory her own cup of coffee.

Once they were done, Luke cleaned up their table, while Lorelai reached for her purse.

"It's on the house," Luke waved it off.

"How about you put it on my tab instead…That I will one day pay before I die," Lorelai reasoned.

"Sure, fine," He shrugged, rolling his eyes at the crazy woman who had made such a difference in his life even though she'd only been here a few days.

After the two of them left, Luke went over to wipe down their table and found 5 pennies, 3 nickels, 1 quarter, and 1 dime sitting in the center, obviously put their by Rory. It was a very lame excuse for a tip, but an endearing gesture nonetheless. Besides, the girl was only two years old.

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After the work day was finally finished, Luke locked up and slowly made his way up the stairs. He had finally made his way into his apartment when the diner phone rang. He groaned, waited a few seconds, then went back downstairs. He picked up the phone.

"Hello?" He answered, trying to stay patient, but not exactly hiding his irritation.

"Luke?" The female voice replied…Lorelai. She only knew the diner number.

"Lorelai?" He asked, she sounded upset.

"Luke, I need your help," She said, rushed and panicked.

"With what? Are you okay? Is Rory okay?" He asked, flipping into protective Luke mode.

"It's Rory, she cut her leg and she's bleeding pretty badly and I think she needs stitches. But I don't have a car," She explained quickly.

"I'll be there in 2 minutes tops," he quickly added, then hung up and ran out the door, not even bothering to turn off the light.

Lorelai heard the screech of his tires outside, then footsteps rapidly heading toward the door. She opened it and Luke came in.

"Where is she?" He asked quickly, as Lorelai ushered him into the living room.

Rory was sitting on the couch tearfully, though she was no longer hysterical, holding a towel to her leg.

"What happened?" he asked. "Was it the bed?"

"No, no. She was getting off one of the kitchen chairs and I guess something was sticking out and her leg got caught or something, I don't know," Lorelai shook her head.

"Alright, well let's go," Luke nodded.

Lorelai scooped up Rory and carried her to Luke's truck. He opened the passenger side door for her and closed it after she was situated. Then he got in the driver's side and started the truck.

They finally hit the freeway.

"A little faster please!" Lorelai pleaded.

"I'm going the speed limit," He replied.

"We just got passed by Nana Gilmore," She deadpanned.

"It's just all that coffee you've been drinking…"He muttered.

After a short moment of silence, Luke looked over.

"You're being really brave, kid," He ruffled Rory's hair, while Lorelai watched him endearingly, her eyes softening.

They arrived at the hospital, which gained a "FINALLY!" from Lorelai. She carried Rory into the lobby and up to the desk. She sat Rory on the desk right in front of the woman on the computer.

"We need help with this," Lorelai pointed out hurriedly, showing the woman Rory's leg.

"We can get her in the ER as soon as possible," The lady replied casually, whose nametag read 'Charlene'.

"Well how soon is that?" Lorelai asked, waving her hands.

"Whenever we can get a doctor," She replied, still calm.

"Well then get on that please!" Lorelai requested, trying to keep her cool.

"Can you fill out this paperwork?" The woman held out a clipboard.

"Sure," Lorelai shook her head and took it.

She carried Rory back to the seating area and took a seat next to Luke. Then she began filling out the papers, though she was obviously stressed.

"Hey, it'll be fine," Luke guaranteed.

Lorelai simply looked at him and nodded in reply.

She finished and gave them back to the woman. Within minutes their names were being called. People in scrubs wheeled out a wheelchair and assisted Rory into it. Lorelai walked alongside them as they took Rory further into the hospital. They examined her leg and put her into surgery for stitches, while Lorelai was asked to leave the operating room. She returned to the waiting room and took a seat next to Luke, while she let out a long exasperated sigh. Luke himself, had his head down, nearly between his knees.

"Hey, you okay?" She asked, managing a chuckle.

"Yeah…I'm just not big on hospitals. They freak me out," He nodded, looking up momentarily. "But I should be asking you that question."

"No, I'll be fine, I just…I'm scared, Luke," She honestly replied, wiping away some of her tears.

"She'll be fine. This is a good hospital. Rory will be stitched up and asking for a book to read in no time," Luke reassured her.

"Thanks," Lorelai laughed a little.

Then she pulled him into a hug. She looked into his eyes as they parted, and knew that he was there for her. Forever. Anytime, anywhere.

"Seriously, thank you. For everything. You're like…" She began, but stopped.

"Like…like what?" He asked.

"Well, I know this is stupid. But like a second dad to Rory, almost," She nodded.

Even though she'd only been living in Stars Hollow for about four days, she felt like she'd been there for a lifetime.

Author's Note: Aw. Now, I thought it was kind of fast for Lorelai to declare that Luke's becoming a second father to Rory, but it was a time of strife, where her emotions were at an extreme & Luke was being very caring. I'm not saying that Luke isn't like a real father to Rory or that it's not going to be like that, I just don't want any of you jumping down my throat. So review, be happy, and have a nice day!