Chapter 6

Richards security team came through and Rory arrived safe in Hartford two days later. The family decided that Chris and Lorelai should go first to get her and hopefully talk to her without her feeling overwhelmed by a crowd. Rory still has not talked to anyone since her call to Christopher.

Lorelai and Chris waited on the private runway for the plane to land. They sat in silence with so many thoughts running through their heads. It was finally Chris that broke the silence.

"I'm scared, Lor. What if she's not the same. Something isn't right and every scenario that plays in my head leaves me with a taste of my own vomit in the back of my throat."

Lorelai reached over and grabbed his hand. "I'm scared too, Chris. But, she is ok and we will be here for her every step of the way. Now, I know it's in my nature to ask a thousand questions, but I promise I will back off. I will let her come to us and talk only when she's ready. I've been wondering if that is maybe why she called you instead of me. She thought I would be too much and that really breaks my heart."

"We don't know anything right now. And hopefully she will tell us what we need to know. I will respect her timetable as well. Look! That's her plane."

The two parents got out of the car and Chris held Lorelai while they waited in silence. They watched Rory descend the steps. She was being supported by one of what they could only assume was the security team; but regardless, she was standing up and walking on her own. All good signs as they still didn't know why she was in the hospital. She was pale and would only look at the ground. They slowly walked up to her.

"Hey hon, I'm so glad you are home. Are you hurt anywhere, can I give you a hug?"

Lorelai waited for her to answer, but nothing. Was she angry at her? It was Chris's turn to talk.

"Hey Rory, I know you said not to tell your mom; but, this was too big to keep from her. We all had to work together to get you home. Now, I know we haven't had a chance to figure anything out yet. We would really like for you to be seen at the hospital here before we take you home."

Finally, Rory made eye contact. "No more doctors. Dad, I would like to stay with you, I just want to be alone and that won't happen in Stars hollow."

Chris watched Lorelai's face as her eyes began to fill with tears. But, she managed to pull it together. She gave Chris a silent nod letting him know she agreed.

"Sure, kid. I understand. Let's get you home."

It's been two weeks since Rory came home. She still hasn't left Chris's home in Hartford. Emily was able to find a specialist that treated PTSD and would do home visits. Rory agreed to see him. She has had four sessions and nothing was changing. Doctor Anderson was encouraging, he told them it takes time. She was starting to talk more to family, but still had not shared any of the details of what happened. Richard and Emily had visited twice as they knew she really needed her space and time to process what happened. They were trying to be respectful of that. Lorelai was really struggling; it was as if Rory was keeping her at arms length. She and Luke would come every other day, sometimes just Lorelai. It seemed Rory would talk to everyone but her and it was slowly killing her inside. She desperately wanted to help. She couldn't understand what she could have done to upset her so much.

Another month went by with little change. Doctor Anderson made a bold suggestion that did not sit well with the family. He suggested to Chris and Lorelai they get Rory into an apartment in New York. His reasoning was to get her back into her normal life and hopefully she would come out of the state she was in sooner. Richard and Emily thought it was absurd to send the girl into the city alone right now. It was Rory who finally spoke up and said she would like to try it. She still wasn't communicating much, but she knew she wasn't even close to the person she used to be and while she may never be that person again, she hoped she could try to have a life again. The family discussed some must haves, and a secured building with a doorman that controlled all access was at the top of the list. Rory had two criteria of her own, she asked the building be downtown and that it be rented under a different name. Since the incident, reporters everywhere were sniffing around trying to find out what happened. Mr. Styles was doing his best keeping the details he knew private. He had spoken to Rory just recently and told her that she needed to take all the time she needed, but she would have a job with him should she ever decide to return.

It was a week later when Chris found himself signing a rental agreement with a building owner in downtown New York. It was a beautiful penthouse apartment, top of the line security, and the best part it was across the street from the New York Times building and Huntzberger Publishing Group. Rory hasn't so much as written an e-mail since her return. He thought being in the heart of the publishing business could possibly inspire her to write again.

"Mr. Hayden, we normally require a background investigation for all tenants. However, when you get a personal letter from the wife of former Supreme Court Justice Straub Hayden, personally vouching for this young lady, I know it will be fine. Straub and Francine have been family friends for years."

"Thank you, Mr. Huntzberger."

"Please, call me Logan. Mr. Huntzberger is my father."

"Thank you, Logan. Can I ask, how is this apartment available? In this location, I can only imagine it would be a highly sought after location for business executives."

"Aw, yes, it most certainly is. But you see, I own the building and my apartment is the other penthouse apartment across the hall. And my friends, well they tend to visit more than most and they are not always quiet. I've been trying to convince a good friend that he should just get that apartment, but it's apparently much more fun to invade my space. So, it's been used as overflow in the past for my guests. But, I assure you, it will be thoroughly cleaned and will be ready for move-in in two days."

"That sounds good. And, security is our top priority. Nobody comes and goes without clearance, correct? I mean, she's not a criminal in hiding or anything. It's just privacy is very important."

"Yes, I assure you, it's the best. There are 3 doormen that rotate shifts, they are all the best of the best. They have strict procedures to follow. I also have a live feed of the security footage of the building that I can pull up at any time on my phone or laptop. She…. uh, Miss Haymore, is the only person that can identify who can enter the building besides her."

"Very good, that's exactly what we need."

"Okay then, I'm not sure I'll be here when you move in on Friday. But, the doorman will have all the information. Feel free to ask for any assistance you may need. My personal cell is on the contract, you can call me as well."

"Thank you, Logan."

"Good-bye Mr. Hayden."

"It's Chris, please."

"Good-bye, Chris."

Chris left the building more than relieved. It was everything he was looking for and more. Now, Logan on the other hand new something didn't smell right with all this. He made a note to have his good friend Collin run a background investigation on her any way. The reporter in him needed to know what he just signed up for. Even though the $100,000 non-refundable deposit wasn't a bad chunk of change for a half days work.

Author note: FINALLY! It feels like it took forever to get all the history down. Now, it starts getting a little more interesting. Thanks for reading!