As always thanks for the feedback :) Will try and update soon!
Two days later, the Danes family was falling into a routine and rhythm when it came to helping Jack. Most of the time he was okay, but seemed to struggle at night. They had agreed that he would either sleep in Lorelai and Luke's room until he was ready, or someone would sleep with him in his room.
One morning, Lorelai and Luke were awake and sitting at the kitchen table. Luke had made himself tea and Lorelai some coffee. Last night, Jess had slept with his cousin in his room to make him feel safe.
Lorelai lifted the cup of coffee to her mouth before whispering, "Luke...as much as I love having April, Jess and Rory here...they have to return to their lives at some point."
Luke sighed and began to stir his tea, "I know...but I don't think they are going to leave willingly."
Lorelai took a sip of the drink and nodded, "Probably not...but we need to talk to them about it. April needs to get back to school...and Rory and Jess need to get back to work."
"They are going to want to come back when the trial does happen." Luke said softly, "Jess already told me that last night…"
"I know. But that could be weeks or months from now. We don't know…" She said with a frown, "I don't want them to leave...but I it's probably the right thing to do."
"I know." Luke said leaning his elbows on the counter, "April will be the hardest to convince...she is going to be so far away."
"I was thinking that too…" She said sadly, "But this should be an exciting time for her...she's so smart I know she can catch up quickly."
Luke opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by April walking into the room, "I don't want to leave yet."
Lorelai and Luke looked back at her, "April…" Lorelai started, "Hon...we love having you here. But you can't stay forever…"
April sighed and went to sit with them at the table, "I don't care about school. My family is more important. School can wait...it will still be there when I'm ready to go back."
"But you were so excited about school." Luke said softly to her, "I know you love your brother...and you want to be here...but what is this really about?"
April pulled her feet up onto the chair and rested her head on her knees, "I liked the school when I looked at it..and it was nice when I was there. But...it's so far away. It was hard being that far away before...but now with everything going on I'm not sure I want to be there."
Lorelai frowned and reached for her hand, "I know it's hard hon...but you weren't there that long before all this happened. Maybe you need to just give it some time. And we will come visit soon."
April wiped at her tears, "I'm afraid to be that far away...when Mom came to tell me what happened I felt sick to my stomach. I wanted to be here right away...but it took so damn long on the plane. I was going crazy. I don't want to be that far away…"
Luke sighed and leaned into his daughter, "April...you know that your Mom, Lorelai and I will support any decision you want to make. But...I don't want you to make a decision out of fear right now. Your school said you can start again next semester if you really wanted too...but I think this is something we need to think about. We can talk to your Mom...I don't want you to jump into something before you are ready."
April pouted, "I just...I want to be close to you guys. I'll be coming back for the trial whether you want me to or not. I'm not letting you guys go through this without me."
Lorelai looked at her husband and he smiled, "Of course we want you there April...if that's what you want." He whispered.
"It's what I want…" April said softly, "I want to be here…as long as it's okay with you guys that I stay."
Lorelai smiled and leaned over to her step-daughter, "This is just as much your home as your Mom's. You are ALWAYS welcome. You know that."
"I do." April said with a smile as she leaned into hug her, "I think I'm gonna go call Mom actually…"
"Okay." Lorelai said giving her hand a squeeze as she got up to walk away.
When April was out of the room, Luke sighed and rubbed a hand over his face, "I want April to be comfortable. But I also hate thinking that she is going to put off so much of her life because of all this. Because of Christopher…"
Lorelai frowned and walked over to sit on his lap, "I know hon...but I guess we have to remember that the rest of the kids are just as affected by this as we are. It's going to take time for all of us to process this. And maybe being so far away will be too much or April...she could start again in January...or transfer if that's what she feels is best. We need to talk to Anna…"
Luke held her close and rested his chin on her shoulder, "I know...I keep forgetting what this means for all of them too. Especially Rory…"
Lorelai frowned, "Rory doesn't want to talk about him at all really...and I don't want to push it. But I know she has a lot going on in her head…"
Luke rubbed her back soothingly, "I know...he's her father."
She gave him a squeeze, "You're her father…"
He smiled and lifted his face to kiss her cheek, "Maybe I am...but it still doesn't erase the fact that biologically he made her."
Lorelai rolled her eyes, "Yeah...that's about all he was good for. Hasn't done a damn thing for her since except break her heart…"
"Your Dad asked if you were going to tell her about the letter...about what he was planning on doing. I told him we hadn't really discussed it…" He whispered.
Lorelai was quiet for a moment, "I don't really want her to know...but at the same time I feel like it could come up at the trial. It's a piece of evidence...and I don't want her to find out that way. It's probably something she needs to hear from me...but how do I even begin to explain that to her?"
"I don't know. Because I still haven't really processed it." Luke said.
"Me either." She said with a pout, "I mean...I knew Christopher was weak. I knew he was a coward...but to just leave a child there all alone? And just hope that we would find him...he says he feels remorse but I don't believe that. How could anyone do something like that...leave a little boy to die on his own like that…"
"I don't know…" Luke whispered as he gave her hips a squeeze, "I will never understand a lot of the things that have gone through his mind…"
"Thank God for you…" Lorelai whispered as she reached for his face, "I don't know where Rory and I would have ended up without you Luke Danes...you were exactly what we needed."
Luke smiled at her, "From the moment I met the two of you...I was a goner. There was no getting away from either of you. I'd do anything to make you happy...then and now. I just wish I could make all this pain go away…"
"I know." She said as she kissed the top of his head, "And I love you for that…"
Luke tipped his head to kiss her, "Love you too…"
Lorelai pulled him closer again for another kiss but was interrupted by a knock on the front door. She smiled at Luke, gave him a quick peck and then got up to answer the door. She smiled when she saw her best friend Sookie standing on the other side with a basket of goodies.
"Hey Sook!" Lorelai said with a smile, "What is all this?"
"I made some of those cinnamon buns that Jack loves. Thought I'd bring them over." She said holding up the basket, "There's some cookies and stuff for later too…"
Lorelai beamed at her, "He will love that. Thanks Sookie. Wanna come in? Sorry I've been so M.I.A. lately…"
Sookie stepped into the house and waved her off, "Lorelai...you've had a hell of a lot going on. I didn't want to interrupt...just check in. How is he?"
Lorelai walked into the kitchen with her, "He's...dealing. He's still asleep right now. But he's doing good."
"Hey Sookie." Luke said from his spot at the table, "What's all that?"
"Made some goodies I know Jack likes." She said as she placed them on the table, "How are you guys doing?"
Lorelai pushed her chair closer to Luke and took his hand in hers, "We're getting by…"
Sookie shook her head as she sat down, "I don't know if I could be as strong as you two are. If it was one of my kids…" She sniffled slightly, "Hell even just knowing Jack was out there I was terrified. I think I'm smothering Davey and Martha...they are getting annoyed with me."
Luke smiled at her, "Someday they'll understand…parents would do anything for their kids."
"Good one's at least." Sookie said with a raised eyebrow, "Clearly not Christopher. I just can't believe he would stoop so low...I hated him before...but now I wish he was dead. How dare he do this to you guys?"
Lorelai sighed and leaned into the table, "You should hear Jack...he keeps saying he forgives him. He's so much stronger than we are...he said Christopher never had anyone to really love him. That he was looking for attention…"
Sookie placed a hand over her heart, "That sweet boy…"
Luke shook his head, "Despite everything he has been through...he still believes in the good in the world. And that is something I really want him to be able to hold onto."
"I can't even imagine it…" Sookie said softly, "How scared he must have been…"
Just then Jess walked into the room with Jack on his shoulders, "Morning Mommy."
Lorelai smiled up at Jack, "Hey buddy. Look what Auntie Sookie brought you! Lots of goodies!"
"Cinnamon buns?" Jack asked as he kicked his legs around Jess's head.
Sookie smiled up at him, "Yup! Got up early this morning and made a fresh batch! They should still be warm!"
"Thank you Auntie Sookie!" Jack said as Jess let him down on the ground, "Can I have one now Dad?"
"Sure bud." Luke said as he stood up to get a plate, he turned towards Jess, "Rory still asleep?"
Jess grimaced slightly, "Uh...don't think so. Walked by her room...sounded like she was crying...wasn't sure if I should go in there or not…"
Lorelai frowned, "I'll go." She paused and looked at Sookie, "You gonna hang around for a bit?"
Sookie nodded, "Yeah. Jackson took the kids to school. I'll be here."
"Great." She said giving her friend's arm a squeeze, she gave Luke a small smile, placed a kiss on Jack's head and then made her way towards the stairs.
She quietly walked towards the bedroom that April and Rory were currently sharing. She tapped on the door before poking her head in and finding her eldest daughter sitting up on the bed crying softly.
"Hey kid…" She whispered before walking into the room, "You okay?"
Rory quickly wiped at her eyes and tried to smile, "Hey...I'm fine. Where's Jack? You should be with-"
Lorelai ignored her and sat down beside her, "He's downstairs with Jess, Luke and Sookie. Elise is still asleep and April is on the phone with her Mom. I'm exactly where I should be. Tell me what's going on in that head of yours kiddo…"
Rory sighed and leaned against her Mother, even at her age she needed her just as she did when she was a kid. "Last night...Dad called me from jail."
"What?" Lorelai asked quickly, "When? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want to upset you. I didn't accept the call...and he tried again. But I don't want to talk to him. So this morning when I woke up...there was an email from his lawyer for me. Said Dad really wants to talk to me and try and explain." She said with an eye roll, "But really what is there to explain? He kidnapped my little brother! I don't care what his excuse is...nothing will ever make that okay."
Lorelai sighed and rubbed her arm gently, "Aw hon…"
"I'm just so frustrated. I always think I'm over it...that I'm past all his crap. And just when I think I've put it in the past he does something else stupid. And it shouldn't hurt as much as it does...but every time it's like a slap in the face. Why do I care so much Mom? Why can't I just let him go?" She asked as she started to sob.
Lorelai pulled her close, "Because no matter what he has done...he is your father Rory. And at the end of the day...you want him to be different. And you know I do too. I always wanted him to be a better father for you. I wanted him to show up when you needed him and to keep his promises. Never in my wildest dreams did I predict any of the last six years...I wish to God I could change it all for you. I wish I could make this better...but I can't babe."
"I know." Rory said sniffling slightly, "And you're already going through so much...I don't want to add to your stress."
Lorelai shook her head adamantly, "Hey...just because you're all grown up doesn't mean I wouldn't walk through fire for you kid. This whole situation doesn't just affect Jack...it's going to take all of us sometime to deal with it. You especially...he was and is your father."
"I hate him…" Rory whispered softly, "But I just want it to be different...I want it all to be different. I don't want this for Jack...or for any of us."
"I know." Lorelai said giving her a squeeze, "You know that Luke and I will support any decisions you make. If you feel like you need to talk to him...then we can go with you. Or if you feel like you want to talk to someone like we are...that's good too. Anything you need to get through this...we are here."
Rory nodded slowly and pulled away, "Thanks Mom…" She wiped at her tears for a moment and smiled, "I think I'm gonna take a quick shower."
Lorelai nodded, "Sure. Wanna use mine? We have the better water pressure in there."
Rory smiled, "Sure. Thanks."
"Take your time. Sookie made cinnamon buns...there are plenty." She said as she stood up to walk towards the door.
"Hey Mom?" Rory called out softly, Lorelai turned and waited, "I love you…"
Lorelai's face softened and she leaned against the door frame before whispering, "I love you more than you could possibly know kid...always will."
She gave her a wink and then walked out of the bedroom and across the hall to Elise's room. She smiled at the little girl who was sitting up in bed with her unruly curls and big blue eyes staring up at her Mom.
"Hi baby girl." Lorelai whispered as she reached into the crib and scooped her up, "You were a sleep girl today…Hungry?"
Elise just nodded and snuggled into her Mother's side. Lorelai smiled, kissed the top of her head and started to walk back downstairs. She smiled when she saw that April had joined them all in the kitchen after her phone call.
"Save any cinnamon buns for me?" Lorelai asked teasingly.
"A few." Jack said through a mouthful of sticky frosting, "I already had two!"
Lorelai chuckled, "Of course you did." She shifted Elise to her hip and then went to the fridge to get some fruit for her.
Luke walked towards the fridge and ruffled Elise's hair, "Rory okay?"
Lorelai shrugged and whispered to him, "Christopher tried to call her last night...twice. And his lawyer sent her an email this morning. He wants to talk to her...to explain things." She rolled her eyes, "She's just really confused...and torn up about all of this."
Luke sighed and leaned against the counter, "Does she want to go see him?"
"She's not really sure yet." Lorelai said as she held out a piece of strawberry for her youngest daughter, "But I told her we would support any decision she made…"
Luke nodded, "Of course we will. I'd prefer it if she stayed away...but I understand why she might need to speak to him."
"It's all so complicated." Lorelai said as she glanced back at Jack who was distracted by Jess and April making him laugh.
"I know…" Luke whispered, "But we'll figure it all out...it's just going to take some time. That's all…"
"I know." Lorelai said as she fed Elise another strawberry, she leaned forward and kissed Elise's cheek, "I just want to make it all better for them somehow…"
"You can't fix it all Lorelai...no one can." He said with a sad smile, "You know I would if I could. But this time we can't...we're all going to have to face this head on." He reached for Elise and pulled her into his arms before grabbing milk for her.
Lorelai smiled at him, "I know...just wish I could give them all a time frame for when the hurt will just go away…"
Luke leaned forward, kissed the top of her head and smiled, "That's what makes you a Good Mother. One of the many reasons really…"
She beamed up at him, "Thanks babe…"
He gave her a wink and walked back to the table, Lorelai followed and scooped up Jack before placing him on her lap. "Want some?" Jack asked holding out a piece of cinnamon roll for her, Lorelai smiled and took the bite, "Is Rory okay?" He asked.
Lorelai nodded and kissed the top of his head, "She's good bud. She's just taking a shower. I promised her we would save one of these for her."
"Still not mad at me?" Jack asked softly as he looked up at her nervously.
Lorelai shook her head and gave him another kiss, "Not at all buddy…"
Jack nodded slowly and started to nibble at his cinnamon bun again. Lorelai held him close and gave both Sookie and Luke a gentle smile.
Later that night, April and Rory were sitting out back with Elise and Jack while Luke and Lorelai cleaned up dinner in the kitchen. Jess had excused himself to make a phone call and was now walking back into the kitchen.
He smiled at them, "Need help?"
"Wanna dry?" Lorelai asked as she handed him a towel.
Jess nodded slowly and took the towel before beginning to dry the excess water off the dishes. "So...I wanted to talk to you guys about something."
Luke glanced at his wife and then back at his nephew, "Okay. What's up?"
Jess shifted nervously for a minute, "I uh...I was wondering how you'd feel about me moving into the apartment above the Diner."
Luke frowned, "What? Why? What's wrong with your apartment in the city? You can't stay here forever Jess...we appreciate everything you have done for us. But you have to get back to work at some point."
Jess smiled at him, "I'm a writer Luke. I can do that anywhere…"
Lorelai stared at him for a moment, "That may be true...but do you really want to stay here Jess? It's the complete opposite of the City…"
Jess chuckled, "Oh trust me I remember…"
"Then why on earth would you want to come back?" Lorelai asked gently, "Not that we don't love having you here…"
Jess sighed and leaned against the counter behind him, "I uh...I've been thinking about it for awhile actually. Before all this happened even...life's been kind of crazy in New York. And I think I need a little break."
"Jess…" Luke whispered softly, "Is everything okay?"
Jess smiled at him, "Yeah...I like New York. But I've been getting a bit too caught up in that lifestyle. Going out a lot...missing deadlines. It's not been good for me…"
Lorelai frowned, "You haven't mentioned that girl you were seeing...Megan…"
Jess raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Yeah well...she fell in love with my editor. They are living together in a huge apartment on the Upper East Side. Heard she was pregnant too…not mine."
"Oh Jess…" Lorelai said softly, "I'm so sorry…"
He shrugged, "It is it what it is. We fought too much anyway...and she encouraged the partying. It was fun while it lasted...but I think I need a change of pace. And being back here has been good...I mean I wish it was under different circumstances but still. I like being around Doula...she's grown up a lot. And same with Jack and Elise...it's cool seeing them grow and change. It wouldn't be so bad to stay here...I don't know if it would be forever. But for now…" He looked back at his Uncle, "Besides...with everything going on I want to be around when you need me. The trial is going to be here soon...and I want to help with that."
Luke stared at his nephew for a moment, "You've grown up a lot, you know that? Sometimes it's hard to believe how far you have come…"
Jess smiled sheepishly and looked down, "Yeah well...I never would have made it this far without you. You didn't put up with my shit...and as much as I pretended to hate it...it was exactly what I needed."
Luke swallowed hard, "Jess…"
"April asked about my Dad...Jack too." He shrugged, "Haven't seen or heard from him since I left California. And that sucks...but you've always been there Uncle Luke. And now...I want to be here for you." He turned towards Lorelai, "And you too Lorelai...we didn't start out great. But...I think we've made progress in the last few years."
Lorelai smiled at him, "We have. You know we'd love to have you around Jess. You're a huge part of this family. And we wouldn't have been able to get through all this without you the last few weeks…"
Jess smiled at her, "So...then it's okay if I stay? If I use the apartment?"
Luke smiled and clapped his nephew's back, "You stay as long as you want."
Jess nodded slowly, "Thanks...some of my friends are gonna ship some stuff to me soon. I'll head back to the City in a week or so and get some other stuff."
"I am sorry about Megan…" Luke said softly, "Really sucks…"
"I'll survive." Jess said with a smile, "Besides...that's the last thing on my mind right now. Making sure everything is okay here is way more important."
Lorelai smiled and walked towards him to give him a big hug, "Thank you Jess…"
Jess gave her a squeeze back and then they finished drying the dishes all together. Lorelai grabbed some blankets and headed out back as the sun set over the lake. She pulled Elise and Jack up into her lap and Luke wrapped a blanket around all three of them before sitting behind Lorelai and positioning her between his legs.
She rested her back against his chest and he kissed the top of her head gently, "Doesn't get much better than this…" He mumbled into her hair.
She smiled and shook her head, "Nope. It doesn't."
"It would be better if we had cupcakes." Jack said casually from his spot on his Mother's lap.
Everyone laughed and Luke groaned, "Buddy...you had about 4 cinnamon buns today and more cookies than I can count. How could you possibly have more room in that tiny little body of yours?"
Jack shrugged, "I get it from Mom."
Everyone laughed again and Lorelai smiled proudly at him, "That's my boy…"
"Geez...when he's a teenager he will rob us blind of money. We'll be making multiple trips to the store a day to keep up with him!" Luke said with a chuckle.
"So you'll have to put him to work at the Diner to help pay for those groceries." Lorelai said.
"Not a good idea." Jess said with a laugh, "I think I gained ten pounds working there...I snacked on things all the time."
"You did?" Luke asked, "Geez...I should have docked your pay…"
Jess rolled his eyes, "Oh okay Luke…"
"I don't know why I put up with all of you." Luke said with a sigh as they all continued to laugh at him.
"Because you would be totally and completely lost without us babe." Lorelai said giving his hand a squeeze, "You're life would be so boring without our craziness!"
"My life was not boring before you." Luke said defensively.
"Okay…" She said with a laugh, "If you say so…"
"It wasn't!" Luke said with a laugh, "Really...I did things."
"Like what?" April said with a smirk, "Other than work, the occasional fishing trip and more work...what was exciting about your life?"
Luke paused for a moment and then laughed, "Okay...you're right my life was pretty dull without all of you lunatics. But sometimes I miss the quiet…"
"You're life will never be quiet again." Rory said with a laugh, "That ship sailed the minute Mom tore into the Diner in a caffeine frenzy and gave you the horoscope…"
"Aw geez!" Luke said, "Why do we have to bring that up again? Am I ever going to live that down?"
"Do you still have it?" April asked hopefully, "I've heard about it but never actually seen it!"
"No." Luke said stubbornly.
Lorelai rolled her eyes, "It's still in his wallet. Trust me. He wouldn't dare get rid of it."
April smirked and held out her hand, "Fork it over Pops…"
He sighed, scooted up and pulled out his wallet to give to his daughter, "Fine."
April smiled, took it from him and Rory moved closer to her, "Let's see this famous thing…" She opened the wallet and pulled the faded piece of paper out of its pocket, "You will meet an annoying woman today...give her coffee and she'll go away."
"Horoscope was only half true." Luke said with a smirk.
"Watch it mister…" Lorelai said tilting her head to look back at him with a playful glare.
He smiled and leaned forward to kiss her lips, "Yes dear…"
"Man you're whipped…" Jess said with a laugh as he took the paper from April, "Knew it years ago but you just confirmed it…"
Luke sighed, "Yes. Yes we all know that Lorelai has me wrapped around her finger. No need to discuss it any further."
Lorelai giggled and pulled his arms around her tighter, "That's why I fell in love with you babe."
He smiled and kissed the side of her face, "Good to know…"
"That and the delicious burgers and coffee…" Rory said with a smirk. "Can't forget that part. We would have starved to death years ago without you Luke."
He chuckled, "That's definitely true."
"Mommy look!" Jack yelled as he pointed above him, "Fireflies! Fireflies!"
Lorelai smiled and gave her son a squeeze, "I see them baby…"
Jack smiled and looked over at April, "I saw them all the time when I was with him. And I remembered what you told me! So I knew that they'd help me get home just like you said."
They all sat quietly for a moment. Jack hadn't talked to anyone but his parents about his time away yet. They knew about the fireflies, but his sisters and Jess didn't. They stared at him in awe for a minute before April spoke up again.
"We saw them too buddy…" She whispered to him. "We saw them too…"
Jack smiled and looked back up at them, "They really are good luck! They helped me when I was scared…"
Lorelai felt the tears building in her eyes, "Jack…" She whispered softly.
Jack turned to look at her and asked, "Can you see fireflies from jail?"
Lorelai tensed slightly, "Um...no Jack I don't think so."
Jack was quiet for a moment and then turned back around to lean against his Mother again, "Oh. I was thinking that if he was scared...maybe they would make him feel better."
Lorelai glanced over at Rory and the rest of the kids, they all looked shocked by his words. She gave them a small smile and then leaned down to kiss Jack's head. "I don't want you to worry about that Jack…"
He shrugged, "I know. He did a bad thing...and it was scary. But he's still a person...and all people get scared sometimes."
Luke reached forward and gave his son's arm a squeeze, "You're right Jack...they do. But sometimes when people do bad things...they have to face the consequences...even if it is scary."
Jack nodded, "I know…" He turned slowly towards Rory, "Are you ever gonna talk to him again Rory? I think he misses you…"
"Jack…" Lorelai whispered and gave him a squeeze, "Honey I-"
"It's okay Mom." Rory said giving her a small smile, she held her arms out to her brother, "Come here for a second Jack…"
Jack scurried off his Mother's lap and Lorelai pulled the now sleeping Elise closer. Rory pulled her brother down onto her lap and rocked him back and forth as they stared up at the fireflies.
"Jack...he will always be my Dad. I realize that now...and I think it is amazing that you are so brave. But...I'm not sure I can be as brave as you." She said to him.
"Why not?" Jack asked softly, "You're always brave."
Rory smiled at him, "Not always...and not with this. I'm sad Jack...sad that my Dad could do something so terrible to someone I love so much. I know that to you...it seems mean for me to say I don't want him around. But someday you may understand how I am feeling…"
"But don't you need your Dad?" Jack asked softly, "I need my Dad…"
Rory gave him a squeeze, "I have all I need right here Jack...this is my family. My Dad chose to not be a part of my life for a very long time...and then he chose to hurt two people I love the most. It proved to me that he didn't want to be a part of my life at all. It's just the way that it is...and maybe I will go and talk to him. But I don't need him in my life...I only need you and the rest of these crazy people beside us."
Jack smiled and looked back at the rest of his family, "We're lucky…"
Rory rested her chin on Jack's head and smiled at her Mother and Luke, "We are very lucky Jack. The luckiest…"
Jack nodded slowly and turned back to look at the fireflies, "I'm glad I'm home…"
Rory pulled him even closer, "So are we bud. You have no idea how glad we are…"
Jess wrapped an arm around April who hugged him tight. Luke rubbed Lorelai's arms up and down gently and she breathed him in. After all the terrible days...this moment was exactly what they needed to begin to heal as a family.
Once Elise was put to bed, April crawled into bed with Jack for the night and Jess went to visit with his Mother and TJ. Rory was getting ready for bed before she went to knock on Lorelai and Luke's door.
Luke opened the door and smiled when he saw her, "Hey. You okay?"
She smiled at him, "Yeah...I just wanted to talk to you and Mom about something. Is now a good time?"
Luke nodded and stepped aside, "Sure. Come in."
Lorelai smiled and patted the spot beside her on the bed, "Bad dream again kiddo? We got plenty of room for you. I made Luke spring for the California King…"
Rory smiled and sat next to her Mom, "No...no bad dreams." She paused for a moment and then looked at Luke who was standing beside her at the edge of the bed, "I uh...I think I decided that I want to go talk to Dad."
Lorelai sighed softly and took her hand, "I thought you might…"
Rory bit her lip nervously, "I really didn't think I would want too. And quite honestly...I have no idea what I am even going to say to him. But...after hearing Jack talk about it today...I feel like it's something I need to do."
"Well I told you that we would support any decision you made." Lorelai said softly giving her hand a squeeze, "And I meant that."
Rory smiled and looked over at Luke, "What do you think?"
Luke sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, "Rory...your Dad and I have never been the best of friends. And clearly...we never will be. I've made peace with that. But I hate that he has continued to cause you pain after all these years...if I could change this for you I would. I don't love the idea of you being anywhere near him...but I respect why you feel that you need to do this."
She nodded slowly and wiped at her eyes, "You know I wish you were my Dad...right? I mean you are...but I wish that biologically-"
He nodded slowly, "I know that Rory...and I wish that too."
She sniffled again, "It's just...I don't know how to let go. I want too...I thought I did before he took Jack. I thought I could just forget he existed...but I can't. I'm so angry...and so hurt. And I can't understand how Jack can just forgive him the way he has. Maybe I'm just more messed up than I realized…"
"You are not messed up." Luke said softly, "You're an amazing person Rory. And your Dad is an idiot for missing out on your life. Not just the last years...but from the very beginning. I'll never understand why he chose to stay away...but I know that deep down he regrets it. He knows he screwed up long before he hit your Mom…"
Rory nodded slowly, "Yeah...you're right. He did mess up long before that…" She lifted her head and smiled softly at him, "But you were always there to pick up the pieces he left behind…"
Luke swallowed hard, "I'd do it all again in a heartbeat…"
"I know…" Rory whispered in a soft voice, she started crying again, "God...I'm like a walking tear duct these days…"
Lorelai smiled and leaned into her daughter, "Rory it's okay...this is a lot to process. We're all a bit of a mess. But it's going to be okay…"
She nodded and held her Mother close, "I know…" She paused for a moment, "I talked to Grandpa...a friend of his said there is an opening teaching at Yale. I think I might take it…"
Lorelai paused and looked over at her husband, surprised by the sudden shift in conversation, "What? Why? What about your job at the New York Times?"
Rory sighed and pulled away, "I miss it here…" Rory said with a shrug, "I mean the job at the Times was an amazing experience and I loved every minute of it. But I always felt a little out of place...a little homesick. And with everything that has happened...it only made that homesick feeling stronger. I want to be closer to you guys...I hate missing out on so much with Elise and Jack. I want to be around more…"
Luke rubbed the back of his neck, "But are you sure Rory? You know we'd love for you to be closer...but that's a big change for you."
Rory shrugged, "it's time for a change...there isn't much keeping me in the city. I'm not dating anyone...I live alone now that Paris and Doyle are married. Besides I loved Yale. I would be teaching a writing class...something I love. They said I can even oversee the paper there...I'd feel like I was right at home."
"Just out of curiousity...did you, April and Jess all get together and make these decisions without us?" Lorelai said with a smirk.
Rory smiled, "We may have all discussed moving home yes…"
"And you all aren't doing this just for us, right?" Lorelai asked reaching out to push some hair out of her face, "Because if that's the only reason...I'll march all three of you out of here tomorrow. I'm not letting you all give up on your dreams because you are afraid that Luke and I can't handle this on our own."
Rory shook her head, "No. I've been thinking about this for awhile now...even before what happened with Jack. I had even called Grandpa to get his input on it. But this...this just sealed the deal for me. For Jess too...and as far as April...she will make the right choice when she is ready."
Lorelai looked back at Luke, "Looks like we aren't getting rid of them anytime soon…"
Luke chuckled, "I'm more than okay with that…"
Rory smiled, "Because your life would be so boring without all of us, right?"
Luke smiled at her, "You got it…"
Rory took a deep breath and squeezed her Mother's hand, "Well I feel better now that we've talked."
"Good." Lorelai said leaning forward to give her forehead a kiss, "We will call Grandpa in the morning and discuss you going to see Dad…"
"Okay…" She whispered softly and then looked down at the bed, "Can I uh...can I ask for one more favor?"
Lorelai smiled at her, "Sure kid, what is it?"
"This is probably a little weird now that I think about it…" She said with a laugh, "Forget it."
Lorelai shook her head, "Spill it Rory."
Rory smiled, "Think I can stay in here for a bit? Keep those nightmares away?"
Lorelai smiled and turned towards her husband, "That okay with you old man?"
Luke laughed, "Sure." He gave Rory's arm a squeeze and then stood up to walk around to the other side of the bed.
Lorelai scooted towards the middle and Rory lay on Lorelai's side as Luke crawled in beside his wife. He pulled the blankets up around them and smiled at the two women who had stolen his heart so many years ago. For years he had hoped to be able to take care of them. And now he was...they were a real family. And nothing was ever going to change that…
Hoping to find some time tomorrow to write the next chapter :) So keep an eye out for it!