A/N: To my readers and sorry I haven't updated in a long while I move the end of January also work has been crazy I've been in charge of a fundraiser that was put on last night. So again, I am sorry for not updating as you can tell I have been busy.

When You Need Me I Will Be There

Chapter 21

Rory was released the next day and had strict orders from Dr. Peterson to avoid stress at all costs. Lucas had picked her up but would not speak or even look at her, which made her even more confused. They arrived home and Karen was waiting for them in the kitchen.

"Are you alright Rory?"

"Yeah the babies and I are fine but I am worn out so I'm going to go lay down for a while."

"Sure I will check on you later"

Rory gave her a small smile then headed off to her bedroom the minute she was out of sight Karen turned to Lucas.

"What's going on with you why won't you speak to her?"

"It's nothing mom really"

"Excuse me if I don't believe you I saw the way you looked at her the other day while we were waiting for help to arrive"

"Mom it's nothing I promise"

Karen knew she would not get anything out of him when he was upset. Therefore, she just let it go as she watched Lucas head to the living room.

Meanwhile, Rory was laying on her bed trying to figure out why Lucas was pulling away all the sudden. She thought they had come to an understanding Rory was going crazy so she got out her cell phone and dialed Brooke's number. She waited patiently for her to pick up on the second ring she did.

"Hello?"

"Brooke it's Rory I need to see you and Peyton"

"Are you okay? I heard what happened yesterday"

"Yeah I'm fine all fill you in when we meet at the mall in twenty minutes"

"Sure we'll be there"

"Thanks"

They hung up and Rory off the bed, left the room, and headed for the kitchen. Rory noticed Lucas in the living room but he made no effort to acknowledge her and her and that made her angry that she did not want to deal with it now. She entered the kitchen and smile at Karen.

"I'm going to go at me up with Peyton and Brooke I can't stand being cooped up any longer"

"Rory I don't think that's a good idea you just got out of the hospital"

"Karen please"

"Just promise me you'll be careful"

"I will"

"Okay see you later"

Rory left not long after that and Lucas hearing her conversations from the living room was furious that his mother would let her go out after just getting out of the hospital. Therefore, he went in the kitchen and a look at Karen.

"How could you just let her go she nearly lost her children and just got out of the hospital?"

"Lucas she is not doing anything dangerous she's meeting up with Brooke and Peyton. Plus I'm not her parent she can do whatever she wants"

"I'm just so worried about her mom"

"Lucas we please tell me where this is all coming from?"

"Mom I wish I knew myself ever since I found out she was pregnant all I wanted to do was protect her after the way Nathan treated her"

"Honey is there any chance you're developing feelings for her?"

"Mom are you serious?"

"Lucas think about it I mean really think about it I've seen the way you care about her"

Lucas was speechless he just stood there letting his mother's words sink in and it was as if a ton of bricks had hit him at once with the realization that he was in love with his best friend.