One
A Big Announcement
November rain fell softly as twenty four year old Rory Gilmore walked across the parking lot of Luke's Diner. As she walked, she felt a feeling of warmth spread over her. She was home. Relieved to be at her destination after a long flight from London (where she currently worked as a journalist for the paper in her town), she threw open the door and ran into the room. Her mother, Lorelai, was waiting with open arms. "Rory!" she screamed, running toward her daughter. "How are you?" she enveloped her in a hug. "I've missed you so much, babe."
"I've missed you too, mom," Rory replied before dropping her suitcase casually at her feet and sitting on a stool at the counter. I would love to tell you all about my trip so far, but first, I need coffee. Preferably in an IV," she giggled, remembering something her mother had once said.
"Right," Lorelai agreed as she turned toward the coffee pot that was behind the counter. "There's no questioning that you're my daughter, that's for sure," she chuckled as she finished pouring the cup and then handed it to Rory. "So, how was the flight in?"
"Oh, it was okay, I guess. I hoped to get some sleep, since it was a ten hour flight, but the seats weren't very comfortable,"
"I'm sorry, honey. Do you need to go to the house and take a nap?"
"Thanks, but I'll be fine. I might need some more coffee later though," Rory remarked, before adding, "…but I know you've got that covered."
Just as the mother and daughter were sharing a moment of laughter over their mutual love of the hot caffeinated beverage, Luke entered. He walked over to the girls, who were still giggling.
"Sorry I'm late, but I had to take the truck into the shop and then had to wait for a cab."
"Don't worry about it hon," Lorelai answered. "I can pour coffee just as well as you can,"
"So, Rory," Luke started. "It's nice to see you, but I'm truly sorry these circumstances led you into town. Your grandpa was a great man, and I know he loved you a lot,"
"Thank you, Luke. I appreciate that," Rory said gratefully. She turned back to her mother. "How is Grandma doing?"
"About as good as she can for the situation," Lorelai answered honestly. "She's distraught, but making it. You know, I always thought the abundance of maids she had was ridiculous, but they're taking great care of her. Tomorrow night, we're all going over there to have dinner. Grandma wants to see you and she needs help putting together things for the funeral on Saturday,"
"Sounds good," Rory agreed. She stood up from the counter, where Luke was standing. "More coffee, please?" she said, holding her cup out to him.
"And this time to go," Lorelai interjected. "Rory and I are going to go back to the house. I think it's time to give her the special surprise."
"Special surprise?" Rory questioned, watching as Luke poured her coffee and put the to-go lid onto the cup.
"Yep," Lorelai nodded excitedly. "You're going to freak,"
"Alright, whatever you say," Rory quipped before taking the coffee off of the counter. She followed her mother to the car and threw her two suitcases into the back seat.
"So, how's the job going?" Lorelai questioned as she began the fifteen minute drive from Luke's to the home she shared with him.
"It's really busy. Super stressful, so I'm glad I could take a break and come to visit. I've missed this crazy little town," Rory answered. "It's certainly something special. I love my job, but there's no place like Stars Hollow!"
"And this town has missed you!" Lorelai turned the jeep into the driveway. She got out of the car, helped Rory get her suitcases, and the two walked into the house.
Rory flopped onto the couch and Luke and Lorelai's new dog, Java, climbed onto her lap and began licking her. He was a big German Shepard, but had the brain of a tiny lap dog. "Woah, dude… settle down," Lorelai chided, before going up the stairs to Rory's old bedroom (now where guests stayed and Lorelai kept her craft and sewing supplies). She rummaged around in a drawer before retrieving a small gift bag and going back downstairs.
"This is your surprise!" Lorelai remarked excitedly before handing the gift bag to Rory, who took it.
"Mom, what is it?" Rory questioned, looking down at the green tissue paper in the bag.
"Just open it," Lorelai coaxed. You'll see!"
Rory did so and started taking the paper away from the bag. Slowly, she took the items out. At the top, was a small baby's outfit. Rory began to get suspicious, but kept digging. Further down was a pin that read, 'Big Sister', and finally, at the very bottom of the bag, was an ultrasound photo that read, "Congratulations, big sister Rory. Your new brother or sister will be arriving in June. He or she already loves you so much," on the back.
"Mom!"Rory shouted. "You're... "
"Yep," Lorelai answered knowingly. "12 weeks yesterday. We're so happy,"
"Oh my god," Rory gushed, jumping into her mother's lap (cautiously, as not to hurt the baby). "This is the best news ever,"
Lorelai laughed at the sight of her fully grown daughter curled into her lap and then at the thought of having an adult child, but being pregnant again. Her life was certainly something.
"So, who knows?" Rory spoke after being quiet for a few minutes.
"Now that you do, everyone except Grandma. I've been too scared to say anything since I figure she'll accuse me of trying to upstage Grandpa's memory by getting pregnant. I wonder if I could get away with not telling her at all, " Lorelai mused.
"Mom!" Rory groaned. "There's no way you can hide it for nine months. Either someone's going to tell her, or she's going to notice when you start showing a bump or come to a Friday dinner with a baby in your arms, like, 'Surprise! Guess what I did this week!'
"You're right," Lorelai giggled at the thought of spontaneously showing up to her mother's house with a newborn. "I'm just scared of what she will think,"
"Look, Mom." Rory said thoughtfully. "You're not sixteen any more. You're an adult, and you've been married to Luke for almost five years now, always wanting a family with him. She needs to respect that you have your own life and can make your own decisions. I think you should tell her tomorrow when we're all there for dinner. Both Luke and I will be there to back you up and support you. Even if she's not happy, you are, and that's what matters in the end
"Wow, babe." Lorelai gushed, kissing her daughter's head. "How did you get so smart?"
"Well, I learned from the best," Rory grinned. "...and that was you,"
