Chapter 4
Luke knew something was wrong when Rory entered the diner alone. Lorelai never missed a chance to have coffee at his diner. Especially if it meant spending time with Rory.
Luke had only known the Gilmore girls for about two years, but he knew so much about them. They both loved coffee and having a good time. They were sweet and loved being together. Rory was a bright girl who would grow up do things that mattered in the world. Lorelai got to be the mother to bring her up, to help her learn and grow, and she couldn't be any prouder about it.
The bandage on Rory's head confirmed that something was definately wrong.
"Rory," Luke asked as the small girl sat at the counter. "What happened to your head?"
"Coffee," she said ignoring his question. "And a doughnut," she pointed to the donuts under the plastic dome. "Please," she added quickly.
Luke handed her the coffee but took a long look at her before speaking again. "What happened to your head?"
Rory mumbled something.
"What?" Luke asked. "I didn't hear you."
"Can I have my doughnut now? A chocolate one, with rainbow sprinkles," Rory's eyes seemed to be pleading with him. Asking him not to question her anymore. Not to ask.
Those eyes worked magic. He sighed and handed her the doughnut. As he opened his mouth to speak again the bell above the diner rang and Miss Patty entered. She sat down next to Rory who was vigirously eating her doughnut. Smiling at the young girl Patty placed her order quickly. "Exactly what she's having."
"Hi darling," she said to Rory. Rory looked up cautiously.
"Hello," she said very softly before sipping her coffee, staring at Miss Patty out of the corner of her eye.
"You should dance honey," Miss Patty said as Luke placed her coffee and doughnut in front of her. "You have the perfect body."
Rory looked down at her small, wiry body.
She could do something. She could do it well. And Carl would see her and think she was wonderful and stop hitting her. And stop hitting her mom. They would become one happy family.
"I'd like to dance," She said timidly.
"Good," Miss Patty said brightly. Rory hadn't heard anyone talk in such a bright voice in such a long time. Not since before Carl.
Miss Patty handed her a small card. "Now give this to your mother sweetie, tell her Miss Patty gave it to you and she can call me with any questions."
Rory smiled up at Miss Patty and watched as she placed her money on the table and yelled to Luke to keep the change.
Then she sashayed out of the diner, her fabric of her dress flowing out behind her.
Rory smiled to herself, thinking of taking classes to learn how to be a beautiful dancer from a woman who seemed so bright and cheery. She fingered the card softly as she thought of herself on a brightly lit stage, in a beautiful costume. The thought brought an even larger smile to her face.
Carl would love her. Her mother would be so proud. If she could dance beautifully it could solve everything.
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