A/N: I don't own Gilmore Girls (obviously)
Counting Stars
By: Gnome
Chapter One: Some Things Never Change
Twenty four year old Rory Gilmore swore under her breath as she pulled into the parking lot for P&D Medical Center in Hartford. Pulling into one of the vacant parking spaces near the emergency wing of the huge hospital, she shut off the car and checked her hair in the mirror before pushing open the door and slamming it shut, locking it before she strode across the parking lot quickly. Upon entering the building, she had to stop herself from wincing at the blinding white walls. Her heels made sharp taps on the cold floor, announcing everyone in the lobby of her arrival. She walked confidently, straightforward. It had taken five years, but the quiet, unsure teenager had melted away, replaced with a stunning young woman.
Her long, natural brown hair was replaced with a shorter, razor cut, but was still long enough that it seemed to always get in her way. And there were thin blonde, red, and dark brown streaks through it. She'd only grown an inch since her Freshman year of college, but had always been tall as a kid, so she didn't really complain. All traces of imperfection in her face were mere memories. Her legs were shapelier from Louise forcing her to go to the gym through college, her friend had always been afraid that since the Freshman Fifteen hadn't happened the right year, it was going to pop up eventually (which it never had, by the way). She'd never been able to tan, but carried fair skin very well, and was often told that she had the best complexion. There were no hints of bulge on her stomach or hips, but she was still curvy, making her extremely sought after by many men, but she never let them get to her.
Stopping abruptly at the counter, a woman looked up from her computer, "How may I help you?" the secretary asked from behind large glasses.
Rory flipped her hair over her shoulder, "I'm looking for someone who was admitted a few hours ago."
The woman nodded, looking at her computer, "Name?"
"Lorelai Gilmore."
She typed the name in and a file came up, she nodded, "And your relation to the patient?"
"She's my mother."
The woman nodded, "And your name?"
"Rory Gilmore."
She looked up at Rory, "I'll need to see your ID."
She rolled her eyes, pulling out her wallet and showing the red head her license. 'Rosie', defined by her name tag, nodded, "She's in room 486 on the fifth floor."
"Thank you." Rory turned on her heel and stepped into the large elevator, pushing the button for floor five. She glanced at the other people in the elevator: an old man staring at the door, a young girl making faces at herself in the mirror that made up the back wall, what she guessed was the girl's mother, and a boy, probably about sixteen or seventeen, and he was definitely checking her out. She rolled her eyes in disgust, glad that he got out on the third floor. She was the next to leave, apparently the other passengers were headed somewhere between floors six and fifteen.
She walked down the hall until she got to room 486, and wasn't surprised to hear yelling in the room, the door slightly ajar. "But Ms. Gilmore, you don't need pain killers-"
"Like hell I don't, staff boy!" she could hear her mother yell, and she could tell from her voice that Lorelai wasn't seriously wanting painkillers, she was probably seeing how long it would take to make the doctor cry. "It's broken, I need pain killers. So just give me a little piece of paper and I'll have my little friend here go get me the happiness so I can be all better."
"They don't give prescription drugs for breaks like that. It will stop hurting in a few hours. And painkillers won't fix a break."
"But they'll make me happy. They'll make mean mister owie go away." she said as if talking to a child. Rory laughed, walking into the room. "Mini Me! Love of my life! Fruit of my loins! My darling daughter Rory, please tell this evil child that mommy needs the happy pain killers if he doesn't want someone to die." Lorelai said, smiling.
Rory smiled looking at the doctor, "Don't give her anything-"
"Ah! You traitor!" Lorelai cried.
Rory rolled her eyes, looking at the doctor, "So will she be on crutches?"
"Oh, I'm not the doctor. I just came in here to bring her the coffee she requested."
"And it was decaf!" Lorelai yelled.
Rory gasped, "You brought her decaf?"
The guy grimaced, "Yeah."
"Not smart."
"I figured that out." he said, pointing to a coffee stain on his shirt.
"So, do you work here? Who was her doctor?"
"No. I don't work here. I was walking past her room to go to the bathroom when she called me in and handed me a five, telling me to go get her coffee because she couldn't walk."
"Mom!" Rory said, looking at her mother.
"What?" Lorelai asked innocently.
"You called a perfect stranger into your room and made him go get you coffee, which he did completely out of the kindness of his heart, and when he does, you spill it on him!"
"It was an accident!"
"Don't lie!"
"It was!"
"Lorelai!" she said in a reprimanding tone.
"Yes ma'am?" she asked, poking out her bottom lip.
"Apologize."
"No."
"Yes!"
"I refuse!"
"Now!"
"He got me decaf!"
"True." Rory nodded, turning to the man, "Apologize."
"What?"
"You got her decaf. That's against the rules."
"But I-"
"Apologize."
He looked between the two women in shock. "I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted." Lorelai said.
"Now thank him."
"What?" she asked her daughter in disbelief.
"True, he did get you decaf, but he still got you coffee."
"But-"
"No buts. Thank him."
Lorelai looked at the man, "Thank you mister evil decaf coffee guy."
"Good. Now you can go." she said, looking at the man. The looked between then, shaking his head as he left, completely lost. Rory smiled, looking at her mom, and for the first time, she noticed the man standing next to the bed. "Luke! Hey."
He nodded, "Hey Rory."
She turned back to the woman on the bed, "So, mom, you called me, freaking out, because your 'evil ankle is a martyr and is willing to kill itself just so that you die too' how's that going for you?"
Lorelai smiled sheepishly, "I was cleaning-"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hang on a second, back up, you were what?"
"Cleaning-"
"How many times have I told you? Our home is a happy home. It doesn't like to be cleaned. It loves to be normal and lazy. It cries when you clean."
"I know, I know. But I had nothing to do and Luke wouldn't play with me-"
"I was working!"
She ignored him, "-so I had to find some way to entertain myself."
"So you decided to clean?"
"Yes."
"And where does the entertainment come in?"
"I don't know. It got lost on the way."
"Right. So how did you break you ankle, again?"
"The oven."
"The oven?" Rory asked.
"The oven."
"The oven?"
"No. I'm lying." Lorelai said sarcastically.
"So it wasn't the oven?"
"Yes it was the oven!"
"Hmm..."
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Yes, something. You 'hmmed' in the way that means something. So spill."
"It's just....the oven?"
"Oh for the love of God, yes, the oven! What's so bad about that?"
"Nothing. I just thought you'd break your ankle on something that a normal person might."
"And please tell me that a normal person might break their ankle on?"
"Oh, I don't know...the stairs maybe?"
"Rory darling, how many times do I have to tell you, being normal is over-rated."
"You raised me, remember? I've heard it my whole life."
"Yes, but-" the doctor entered, cutting Lorelai's reply short.
Rory turned, giving the young doctor a simple glance, but turned back and froze, narrowing her eyes. There was something familiar about the incredibly hansom man in front of her. The way he carried himself, or was it his blond hair or his chiseled jaw line, she just couldn't place it. The doctor glanced at her, but looked back as he caught her expression. "Is there a problem?" he asked.
Rory shook her head, clearing it, "No. No, do I know you?"
"I don't think so." then turned to Lorelai, "Well, Ms. Gilmore, you can thank your oven door. You can't put any weight on your right foot. You'll be on crutches for seven weeks."
"Seven weeks?!" she yelled.
"Yes. You shattered your ankle. We had to perform surgery. There are several pins. Next time I'd suggest closing the oven door before you decide to grease the kitchen floor and pretend to be ice skating." he looked to Luke, "I assume you're husband?"
Luke's eyes widened and he shook his head, "No, I-"
Lorelai's reaction was similar, "No, he's not, we're not-"
"We aren't together-"
"No, they're not married. He's a friend." Rory said, seeing as how the other two were unable to form complete sentences.
"Ah. I see, and, I may be wrong with my current track record, but I presume that you are the younger sister."
"Nope."
He shook his head, smiling, "Damn. Zero for two. I'm not so good at that."
She laughed, "Sorry. Daughter."
His eyes widened, "Daughter?"
"I was a young mother. Wait what am I saying, 'was'? I still am young. Like the epitome of beauty. Where do you think she gets it? It's like a sunflower-" Lorelai said from her position on the bed before changing subjects abruptly. "So, tell me, does this injury warrant pain killers?"
"I'm afraid not."
"Damn."
"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself."
"Oh, yeah, I'm Luke Danes." he said, shaking the blonde doctor's hand.
"Rory Gilmore." she said before the man could reveal his name.
He nodded, "Hello Miss Gilmore. Mister Danes."
"It's Rory-"
"It's Luke-" they said at the same time.
He laughed, "Well I'm Bradin Dugrey. It's nice to meet you."
Rory's eyes narrowed again, "Are you sure we've never met before?"
"Positive. Why?"
"Because you look so familiar. And that name sounds so familiar."
"Maybe you've just heard the name around town-"
She looked at his left hand, and, noticing the wedding band, asked, "What's your wife's name?"
"Excuse me?" he looked surprised.
"Maybe I know your wife."
Bradin nodded, understanding, "Her name is Cassidy."
"Cassidy Dugrey...." she trailed off, shaking her head, "What's her maiden name?"
"Pepper." Rory though for a few minutes before shaking her head. "No?" he asked.
"No. Maybe we went to the same school or something?" she said, trying to place him.
"Where did you go to school?" he asked.
"Chilton Prep."
He looked taken aback, "So did I, what class?"
"2003, but I didn't start there until my Sophomore year."
He shook his head, "I was in the class of 2000. I doubt we would have seen each other." he thought for a second, "But......nevermind."
"What?" she asked.
"How old are you?"
"Twenty four. Why?"
"I was going to say that you might know my brother. That was his class, but he didn't finish at Chilton. Our parents pulled him out halfway through his Junior year."
"Oh. I probably saw him."
"Everyone says we look exactly alike. You're probably mistaking me for him."
Rory nodded, "Probably."
"Gilmore is your last name?"
"Yes....."
He looked at Lorelai, "Who are your parents?"
"Richard and Emily Gilmore."
"Oh, yes. I do know them. So will you two be coming to the dinner that my grandparents are holding for my brother?"
"What dinner?"
"My brother is graduating from medical school and joining us here. It will be this Saturday. I'm sure Tristan would love for one of his old classmates to be there." he directed at Rory.
"Wait, you said that he was my age?"
"Yes."
"How is he graduating from medical school already?"
"He had enough credits to graduate a year early, and was at the top of his class in medical school. He graduated early from there as well."
"Wow."
"Yes. And it would be great if you would come to see him." he looked at Lorelai, "You might not want to move, but if you feel up to it then you're welcome to come as well."
"I'll be there. Pain is not issue. I laugh in the face of pain. Ha ha- ouch." she held her ankle as a spasm of pain shot through it. "Mm...on second thought, let's just see how I feel in a week, shall we?"
Bradin laughed, "Alright. You can check out whenever you want to." he nodded to Luke and Rory before exiting the room.
"You ready?" Luke asked, and Lorelai nodded. He helped her out of bed and handed her the crutches. She wrinkled her nose. "You have to use them." he said.
"Why?"
"Because otherwise you can't walk."
"Walking is over-rated."
"Then how do you suggest we get you home?"
She shrugged, "Well, I can't put pressure on it, so....." she looked at him.
"The only alternative is for me to carry......" he trailed off seeing her innocent grin, "No."
"Why not?!"
"Lorelai, I will not carry you."
"Please?"
"No."
"Please Luke!"
"No!"
Her bottom lip poked out, "Please?"
"No." although he didn't sound as set in his decision.
Her eyes got big, "Please Luke?"
So, ten minutes later the three of them were found in the elevator, Rory holding Lorelai's crutches, while Luke was holding Lorelai. They got a few strange looks, but Rory would simply grin and whisper, "Newlyweds. Can't keep their hands off of each other." And the people would smile, winking at the couple, making them very confused.
Luke set Lorelai gently into the passenger seat of his truck, "Are you sure you don't want me to drive her so you can get back to the diner?" Rory asked.
Luke shook his head, "Nah. Cesar's got it. Besides, Jess is visiting and he offered to work while I brought your mom."
Rory's mouth opened slightly, "Oh. Jess is back?"
Luke stopped, "Um, yeah, but don't worry. He'll be gone in a few days-"
"No, no, Luke." she shook her head, "It's fine. No problem. You have a right to have your nephew visit. Don't worry about it."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I'll even try to start a nice conversation. Don't worry." she gave him a weak smile before quickly switching subjects. "So, I'll follow you to Stars Hollow and stay with you tonight, okay mom?"
"Okay sweetie. Thanks."
Rory smiled, kissing her mother on the cheek before closing the passenger side door. "Thanks for taking care of her, Luke."
He shrugged, "No problem. It's not a big deal."
Rory nodded, "It is to me, and I know it is to her. So thanks." she kissed him on the cheek before turning and walking to her own car.
STARSHOLLOW
Rory sat on the couch that night, Lorelai beside her with a huge pizza. She rolled her eyes, a cell phone glued to her ear, "Yes, Alex. I'm perfectly aware that our client is emotionally unstable." she said to her partner, "But that's not what I get paid for. I get paid for proving that she didn't kill her husband's mistress. Which, in case you were wondering, I plan on doing." she paused as he spoke, "I don't give a rat's ass if her husband says he witnessed it. I don't believe it. I think he killed her-" she stopped again as he interrupted her. She rolled her eyes, "Because, he's one of the richest men in Connecticut. She was threatening to go public with their relationship, plus she was pregnant with his child." she stopped, an annoyed look on her face, "Yes that's reason to kill her. And I'm perfectly aware that the wife tested positive for prescription pain killers, but that doesn't mean that she killed her." she sighed, "Look Al, I have to go. My mom broke her ankle-"
"Shattered." Lorelai interrupted.
Rory smiled, "-she shattered her ankle. I'm in Stars Hollow taking care of her. Yeah, I'll be back on Wednesday. Okay. Tell the wife hey for me. Bye." she hung up, "Man. Why I EVER became a lawyer....."
"Because you make mommy the big bucks."
Rory laughed, "Oh yeah, that's it, I was manipulated. It's all coming back to me now."
"Ah! I didn't manipulate me. I just told you a way to put that amazing Hayden stubbornness of yours to good use."
"Hayden stubbornness?" she asked, her eyebrow raised.
"Well you certainly didn't get it from me."
"Are you so sure?"
"Positive."
"Right."
"You didn't!"
"I know. I never said that you were stubborn." Rory laughed as her mother pushed her shoulder playfully, and she grabbed a slice of pizza, starting the movie.
NEXT MORNING
Rory walked from her room to the living room, squinting from the sun, "Mom, what are you doing up this early?" she asked, looking at the woman watching cartoons.
"Couldn't sleep." She nodded to her foot, "But if you love mommy then you'll do her a favor.
"What's that?"
"You remember the way to Luke's, I hope?"
"Of course." Rory answered, already changing into a pair of jeans.
"Could you possibly find it in yourself to go get me some coffee?"
"Already on my way. Will you be okay until I get back?"
"I've been without you for about seven years. I think I'll live."
Rory smiled, "Nice. Sarcasm is great first thing in the morning. I'll be back in twenty minutes."
She walked out the door and Lorelai smiled. She really did have a good daughter. There was just one problem. She had to use the bathroom.
LUKE'S
Rory walked to the counter to see Jess behind it, writing something down on a pad of paper. She took a moment to look him over since he hadn't noticed her yet. His hair was cut short, much like it had been when they were in high school. He still looked the same as he had then, although he was slightly more built, and had gone through a growth spurt his Sophomore year at NYU, and was now a few inches taller than her. He'd cleaned up since Liz's wedding. He was an established writer, living in New York. They'd dated on and off until last year when they'd mutually decided that neither were ready for a serious relationship with the other, and had broken it off for good, and she hadn't seen him since.
"Hey stranger." she said quietly.
He looked up, recognizing her voice, "Hey."
She smiled softly, "Long time no see."
He shrugged, "I've been busy."
Rory nodded, "Yeah. I figured."
Jess looked down, "How's your mom?"
"Same as usual, just without being able to walk. She'll be okay, though."
Jess nodded, "That's good."
Rory nodded, looking down, "Yeah."
There was an awkward silence, "So, what can I get you?"
"Four coffees to go." she said, looking up.
He smiled, "Just as I thought."
She grinned, "We never change here."
Their eyes met and her smiled faded slowly. "No, we don't." Jess said, although she knew he wasn't talking about the town, like she was. Rory looked down, breaking eye contact. "I'll get your coffee." Jess said, grabbing four styrofoam cups. He filled them up and popped on the tops, placing them in a tray and handing it to her. She held out the money, but he shook his head, "On the house."
She smiled, "Thanks Jess." she leaned forward and kissed him lightly, "I really missed you."
"I missed you too." he said quietly.
She bit her lip, "But we never would have-"
He cut her off, "-worked out. I know." he smiled, "We're best friends. Lovers never seemed to work."
She smiled, "Don't be a stranger."
"I won't."
"Bye."
"Bye."
Jess watched her as she exited the diner, and Luke came up behind him. "Don't try anything. She'd doing really good."
He turned around to look at his uncle and smiled, "I'm twenty five years old and you're still telling me not to hurt the woman I love?"
Luke smiled as well, "I know you love her," he placed a hand on Jess's shoulder, "And I'm sorry you didn't work out."
Jess shrugged away, "I'll be fine."
Luke rolled his eyes, "Some things never change."
GILMORE HOME
Rory handed Lorelai the coffee and turned to walk back out the door. "Where are you going?" her mother asked, looking up from the coffee cup in her hand.
"I need to go to the library. I'll be back."
"No coffee?"
"No coffee."
"This is serious."
"I just....I need to go."
"You saw Jess?"
"I saw Jess."
"Oh, honey...."
"I'm sorry, mom. I'll be back in a little while."
"Okay."
"Oh, wait! No, no, what am I thinking? I can't leave you alone."
"Oh yes you can."
"No, you need-"
"I'm forty years old. I can handle myself for a few hours."
"Are you sure?"
"Even if I couldn't, I have those nifty things right there." she pointed to her crutches, "Now go, I'll be fine. I'm not old yet."
Rory smiled, kissing her mother's cheek lightly, "Bye. I love you."
"You too, now go! You're in the way of the TV." Rory laughed, walking out the door and Lorelai sighed. Jess was back, her ankle was broken, someone in the elevator at the hospital had asked how long she and Luke had been together, and Rory was going to meet a hansom, most likely single doctor this weekend. Her life was a soap opera.
Counting Stars
By: Gnome
Chapter One: Some Things Never Change
Twenty four year old Rory Gilmore swore under her breath as she pulled into the parking lot for P&D Medical Center in Hartford. Pulling into one of the vacant parking spaces near the emergency wing of the huge hospital, she shut off the car and checked her hair in the mirror before pushing open the door and slamming it shut, locking it before she strode across the parking lot quickly. Upon entering the building, she had to stop herself from wincing at the blinding white walls. Her heels made sharp taps on the cold floor, announcing everyone in the lobby of her arrival. She walked confidently, straightforward. It had taken five years, but the quiet, unsure teenager had melted away, replaced with a stunning young woman.
Her long, natural brown hair was replaced with a shorter, razor cut, but was still long enough that it seemed to always get in her way. And there were thin blonde, red, and dark brown streaks through it. She'd only grown an inch since her Freshman year of college, but had always been tall as a kid, so she didn't really complain. All traces of imperfection in her face were mere memories. Her legs were shapelier from Louise forcing her to go to the gym through college, her friend had always been afraid that since the Freshman Fifteen hadn't happened the right year, it was going to pop up eventually (which it never had, by the way). She'd never been able to tan, but carried fair skin very well, and was often told that she had the best complexion. There were no hints of bulge on her stomach or hips, but she was still curvy, making her extremely sought after by many men, but she never let them get to her.
Stopping abruptly at the counter, a woman looked up from her computer, "How may I help you?" the secretary asked from behind large glasses.
Rory flipped her hair over her shoulder, "I'm looking for someone who was admitted a few hours ago."
The woman nodded, looking at her computer, "Name?"
"Lorelai Gilmore."
She typed the name in and a file came up, she nodded, "And your relation to the patient?"
"She's my mother."
The woman nodded, "And your name?"
"Rory Gilmore."
She looked up at Rory, "I'll need to see your ID."
She rolled her eyes, pulling out her wallet and showing the red head her license. 'Rosie', defined by her name tag, nodded, "She's in room 486 on the fifth floor."
"Thank you." Rory turned on her heel and stepped into the large elevator, pushing the button for floor five. She glanced at the other people in the elevator: an old man staring at the door, a young girl making faces at herself in the mirror that made up the back wall, what she guessed was the girl's mother, and a boy, probably about sixteen or seventeen, and he was definitely checking her out. She rolled her eyes in disgust, glad that he got out on the third floor. She was the next to leave, apparently the other passengers were headed somewhere between floors six and fifteen.
She walked down the hall until she got to room 486, and wasn't surprised to hear yelling in the room, the door slightly ajar. "But Ms. Gilmore, you don't need pain killers-"
"Like hell I don't, staff boy!" she could hear her mother yell, and she could tell from her voice that Lorelai wasn't seriously wanting painkillers, she was probably seeing how long it would take to make the doctor cry. "It's broken, I need pain killers. So just give me a little piece of paper and I'll have my little friend here go get me the happiness so I can be all better."
"They don't give prescription drugs for breaks like that. It will stop hurting in a few hours. And painkillers won't fix a break."
"But they'll make me happy. They'll make mean mister owie go away." she said as if talking to a child. Rory laughed, walking into the room. "Mini Me! Love of my life! Fruit of my loins! My darling daughter Rory, please tell this evil child that mommy needs the happy pain killers if he doesn't want someone to die." Lorelai said, smiling.
Rory smiled looking at the doctor, "Don't give her anything-"
"Ah! You traitor!" Lorelai cried.
Rory rolled her eyes, looking at the doctor, "So will she be on crutches?"
"Oh, I'm not the doctor. I just came in here to bring her the coffee she requested."
"And it was decaf!" Lorelai yelled.
Rory gasped, "You brought her decaf?"
The guy grimaced, "Yeah."
"Not smart."
"I figured that out." he said, pointing to a coffee stain on his shirt.
"So, do you work here? Who was her doctor?"
"No. I don't work here. I was walking past her room to go to the bathroom when she called me in and handed me a five, telling me to go get her coffee because she couldn't walk."
"Mom!" Rory said, looking at her mother.
"What?" Lorelai asked innocently.
"You called a perfect stranger into your room and made him go get you coffee, which he did completely out of the kindness of his heart, and when he does, you spill it on him!"
"It was an accident!"
"Don't lie!"
"It was!"
"Lorelai!" she said in a reprimanding tone.
"Yes ma'am?" she asked, poking out her bottom lip.
"Apologize."
"No."
"Yes!"
"I refuse!"
"Now!"
"He got me decaf!"
"True." Rory nodded, turning to the man, "Apologize."
"What?"
"You got her decaf. That's against the rules."
"But I-"
"Apologize."
He looked between the two women in shock. "I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted." Lorelai said.
"Now thank him."
"What?" she asked her daughter in disbelief.
"True, he did get you decaf, but he still got you coffee."
"But-"
"No buts. Thank him."
Lorelai looked at the man, "Thank you mister evil decaf coffee guy."
"Good. Now you can go." she said, looking at the man. The looked between then, shaking his head as he left, completely lost. Rory smiled, looking at her mom, and for the first time, she noticed the man standing next to the bed. "Luke! Hey."
He nodded, "Hey Rory."
She turned back to the woman on the bed, "So, mom, you called me, freaking out, because your 'evil ankle is a martyr and is willing to kill itself just so that you die too' how's that going for you?"
Lorelai smiled sheepishly, "I was cleaning-"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hang on a second, back up, you were what?"
"Cleaning-"
"How many times have I told you? Our home is a happy home. It doesn't like to be cleaned. It loves to be normal and lazy. It cries when you clean."
"I know, I know. But I had nothing to do and Luke wouldn't play with me-"
"I was working!"
She ignored him, "-so I had to find some way to entertain myself."
"So you decided to clean?"
"Yes."
"And where does the entertainment come in?"
"I don't know. It got lost on the way."
"Right. So how did you break you ankle, again?"
"The oven."
"The oven?" Rory asked.
"The oven."
"The oven?"
"No. I'm lying." Lorelai said sarcastically.
"So it wasn't the oven?"
"Yes it was the oven!"
"Hmm..."
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Yes, something. You 'hmmed' in the way that means something. So spill."
"It's just....the oven?"
"Oh for the love of God, yes, the oven! What's so bad about that?"
"Nothing. I just thought you'd break your ankle on something that a normal person might."
"And please tell me that a normal person might break their ankle on?"
"Oh, I don't know...the stairs maybe?"
"Rory darling, how many times do I have to tell you, being normal is over-rated."
"You raised me, remember? I've heard it my whole life."
"Yes, but-" the doctor entered, cutting Lorelai's reply short.
Rory turned, giving the young doctor a simple glance, but turned back and froze, narrowing her eyes. There was something familiar about the incredibly hansom man in front of her. The way he carried himself, or was it his blond hair or his chiseled jaw line, she just couldn't place it. The doctor glanced at her, but looked back as he caught her expression. "Is there a problem?" he asked.
Rory shook her head, clearing it, "No. No, do I know you?"
"I don't think so." then turned to Lorelai, "Well, Ms. Gilmore, you can thank your oven door. You can't put any weight on your right foot. You'll be on crutches for seven weeks."
"Seven weeks?!" she yelled.
"Yes. You shattered your ankle. We had to perform surgery. There are several pins. Next time I'd suggest closing the oven door before you decide to grease the kitchen floor and pretend to be ice skating." he looked to Luke, "I assume you're husband?"
Luke's eyes widened and he shook his head, "No, I-"
Lorelai's reaction was similar, "No, he's not, we're not-"
"We aren't together-"
"No, they're not married. He's a friend." Rory said, seeing as how the other two were unable to form complete sentences.
"Ah. I see, and, I may be wrong with my current track record, but I presume that you are the younger sister."
"Nope."
He shook his head, smiling, "Damn. Zero for two. I'm not so good at that."
She laughed, "Sorry. Daughter."
His eyes widened, "Daughter?"
"I was a young mother. Wait what am I saying, 'was'? I still am young. Like the epitome of beauty. Where do you think she gets it? It's like a sunflower-" Lorelai said from her position on the bed before changing subjects abruptly. "So, tell me, does this injury warrant pain killers?"
"I'm afraid not."
"Damn."
"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself."
"Oh, yeah, I'm Luke Danes." he said, shaking the blonde doctor's hand.
"Rory Gilmore." she said before the man could reveal his name.
He nodded, "Hello Miss Gilmore. Mister Danes."
"It's Rory-"
"It's Luke-" they said at the same time.
He laughed, "Well I'm Bradin Dugrey. It's nice to meet you."
Rory's eyes narrowed again, "Are you sure we've never met before?"
"Positive. Why?"
"Because you look so familiar. And that name sounds so familiar."
"Maybe you've just heard the name around town-"
She looked at his left hand, and, noticing the wedding band, asked, "What's your wife's name?"
"Excuse me?" he looked surprised.
"Maybe I know your wife."
Bradin nodded, understanding, "Her name is Cassidy."
"Cassidy Dugrey...." she trailed off, shaking her head, "What's her maiden name?"
"Pepper." Rory though for a few minutes before shaking her head. "No?" he asked.
"No. Maybe we went to the same school or something?" she said, trying to place him.
"Where did you go to school?" he asked.
"Chilton Prep."
He looked taken aback, "So did I, what class?"
"2003, but I didn't start there until my Sophomore year."
He shook his head, "I was in the class of 2000. I doubt we would have seen each other." he thought for a second, "But......nevermind."
"What?" she asked.
"How old are you?"
"Twenty four. Why?"
"I was going to say that you might know my brother. That was his class, but he didn't finish at Chilton. Our parents pulled him out halfway through his Junior year."
"Oh. I probably saw him."
"Everyone says we look exactly alike. You're probably mistaking me for him."
Rory nodded, "Probably."
"Gilmore is your last name?"
"Yes....."
He looked at Lorelai, "Who are your parents?"
"Richard and Emily Gilmore."
"Oh, yes. I do know them. So will you two be coming to the dinner that my grandparents are holding for my brother?"
"What dinner?"
"My brother is graduating from medical school and joining us here. It will be this Saturday. I'm sure Tristan would love for one of his old classmates to be there." he directed at Rory.
"Wait, you said that he was my age?"
"Yes."
"How is he graduating from medical school already?"
"He had enough credits to graduate a year early, and was at the top of his class in medical school. He graduated early from there as well."
"Wow."
"Yes. And it would be great if you would come to see him." he looked at Lorelai, "You might not want to move, but if you feel up to it then you're welcome to come as well."
"I'll be there. Pain is not issue. I laugh in the face of pain. Ha ha- ouch." she held her ankle as a spasm of pain shot through it. "Mm...on second thought, let's just see how I feel in a week, shall we?"
Bradin laughed, "Alright. You can check out whenever you want to." he nodded to Luke and Rory before exiting the room.
"You ready?" Luke asked, and Lorelai nodded. He helped her out of bed and handed her the crutches. She wrinkled her nose. "You have to use them." he said.
"Why?"
"Because otherwise you can't walk."
"Walking is over-rated."
"Then how do you suggest we get you home?"
She shrugged, "Well, I can't put pressure on it, so....." she looked at him.
"The only alternative is for me to carry......" he trailed off seeing her innocent grin, "No."
"Why not?!"
"Lorelai, I will not carry you."
"Please?"
"No."
"Please Luke!"
"No!"
Her bottom lip poked out, "Please?"
"No." although he didn't sound as set in his decision.
Her eyes got big, "Please Luke?"
So, ten minutes later the three of them were found in the elevator, Rory holding Lorelai's crutches, while Luke was holding Lorelai. They got a few strange looks, but Rory would simply grin and whisper, "Newlyweds. Can't keep their hands off of each other." And the people would smile, winking at the couple, making them very confused.
Luke set Lorelai gently into the passenger seat of his truck, "Are you sure you don't want me to drive her so you can get back to the diner?" Rory asked.
Luke shook his head, "Nah. Cesar's got it. Besides, Jess is visiting and he offered to work while I brought your mom."
Rory's mouth opened slightly, "Oh. Jess is back?"
Luke stopped, "Um, yeah, but don't worry. He'll be gone in a few days-"
"No, no, Luke." she shook her head, "It's fine. No problem. You have a right to have your nephew visit. Don't worry about it."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I'll even try to start a nice conversation. Don't worry." she gave him a weak smile before quickly switching subjects. "So, I'll follow you to Stars Hollow and stay with you tonight, okay mom?"
"Okay sweetie. Thanks."
Rory smiled, kissing her mother on the cheek before closing the passenger side door. "Thanks for taking care of her, Luke."
He shrugged, "No problem. It's not a big deal."
Rory nodded, "It is to me, and I know it is to her. So thanks." she kissed him on the cheek before turning and walking to her own car.
STARSHOLLOW
Rory sat on the couch that night, Lorelai beside her with a huge pizza. She rolled her eyes, a cell phone glued to her ear, "Yes, Alex. I'm perfectly aware that our client is emotionally unstable." she said to her partner, "But that's not what I get paid for. I get paid for proving that she didn't kill her husband's mistress. Which, in case you were wondering, I plan on doing." she paused as he spoke, "I don't give a rat's ass if her husband says he witnessed it. I don't believe it. I think he killed her-" she stopped again as he interrupted her. She rolled her eyes, "Because, he's one of the richest men in Connecticut. She was threatening to go public with their relationship, plus she was pregnant with his child." she stopped, an annoyed look on her face, "Yes that's reason to kill her. And I'm perfectly aware that the wife tested positive for prescription pain killers, but that doesn't mean that she killed her." she sighed, "Look Al, I have to go. My mom broke her ankle-"
"Shattered." Lorelai interrupted.
Rory smiled, "-she shattered her ankle. I'm in Stars Hollow taking care of her. Yeah, I'll be back on Wednesday. Okay. Tell the wife hey for me. Bye." she hung up, "Man. Why I EVER became a lawyer....."
"Because you make mommy the big bucks."
Rory laughed, "Oh yeah, that's it, I was manipulated. It's all coming back to me now."
"Ah! I didn't manipulate me. I just told you a way to put that amazing Hayden stubbornness of yours to good use."
"Hayden stubbornness?" she asked, her eyebrow raised.
"Well you certainly didn't get it from me."
"Are you so sure?"
"Positive."
"Right."
"You didn't!"
"I know. I never said that you were stubborn." Rory laughed as her mother pushed her shoulder playfully, and she grabbed a slice of pizza, starting the movie.
NEXT MORNING
Rory walked from her room to the living room, squinting from the sun, "Mom, what are you doing up this early?" she asked, looking at the woman watching cartoons.
"Couldn't sleep." She nodded to her foot, "But if you love mommy then you'll do her a favor.
"What's that?"
"You remember the way to Luke's, I hope?"
"Of course." Rory answered, already changing into a pair of jeans.
"Could you possibly find it in yourself to go get me some coffee?"
"Already on my way. Will you be okay until I get back?"
"I've been without you for about seven years. I think I'll live."
Rory smiled, "Nice. Sarcasm is great first thing in the morning. I'll be back in twenty minutes."
She walked out the door and Lorelai smiled. She really did have a good daughter. There was just one problem. She had to use the bathroom.
LUKE'S
Rory walked to the counter to see Jess behind it, writing something down on a pad of paper. She took a moment to look him over since he hadn't noticed her yet. His hair was cut short, much like it had been when they were in high school. He still looked the same as he had then, although he was slightly more built, and had gone through a growth spurt his Sophomore year at NYU, and was now a few inches taller than her. He'd cleaned up since Liz's wedding. He was an established writer, living in New York. They'd dated on and off until last year when they'd mutually decided that neither were ready for a serious relationship with the other, and had broken it off for good, and she hadn't seen him since.
"Hey stranger." she said quietly.
He looked up, recognizing her voice, "Hey."
She smiled softly, "Long time no see."
He shrugged, "I've been busy."
Rory nodded, "Yeah. I figured."
Jess looked down, "How's your mom?"
"Same as usual, just without being able to walk. She'll be okay, though."
Jess nodded, "That's good."
Rory nodded, looking down, "Yeah."
There was an awkward silence, "So, what can I get you?"
"Four coffees to go." she said, looking up.
He smiled, "Just as I thought."
She grinned, "We never change here."
Their eyes met and her smiled faded slowly. "No, we don't." Jess said, although she knew he wasn't talking about the town, like she was. Rory looked down, breaking eye contact. "I'll get your coffee." Jess said, grabbing four styrofoam cups. He filled them up and popped on the tops, placing them in a tray and handing it to her. She held out the money, but he shook his head, "On the house."
She smiled, "Thanks Jess." she leaned forward and kissed him lightly, "I really missed you."
"I missed you too." he said quietly.
She bit her lip, "But we never would have-"
He cut her off, "-worked out. I know." he smiled, "We're best friends. Lovers never seemed to work."
She smiled, "Don't be a stranger."
"I won't."
"Bye."
"Bye."
Jess watched her as she exited the diner, and Luke came up behind him. "Don't try anything. She'd doing really good."
He turned around to look at his uncle and smiled, "I'm twenty five years old and you're still telling me not to hurt the woman I love?"
Luke smiled as well, "I know you love her," he placed a hand on Jess's shoulder, "And I'm sorry you didn't work out."
Jess shrugged away, "I'll be fine."
Luke rolled his eyes, "Some things never change."
GILMORE HOME
Rory handed Lorelai the coffee and turned to walk back out the door. "Where are you going?" her mother asked, looking up from the coffee cup in her hand.
"I need to go to the library. I'll be back."
"No coffee?"
"No coffee."
"This is serious."
"I just....I need to go."
"You saw Jess?"
"I saw Jess."
"Oh, honey...."
"I'm sorry, mom. I'll be back in a little while."
"Okay."
"Oh, wait! No, no, what am I thinking? I can't leave you alone."
"Oh yes you can."
"No, you need-"
"I'm forty years old. I can handle myself for a few hours."
"Are you sure?"
"Even if I couldn't, I have those nifty things right there." she pointed to her crutches, "Now go, I'll be fine. I'm not old yet."
Rory smiled, kissing her mother's cheek lightly, "Bye. I love you."
"You too, now go! You're in the way of the TV." Rory laughed, walking out the door and Lorelai sighed. Jess was back, her ankle was broken, someone in the elevator at the hospital had asked how long she and Luke had been together, and Rory was going to meet a hansom, most likely single doctor this weekend. Her life was a soap opera.