Hey guys! Couldn't sleep last night so I did a lot of writing instead. Got this chapter and half of the next one done. I will update soon.
On Sunday morning, Lorelai was running around the house making sure that April didn't leave anything behind. She had left Elise and Jack with Rory for a bit so she could steal a few minutes away with her step-daughter. She poked her head into April's room and saw her sitting on her bed folding up some clothes to put in her suitcase.
"How's it going in here?" Lorelai asked as she slipped in the room and closed the door behind her, "Almost all packed?"
April smiled softly at her, "I think so. Need to grab the rest of my laundry out of the dryer in a few minutes. And then I should be done…"
Lorelai nodded and sat next to her on the bed, "How are you feeling?"
April shrugged, "Okay. I mean it's weird...I've been away from home before. I've moved...I've been to sleep away camps. But this feels different, ya know?"
Lorelai nodded, "Of course it does. This is a big step in your life hon. You're an adult now! It's scary and it's okay to feel scared. But no matter where you go...we're all still here for you."
April nodded back, "I know. And that means a lot…" She laughed softly, "It's crazy to think how much my life has changed already in the last six years."
"And it's just beginning…" Lorelai said giving her a smile as she squeezed her hand, "I meant what I said April. You are about to take the world by storm and I can't wait to see what amazing things you do. I'm so proud of you. Your Dad is too."
April swallowed hard, "Are you guys going to be okay?"
Lorelai scooted closer to her, "Yes. We are. You don't need to worry about a thing. Just get settled in at school...and when things calm down we will all come visit you." She paused and lowered her eyes to look at her more closely, "You know it's not too late to ask your Dad to come with you. You know he will."
April shook her head, "No...I want him here with you. It's only been a few days since Chris got out...he needs to be here."
Lorelai frowned, "You know I love you for making that decision. But I can't help but feel guilty about it."
"You shouldn't." April said shaking her head again, "Knowing he is going to be here to watch after you will be a big weight off my shoulders. I'll be able to focus on school and meeting new friends if I don't have to worry about what's going on here…"
Lorelai nodded and took a deep breath, "I understand that. But I still feel bad…"
"You'll be out to visit before you know it." April said with a smile, "And Mom already agreed to let me stay for my entire Christmas break with you guys. She's going to be out here for part of it anyway visiting family so I'll still see her. It's okay with you, right?"
"Of course it is. You know you are welcome here anytime. We love when you visit. Especially Jack and Elise. Jack is already protesting the fact that you're leaving again." She said with a smile, "He said he wants to go to your new school instead of his…"
April laughed, "I can't believe he is going to kindergarten already...doesn't seem possible."
"I know." Lorelai said with a pout, "My only little boy is growing up and will be heading to college like you before I know it…"
April smiled, "You've got a bit of time before you need to start worrying about that…"
Lorelai sighed dramatically, "But it goes by so fast...and I'm getting old."
"If you're getting old than I'm ancient." Luke said as he stepped into the room, "So stop saying that."
Lorelai glared at him playfully, "You are ancient babe."
He rolled his eyes as April laughed, "You're always so sweet with me. No wonder I married you…"
Lorelai shrugged and stuck her tongue out at him, "You knew who I was when you married me mister. Your problem not mine."
He chuckled and walked over to them, "I just talked to your Mom. She is going to meet you at the airport in New Mexico. She said she's got the rest of yourself all packed and ready for the drive out to California."
April nodded, "Sounds good."
"You're absolutely sure it's okay that I don't go?" Luke asked skeptically.
April nodded again, "Yes. I was just explaining to Lorelai that will actually make me feel a lot better knowing you are here. I want to know my family is safe...then I won't have to worry about it while I'm at school."
Luke smiled and put a hand on her shoulder, "You are going to have so much fun April. You don't have to worry about a thing here…"
April's eyes welled up with tears, "I know...but I still do."
"Aw hon…" Lorelai said scooting closer to her, "Everything is going to be fine...and I'm not just talking about this whole Christopher thing. You are going to love school...and Christmas break will be here before you know it. You'll be back home with us and you'll be begging to head back to school."
April laughed, "I don't know about that…"
"Lorelai is right...you are going to love it." Luke said leaning down to kiss the top of her head, "But you know we'll come right out there if you need us."
April swallowed hard, "I know…"
"April!" They heard Jack yell from the other side of her bedroom door, "Can I come in?"
April smiled, "Of course. Come in in buddy."
Jack swung the door open and Lorelai noticed he had his favorite stuffed animal at his side. She watched curiously as he walked over to the bed and tapped on Lorelai's knee signaling he wanted to come up. She smiled and lifted her son onto her lap, he sat facing his sister and smiled at her.
"You should take Oscar with you." He said holding out the bunny to her, "You're going to be far away from home and he'll keep you company."
April took the bunny and held it in her lap, "But Jack...he's your favorite. You sleep with him every night! I can't take him with me…"
Jack leaned against his Mom and sighed, "I'm heading to Kindergarten now...I need to be brave. I need to be a big boy."
Lorelai smiled and wrapped her arms around her son, "That's very sweet of you to offer him to April buddy...but just because you're going to Kindergarten doesn't mean you can't have him anymore. Are you sure you want her to take him?"
Jack nodded slowly, "Mhm. Because she'll be on her own and I still have you and Daddy if I get scared. I don't need him anymore."
April smiled and put the bunny on top of her bag, "Come here Jack…"
Jack crawled from his Mother's lap to his sister's and Luke stepped over to Lorelai to wrap his arm around her. He smiled happily when he watched April envelop her brother in her arms and squeeze him tight.
"I love you bud." She said against his curly dark hair, "You're the best. And I'm going to miss you."
Jack hugged her back, "Can we facetime all the time?"
April laughed, "Of course."
"And Daddy…" He turned to smile at his Dad, "Rory said there is a Disneyland near where April goes to school." He pouted like she had taught him, "Can we go there when we visit?"
Luke laughed, "I don't see why not…"
"Yes!" Jack yelled as he turned in his sister's lap, "I gotta thank Rory for teaching me the pout."
Luke shook his head as he scooped up his son and threw him over his shoulder, "Come on mister...let's go take Paul Anka out before we leave for the airport."
Lorelai smiled and stood up, "I'll get the rest of your laundry and help you finish pack."
April nodded and then called out to her again, Lorelai turned and smiled at her from the door as April whispered, "I'm going to miss you too…"
Lorelai winked at her, "Face time isn't just for Jack hon. You can talk me anytime. Day or night...I'm always here."
April smiled and gave her a small nod before turning back to her packing. Once they were all ready, Luke, April and Jack got in the truck to drive to the airport. And Rory, Elise and Lorelai followed behind them in Lorelai's car. They helped April with her bags, helped her get checked in and waited until the last possible minute to say their goodbyes.
April picked up Elise first and gave her a kiss on her chubby little cheek, "Don't grow up to much pretty girl. And don't you forget about me…"
Lorelai smirked, "I could start singing that song right now...what a classic!"
Luke rolled his eyes, "Please don't…"
She scoffed and slapped his arm, "Mean. I have a beautiful voice."
Rory chuckled and stepped up to her sister, "You have a safe flight. And have so much fun! Get yourself out there in the first few weeks, okay? That's when you'll meet the most people. Don't stress too much over classes…"
Lorelai laughed, "Because you didn't stress AT ALL."
Luke chuckled, "Seriously...you were always so calm when it came to school and grades. Never stressed for a second."
Rory glared at them both, "Would you two be quiet? I'm trying to have a sister moment here."
Lorelai and Luke stepped back with Jack and Elise and laughed, "Sorry...continue." Lorelai said with a laugh.
Rory smiled and turned back to her sister, "As I was saying...don't stress too much over classes. Remember to have fun. But not to much fun...never take a drink from a stranger or one that you have put down and walked away from."
"Or don't drink at all." Luke said under his breath from behind them.
Lorelai nudged him, "Shh…"
April smiled, "I'll try and remember to have fun."
Rory nodded and then pursed her lips, "And my final piece of advice is...don't steal any yachts."
Lorelai groaned, "Really?"
Rory turned to look at her, "Too soon?"
Lorelai laughed and walked over to them just as they finished hugging and Rory took Elise, "You are going to have so much fun." She said pulling her in for a tight hug, "But remember what I said...day or night you call me. And your Dad and I will be on the next plane out there. Okay?"
April swallowed hard as she hugged her tight, "Okay…" She sniffled as she pulled away slowly, "You're going to be okay?"
Lorelai smiled and brushed some hair out of her face, "Yes. I am. Thanks for letting me keep your Dad...I appreciate it more than you know."
April nodded and hugged her again, "Just stay safe, okay?"
"I will." Lorelai said squeezing her tight, "That goes for you too, alright?"
"I will." April said as she pulled away and wiped at her eyes, she started to cry again when she saw her Dad's face. "Dad…"
He stepped up to her and Lorelai walked back to the rest of the kids, "Be smart okay. I don't just mean book smart because I never have to worry about that with you. All those things Rory said...I agree with. And I'll add stay away from all boys because they are just too much trouble. But if you do fall for some idiot...and he breaks your heart...call me and I'll come kill him."
"Dad!" April said as she pushed him back, "God you're the worst…"
He sighed and tried to smile, "I just...I want you to be happy kid."
April swallowed hard and wrapped her arms around him tightly, "I love you Dad."
He closed his eyes and kissed the side of her face, "I love you too. Call us when you land."
"I will." She said pulling away just enough to see Jack standing beside them, "Hey little man…" She knelt down and ruffled his curls, "Man I'm gonna miss you…"
Jack frowned a little, "Can I come with you?"
April shook her head, "I'm afraid not buddy. Besides...you are going to love kindergarten! You don't' want to miss that. And I can't wait to hear all about it. I want to hear every single thing you do, okay?"
Jack sighed, "Okay…"
April pulled him in for a hug, "I love you little brother. Thanks for letting me have Oscar. He'll be safe with me."
Jack hugged her back, "Love you April…"
She squeezed her eyes tight and let him hug her for another minute before she lifted him up and handed him to her Dad. They heard her flight number being called and she gave them all a quick wave before picking up her bag and walking to the gate.
Lorelai stepped up behind Luke and put her chin on his shoulder, "You okay babe?"
He sighed, "Yeah...she's going to be okay."
Lorelai nodded and rubbed his back gently, "She's a smart kid Luke...she's got this."
He turned to look at her with a small smile, "Hey...you wanna stop at the bakery you like so much before we head home?"
She squealed with delight, "I knew there was a reason I married you!"
He chuckled, "What do you say Jack Jack? You wanna get a treat before we leave?"
"I didn't even have to pout! How cool is that!" Jack said as he clapped his hands excitedly, "Let's go Dad! What are we waiting for?"
He laughed and kissed his son's cheek before he led his family minus April back out of the airport. Things were changing but that didn't mean they wouldn't be able to handle it all. They would do it together…
The following morning, Rory pulled herself out of bed. Filled up on her fill of Rory pancakes and packed up the car before her long drive back to New York City. She said her quick goodbyes to Elise and Jack thanked Luke for keeping an eye on her Mom and then slipped off to the car to have a moment alone with her Mom.
"How are you doing?" Rory asked as she put an arm on her shoulder.
Lorelai pouted, "Just wish you lived closer so I could know that you are safe…"
Rory sighed, "I'm going to be fine Mom...he won't dare come see me. I made myself very clear when I told him I was done with him…"
Lorelai nodded, "I know you're right...but I'm your Mom. It's my job to worry. No matter how old you get...I will always worry."
Rory smiled, "I know...and that's why you're the best Mom in the world."
"I believe I have a few dozen handmade things that say that exact thing…" Lorelai said with a smirk, "So I guess you're right."
Rory smiled and pulled her closer, "You gonna be okay? I know you've had a lot of distractions lately...now will be the hard time...getting back to normal."
Lorelai nodded, "Luke says we need to get back to our normal routine...he says it will help."
Rory nodded, "I think he's right. The more normal you keep things the easier the next few weeks will be for you."
Lorelai smiled, "I don't want you worrying about things here either okay? I have Luke…"
Rory nodded, "I know. And believe me...I am very grateful for that." She took a deep breath, "You call me with any news, right?"
"Of course." Lorelai said leaning in to hug her tightly, "I love you kid."
"I love you too." Rory said giving her a tight squeeze, "Be safe okay...and try and relax."
"I will." She said kissing her cheek, "Drive safe and call me when you get there."
Lorelai pulled away and walked back to the porch as Rory pulled away. Luke smiled and walked up to her, he placed an arm around her shoulder and kissed the top of her head. "And then there were four again…"
She sighed and wrapped an arm around his waist, "I miss them both already."
Luke held her tight, "I know. I do too...but they'll be back soon. And we'll be so busy here we won't have much time to miss them."
She turned to face him slowly, "We're both going back to work tomorrow…"
Luke brushed hair out of her face, "Yep. And Jack and Elise will be with Babette until school starts for Jack."
She bit her lip nervously, "It just seems strange trying to go back to a routine…"
"I know." He said kissing her forehead gently, "But it's the best thing for us right now…"
She nuzzled his face against hers, "I don't know what I'd do without you Mr. Danes…"
"Well you're never going to have to find out. Because you're stuck with me." He said giving her hips a squeeze, "Come on...we have to crazy kids that still need us."
Lorelai smiled and let him lead her into the house, "Thank God for that…"
The following morning, Lorelai was tossing and turning in her bed. Her dreams were haunted by Christopher coming in and taking everyone she loved away from her. When her body and mind couldn't take anymore, she leapt off the bed and tried to catch her breath. She was soaked in sweat and she put a hand over her racing heart.
Turning slightly, she frowned when she saw Luke's side of the bed was empty. She threw the sheets off of her and quickly exited her room. She glanced in Elise's room first and noticed that her crib was empty. She ran to Jack's room and saw no sign of her son either.
"Luke!" She yelled in panic as she turned and ran back to the hallway, "Jack!"
She ran down the stairs and searched frantically throughout the living room. Paul Anka quickly ran to her side and barked but she ignored him and continued on her hunt of the house for her family. The tears were burning in her eyes as she tried to steady herself as she looked in room after room only to find them all empty.
"Luke!" She screamed louder as her sobs began to wrack her body.
The back door opened and Luke poked his head in, "Hey…" He stopped when he saw the fear all over her face, "Lorelai?"
She let out a breath and launched herself at him, wrapping her arms as tight as possible around his neck, "Where were you? Where are Jack and Elise? I couldn't find anyone!"
He held her close and tried his best to soothe her, "Hey...shh...I'm sorry. We're here...Jack wanted breakfast on the porch. It was still early so I didn't want to wake you up…" He felt her trembling in his arms as he tried to steady her, "Breath Lorelai...it's okay...you're okay…"
She continued to cry as she clung to him, "I had all these horrible dreams that Chris kept coming and taking you all away from me. And I couldn't do anything about it. I was just standing there screaming and you were all gone. And then I woke up and I couldn't see any of you...Oh God."
"Honey…" Luke said as he backed her further into the house to try and get her to sit, "Breath...you're going to make yourself sick."
She shook her head and clung to him harder, "Luke…"
He pulled a chair out from the kitchen table and sat her down before he went to get her a cup of water, "Drink this…"
She reluctantly took a sip of her water and then put the cup on the table, "God what is wrong with me?" She said as she put her head in her hands, "I'm losing it."
Luke knelt down in front of her and tried to pull her hands away from her face, "It's okay...I'm right here. The kids are fine. We're all fine...we knew that you were going to have some bad days. I told you I'd be right here for them, right?"
She gulped as she tried to calm herself, "I don't want the kids to see me like this…"
He sighed and nodded as he stood up, "Why don't you go upstairs and take a bath. I'll call Sookie and tell her that you need another day…"
She shook her head, "I need to get back to work. You said we need to get back to our routine…"
He knelt down again and brushed the tears out of her eyes, "Lorelai you can't go to work like this. Sookie will understand…"
She sucked in her bottom lip, "You should go to the Diner."
He shook his head, "I don't want to leave you alone like this...it would kill me."
She shook her head again, "Luke one of us has to go back to work...I'll...I'll be okay."
He sighed and readjusted the cap on his head, "Maybe your Mom can come by?"
She thought about it for a moment, "Um...I don't know if she'd want to do that."
He gave her a look before continuing, "You know she wants to help you with this...you two have gotten so close in the last few years. It would make me feel better to know she was with you anyway. And then I'll drop by after the lunch rush to check on you."
She sighed and nodded her head knowing he was right, she wasn't ready to go back to work. "Okay…"
He leaned forward and kissed the side of her face, "I love you."
She breathed him in and let him lift her up off the chair, "I love you too."
"You go upstairs and take your bath." He said brushing her hair out of her face, "I'll call your Mom. Do you want me to still bring the kids to Babette's or do you want them to stay here?"
"Here." Lorelai said holding her arms around herself, "I want them with me."
He nodded and kissed her again, "Okay. I'll call Babette then too. Go ahead. I'll be right down here if you need me."
She gave him a nervous smile and began her journey back upstairs to their bathroom. She began to fill the tub with water and waited until it was warm enough to add the bubbles. When it was ready, she slipped in and rested her head against the back of the tub and tried to will the tears to stay away. She was exhausted even though she had slept through the night. Her dreams had drained her…
After about ten minutes Luke peeked his head in the room and knelt down in front of the tub with a cup of coffee for her, "You're Mom is on her way."
Lorelai sighed and rolled her head to the side to be able to look at him better, "Okay…"
He ran a hand through her wet hair and frowned, "How are you feeling now?"
"Stupid." She said with a laugh, "Really stupid…"
He shook his head, "You shouldn't...you're entitled to your feelings Lorelai. This is a lot to handle…"
"He's been out for five days...he hasn't shown his face. Why do I still think he's out there waiting to make a move?" She said as she started to sniffle again.
He sighed again, "I think you should call your counselor again…I'll go with you if you want. But this isn't healthy for you to be getting this upset...I want to help you. But I don't think anything I say is really going to help the way you need it too."
She leaned into his hand and sighed, "I'm so sorry Luke…"
He leaned in and kissed her, "You have nothing to apologize for beautiful girl. I just...I just hate seeing you like this. It breaks my heart…"
She closed her eyes and breathed him in, "I'll call today."
He nodded and kissed her forehead again, "Thank you."
She bit her lip and nervously whispered, "What did you tell the kids?"
"I just said they were going to hang out with you and Grandma today. Believe me there was no tears shed. They are quite happy actually…" He said wiping at her tears.
She sighed and rolled her head to the back of the tub again, "Okay…"
"I can stay…" He whispered as he watched her, missing the usual smile that lit up her face, "Just say the words and I'll stay right here with you. I don't care about the damn Diner…"
She shook her head and smiled softly at him, "No...you need to go. I'll be okay here with Mom and the kids."
He sighed and nodded, "Fine. But I'm coming after lunch and closing early."
She smiled at him, "I wouldn't expect anything less from you…"
He frowned and took her soapy hand in his, "I'd do anything to make you happy...you know that right? Anything at all…"
She swallowed hard and nodded, "I know. You're not the one making me unhappy Luke...he is."
He hung his head sadly, "I know…"
She sat up slowly just enough to kiss his ear gently, "That doesn't mean I want you to go after him...don't' get any ideas."
He groaned, "I know...and I won't. But I can still wish he was dead."
She smiled against his ear and kissed it again, "I love you."
He lifted his head and leaned forward to kiss her lips, "I love you too." He stood up, handed her her coffee and winked at her, "I'm not leaving until your mom gets here. So don't rush. I got it covered downstairs."
"Thanks babe." She said lifting the mug to her lips, "You're the best."
He smiled and walked to the door before making his way back downstairs. Thirty minutes later, there was a knock on the front door and he quickly went to answer it. He smiled at Emily as she walked in he noticed she seemed frightened and anxious.
"How is she?" Emily asked as she looked around the house.
Luke sighed and put his hands in his pockets, "She's...better than she was when she woke up. She just took a bath...she'll probably be down shorty. Thank you for coming over...I know it means a lot to her. And it gives me peace of mind to know she won't be alone."
"Of course I came." Emily said smiling at him, "I've been wanting to do more...be here more for her. But truthfully I haven't known what I should say…"
Luke shook his head, "You don't have to say anything Emily...she is just happy to have you here with her." He glanced into the living room where Jack and Elise were playing, "I'll be back to check in on things after the lunch rush. And then I'm planning on closing up early. But if anything happens in between or she gets really upset again...don't hesitate to call me. I'll come right back."
Emily smiled at him, "You're a wonderful husband. Thank you for taking such good care of my daughter Luke…"
He blushed and looked down at the floor between his feet, "I just wish I could make this all go away...I hate to see her like this."
"I know." Emily said putting a gentle hand on his arm, "We all do. But she'll be okay...she'll make it through just like she always does."
He nodded slowly and then started to walk into the living room, "Hey kids, look who's here."
"Grandma!" Jack yelled as he ran to her, "What are we going to do today?"
Emily smiled and leaned into her grandson, "Anything you want to do my boy."
Luke smiled and picked up Elise, "Elise has been changed recently. They have both been fed. There's plenty of food in the fridge for snacks and lunch…" He glanced around, "You know where the stroller and everything is if you decide to go out…am I missing anything?"
Emily could tell he was finding it hard to leave when Lorelai so clearly needed him. But she also knew that it was important for them to start back into their daily life sooner rather than later. "We will be just fine Luke. Don't worry. Besides, Lorelai will be with me too."
"I'll just run up and tell her I'm leaving…" Luke whispered nervously.
"I'm right here." Lorelai said as she descended the stairs and gave him a warm smile, "Hey Mom. Thanks for coming."
Luke handed Elise to Emily and turned back to his wife, "You call me if you need me."
She smiled and put her hands on his strong arms, "I will."
He squinted his eyes at her, "I can still stay…"
She shook her head and leaned up to kiss him, "Go. I'm okay. I promise…"
He sighed and kissed her back, "I'll be back soon."
She nodded quickly and pushed him back slightly, "We'll be here…"
He leaned in, gave her one more quick kiss and said his goodbye's to Elise and Jack. He said thank you to Emily and quickly left the house before he could change his mind. Lorelai took a deep breath and looked around the room trying to think of something to say.
"Have you eaten yet?" Emily asked her daughter as she watched her and tried to gage her emotions.
Lorelai shook her head, "I'm not that hungry actually…"
Emily nodded, "Well it's a beautiful day...we could go play down by the lake."
Lorelai smiled, "I'd like that. What do you think Jack Jack? Is that a good idea?"
"Yeah!" He said excitedly, "I'm going to go get ready."
Lorelai smiled and scooped up Elise to put her in her bathing suit. Emily called after her that she would get some drinks for the kids for them to take. Twenty minutes later they were walking through the backyard down to the water and setting up by the edge. Jack loved to play at the water's edge and throw little pebbles and sticks into the water to see how far they could go. Lorelai sat down and set up Elise between her legs as she tried to breath in the fresh air and keep herself calm again.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Emily asked softly as she watched her grandson.
Lorelai sighed and reached for Elise's hat to put on her head, "I'm just afraid…"
"That he will come after you?" Emily asked as she finally turned towards her daughter.
Lorelai shook her head, "Not really. To be honest...I don't care if he does. I'll deal with that. It's if he goes after anyone else in my family...that's what I'm afraid of."
Emily pursed her lips and looked back out at the water, "When you were very young...your Nanny and I took you to the grocery store. I was having a big dinner party and I wanted to make sure that we didn't forget anything you needed. I doubt you even remember this...but I let go of your hand for a moment and you began to talk to the man in the Bakery. When I turned back around...you were gone."
Lorelai frowned, "I don't remember that…"
Emily smiled, "You couldn't have been more than two...I swear my heart stopped. The place was packed that day and I didn't see you anywhere. I remember I started running all over the place...left my wallet and purse hanging out for anyone to take. But I didn't care. I needed to find you. I was screaming...people probably thought I was crazy."
Lorelai pulled her daughter close and kissed the top of her head, "Mom…"
"It was probably only two minutes total that you were gone...but I swear it felt like years." She laughed slightly to herself as she turned back to Lorelai, "And then I found you...with your hand in one of the penny candy holders."
Lorelai blushed, "Go figure...should have been the first place you looked."
Emily laughed, "Yes well...the point is it scared me half to death thinking that something had happened to you. Despite our past...anytime you have been in pain has killed me. Especially when you left with Rory…" She swallowed hard and looked down at her hands, "I know I made a lot of mistakes with you...and I regret that. But I thought I was doing the right thing...I thought I was just protecting you." She frowned, "Turns out I was pushing you towards the one man that would hurt you the most…"
Lorelai sighed, "Mom...none of us could have predicted that Christopher would do something like this. It's not anyone's fault…"
Emily glanced back up, "I know...but it still hurts to see you in such pain. As your Mother I wish I could take it all away. I wish I could make him pay for what he has done…"
Lorelai it her lip and glanced over at her son, "I know what you meant about wanting to protect me...I look at Elise and Jack...even April and Rory and I just wish…" She choked back a sob and tried to keep her composure, "I just wish I could keep them in this little bubble. I wish I could make sure that nothing bad ever happens to them...I don't want their hearts to be broken. I want to know that they will always safe. Because they are so special...and they deserve nothing but the absolute best."
"So do you." Emily said swallowing hard, "And I know it's hard...but unfortunately pain is part of life sometimes. At some point...they will feel that pain. And it will kill you...but you'll make it through because as a family you are so strong."
Lorelai nodded, "Hey Mom?"
Emily smiled at her and nodded, "Yes?"
"Thank you for being here...it means a lot to me. It makes it a little easier…" She said reaching over to take her hand, "And I just...I want you to know that I appreciate you. And I love you."
Emily swallowed hard and squeezed her daughter's hand, "I love you too Lorelai...I always have."
Lorelai smiled and wiped a tear away. Elise turned and took her Mother's face in her hands and gave her a sloppy kiss on the lips making both Emily and Lorelai laugh, "Aww thank you baby girl. I love you too. Yes I do." She said tickling her side.
"Love." Elise said as she giggled and nuzzled her Mother.
Lorelai took a deep breath and looked back at her son who was laughing as he played and reminded herself that her life was good. And despite all the bumps in the road, she had made it to this very moment in time. No matter what came next, her mother was right. Her family was strong and they would handle it together.
A little after six, Lorelai and Emily were sitting on the back porch with Elise and Jack as they ate their dinner. Lorelai smiled when she heard Luke's truck pull into the driveway and his familiar footsteps rounding the porch. She took a deep breath and noticed how her body began to relax when she finally saw him walking towards her.
"Hey…" She whispered as he leaned down to kiss her.
Luke smiled and gave her a wink before he turned back to the kids, "How's dinner guys?"
"Good! Mommy makes good mac and cheese!" Jack said through a large mouthful of food.
Luke chuckled, "I taught her how to stir things…"
Lorelai rolled her eyes, "Shush…"
He smiled and sat down next to her on the open seat, "Sookie came by the Diner. She said you can take tomorrow off too if you want."
Lorelai shook her head, "No...I need to get back to work. I can't hide here forever...it will become too easy to do."
He nodded, "Well only if you are sure…" He cleared his throat nervously, "Did you make an appointment?"
She smiled at him, "Yes. I'm going on Thursday after work."
Luke nodded, "Good. That's good. Do you want me to come with you?"
"You can drop the kids off at our house if you want." Emily said with a shrug, "Or your Dad and I can come here."
"Mom I can't ask you to give up another night for me…" Lorelai said with a frown.
Emily rolled her eyes, "Nonsense. I want to take care of them. Besides...I was thinking...your anniversary is this weekend."
Lorelai's eyes widened, "Oh wow...I honestly almost completely forgot." She turned back to Luke with a frown, "Sorry...that sounded bad."
He laughed and shook his head, "It's okay...you've been preoccupied. I'll forgive you this once."
"Why don't you let the kids stay with us for a night? You two could use some time alone…" Emily said with a shrug, "Besides your Dad and I love having them over."
Lorelai bit her lip, "You're sure?"
"I promise they will be quite safe with us." Emily said smiling at her, "You should do this for yourself Lorelai…"
Lorelai glanced back at Luke, "Well...what do you think?"
He smiled and leaned his elbows against his knees, "You know that I'm always happy to spend time with just you. But if you aren't ready for that yet...then we can wait and celebrate another time. Whatever you want to do is fine with me."
Lorelai took a deep breath, "It would be nice…"
He smiled and brushed her hair aside, "So does that mean you want to do it?"
Lorelai glanced back at her Mom, "You're absolutely sure?"
Emily nodded, "Absolutely."
Lorelai smiled, "Okay. Let's do it…"
Luke smiled and leaned forward to kiss her temple, "Do you want us to bring them to you? Or would you rather stay here?"
Emily was quiet for a moment, "Well actually...would you feel more comfortable with them being here? Christopher is in Hartford…"
Lorelai bit her lip as she felt her pace quicken, "I didn't even think about that…"
Luke put a hand on her back and rubbed soothing circles, "So then why don't you guys come here? We don't have to go out for the entire night...just for a few hours."
"You could stay at the Inn." Emily said with a shrug, "Or don't you have the bed still at your old apartment?"
Luke nodded, "I do…"
Lorelai smiled and turned to smile at her husband, "You can take me to Sniffys and then back to the old apartment…"
Luke smiled as he remembered their very first date, "Is that what you want to do?"
She leaned forward and kissed him gently, "Yes please…"
Luke smiled and kissed her back, "Then it sounds like a plan to me…"
Lorelai smiled and turned back to her Mom, "Thanks Mom...not just for that. But for today too...for everything."
Emily smiled and began to stand up, "Anytime Lorelai...it was a great day with my beautiful grandchildren and daughter." She leaned over and kissed Elise's head and then Jack, "I'll see you both on Friday okay? We'll have a sleepover!"
Jack smiled, "Can we make ice cream sundaes?"
"I don't see why not!" Emily said smiling at him, "And I know for a fact that Grandpa will have no objection to that."
Jack smiled, "That's gonna be awesome!"
Emily laughed and kissed him again, "Yes it will be sweet boy. See you in a few days. Be good for Mommy and Daddy."
Emily turned to her daughter and held out her arms, Lorelai stood up and gave her a hug, "Thanks Mom."
She gave her a squeeze, "You call me if you need me to come back tomorrow, okay?"
Lorelai smiled, "I will. Thanks."
Luke smiled and leaned forward to give his mother-in-law a hug, "Thank you Emily…"
"It was my pleasure." She said hugging him back, "Now take care of my girl…"
Luke put his arm around Lorelai and smiled, "That's the plan…"
Emily gave them all a wave and then walked around the porch to the front yard and out to her car. Lorelai sighed and turned in his arms to give him a proper hug which he gladly reciprocated.
"How are you feeling now?" He asked rubbing her back, "Any better?"
"It was good to have my Mom here…" Lorelai said as she pulled away, "I think I'm just going to have to take this one day at a time…" She smiled up at him, "It helps to have something to looking forward to...Friday will be nice."
He smiled at her, "Yes it will be...we can recreate our very first date."
She beamed up at him, "It was a really great first date…"
"I couldn't agree more." He said leaning forward to kiss her, "I hope you know I plan on ending the night the same way we did back then…"
She smiled and pecked his lips, "Of course…"
He caressed her cheek softly, "You eat yet?"
"No. I was waiting for you." She said with a small smirk.
"You mean you were waiting for me to cook for you, right?" He asked with a laugh.
She pouted softly, "Yes…"
He laughed and kissed her again, "There's food in the car...I didn't bring it in in case you were already eating."
She smiled and kissed him gently, "Best husband ever."
He smiled and patted her behind as she walked out to the car, "You remember that." He watched her walk away and was happy to see the smile once again on her face, he sat next to Elise and kissed the top of her head, "And how are my favorite kiddos?"
"Did you bring any pie?" Jack asked as he pushed his bowl into the middle of the table.
Luke laughed as he shook his head in disbelief, "God you are so much like your Mother…"
"So is that a yes?" Jack asked as he turned his head to the side.
Luke opened his mouth to speak but he could hear Lorelai yell, "Jack! Daddy brought us pie!"
"Yes!" Jack yelled as he jumped down from his seat, "I hope we still have whipped cream!"
Luke could only laugh as he lifted his daughter from her seat and stared at her, "Please don't inherit their ridiculous eating habits…"
"Ows cream." Elise said as she reached out to him with her sticky fingers.
Luke rolled his eyes, "Oh fine...come on you…"
Luke lifted his daughter and walked into the house and smiled to himself. This was exactly where he was supposed to be…
Okay! I will get to work on finishing the next chapter asap! It will be uploaded tomorrow or Friday at the latest :)