"Nightingale"

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters in this story. They are the property of Amy-Sherman Palladino, The WB, and Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions.

Author's Note: Ha, I have finally found a way to group these episodes together. This first episode was written sometime last July, based off of old spoilers.

VOICEOVER: Previously on Gilmore Girls…

[Cut to wedding]

RORY: I think I'm going to Washington.

LORELAI: Oh.

[Cut to Gilmore house]

LORELAI: [Yelling] She's pregnant! Sherry's pregnant.

RORY: [After a pause] Oh.

LORELAI: [Calmer] I'm sorry it had to be like this, babe.

[Cut to RORY and DEAN at the bus stop]

DEAN: You're breaking up with me?

RORY: Dean, it's not like that.

DEAN: Well, then enlighten me, because right now, it looks like you're breaking up with me.

RORY: No. I mean, yes. But I don't want it to be bitter.

DEAN: So this is it?

RORY: I don't want to hurt you.

DEAN: Well, the best intentions.

[Cut to RORY on the phone with CHRISTOPHER]

RORY:…And I think it's completely unfair that you gave Mom and I false hope, and then you just left, without even saying goodbye. We were counting on you, and you didn't come through, just like you never do!

CHRISTOPHER: Rory.

RORY: It sucks that you couldn't even tell me to my face! It sucks that you made Mom do it, even though she was already hurting and sad and disappointed. It sucks that…it sucks that you can't just be my dad.

[The la-la's start]

[Cut to RORY and PARIS in Washington]

PARIS: I took more notes than you did.

RORY: Paris, when will we ever need to know what pattern the speaker's tie was?

PARIS: People are interested in this sort of thing. The tie says a lot about the person. [RORY is zoning out] It's the details that will put us over the top, not only in student council and The Franklin, but in Harvard. I mean, these people scrutinize you. They look at every little fragment of your being, they rip you to shreds—What is wrong with you?

RORY: [Startled] Nothing.

PARIS: You're not listening to anything I say.

RORY: I'm just…thinking.

[Open to LORELAI in the Hartford Airport. She is waiting anxiously with coffee cups in hand while passenger after passenger comes out. Finally, RORY walks off the plane]

LORELAI: Babe! Hi, Paris.

PARIS: Miss Gilmore.

LORELAI: So, how was it? [Hands RORY the coffee]

RORY: Great.

PARIS: Some of the speakers were under par.

LORELAI: Really?

PARIS: Yes. One man was wearing a nylon tie.

LORELAI: Well, I'm surprised her wasn't booed off the stage and pelted with rotten tomatoes.

RORY: All we had were some orange slices.

LORELAI: Not quite the intended effect.

RORY: Not smooshy enough.

LORELAI: So, Paris, do you need a ride home?

PARIS: The chauffeur will be here any minute.

LORELAI: Do you want us to wait?

PARIS: No.

RORY: We'll wait.

PARIS: You don't have to.

RORY: Come on, Paris, all this time together to leave you standing in an airport, all alone? We'll wait.

LORELAI: [Whispering to RORY] She totally gave you an out.

RORY: What's a few more minutes out of six weeks?

LORELAI: Angel. Who's daughter are you?

RORY: Mother Teresa's.

LORELAI: That was one busy hospital.

PARIS: I see him.

RORY: Okay. Bye, I guess.

PARIS: Yeah, I guess. [She starts walking away, then turns around to say] I had a nice time.

RORY: [Surprised] So did I.

PARIS: So, I'll see you in school?

RORY: School it is. [PARIS turns and leaves. LORELAI loops her arm around RORY'S waist and they start walking]

LORELAI: So tell me. How was it really?

RORY: Not too bad. Paris is human once you get to know her, shockingly. The speakers were great; the sites were beautiful; my suitcase is stuffed from too many souvenirs.

LORELAI: For me, I hope.

RORY: Mainly.

LORELAI: You had thoughts of others?

RORY: I bought some stuff for Grandma and Grandpa.

LORELAI: Brown noser.

RORY: And a few things for Lane.

LORELAI: CD's?

RORY: They had a good shop. I got her that MC5 album she's been wanting forever.

LORELAI: That they didn't have in Hartford?

RORY: That's the one.

LORELAI: Well, you accomplished a lot in a short amount of time.

RORY: I feel I was very productive.

LORELAI: So, how does Luke's sound?

RORY: [Nervous] Well…

LORELAI: Oh, I forgot for a second. Now we can't go into the market or the diner? We're going to starve.

RORY: There's always Al's. Or the Hungry Diner.

LORELAI: Both with frightening coffee. How dare they call that stuff coffee?

RORY: It is a plague on the very name. [There is a slight pause]

LORELAI: Oh, your dad called.

RORY: Oh.

LORELAI: You didn't tell me you had a fight with him.

RORY: It wasn't big.

LORELAI: He said you were pretty mad.

RORY: Well, I was.

LORELAI: It's just weird. You've never yelled at him before.

RORY: I know. I just…it really made me mad that he couldn't even say goodbye to me.

LORELAI: Honey, I know. Believe me, I know. But he's still your dad.

RORY: I know.

LORELAI: He's coming up next weekend. He wants to make things right again.

RORY: Okay.

LORELAI: Good.

RORY: So, how's Sherry?

LORELAI: Everything's normal. She's fine, the baby's fine.

RORY: Do they know what it's going to be?

LORELAI: Well, the doctor has ruled out fruit fly and dragon, but other than that, it's up for grabs.

RORY: Well, as long as it's not a fruit fly, then I'm okay.

LORELAI: Yeah, I was worried about that too.

RORY: It's a good thing they cleared that up.

LORELAI: I have been awake at night, gnawing over that.

RORY: Was he mad?

LORELAI: No. He understands.

RORY: I'm sorry.

LORELAI: He knows that, too. But you can tell him that this weekend, after you make him grovel for your forgiveness.

RORY: That sounds good.

LORELAI: Good. [The la-la's starts playing. She hugs RORY tighter to her as the keep walking. The camera focuses on them from behind until they're lost in the crowd]

[Opening credits]

[First commercial break]

[Open to Stars Hollow. RORY and LORELAI are driving in the Jeep]

RORY: Can you drop me off at Lane's?

LORELAI: Maybe in a little.

RORY: Well, now would probably be good. I think her mom has Bible group now.

LORELAI: There's someplace I want to stop first.

RORY: Where?

LORELAI: Just…a place.

RORY: Well, then, drop me by Lane's, and you can stop there.

LORELAI: I need you to come with me.

RORY: Why?

LORELAI: You'll see.

RORY: Where are we going?

LORELAI: Somewhere.

RORY: Well, I don't trust your navigational skills. Where?

LORELAI: Wait and you'll see.

RORY: I don't like surprises involving you and driving somewhere.

LORELAI: Get used to them, babe.

RORY: Mom…

[LORELAI steers the Jeep into the center of town, where there are balloons and banners and food everywhere]

LORELAI: Here we are.

RORY: You could have just told me.

LORELAI: It would have spoiled the surprise.

RORY: You almost spoiled my appetite with the suspense.

LORELAI: Good thing it wasn't any farther away.

RORY: Yeah, or I wouldn't be able to eat Sookie's food. [Looking around] I can't believe they would do this for me.

LORELAI: Believe it. Miss Patty and Taylor had a whole segment of the town meeting devoted to planning it.

RORY: Is…everyone here?

LORELAI: I think Dean has been safely tied up in Luke's basement.

RORY: Luke doesn't have a basement.

LORELAI: Pretend with me here.

RORY: Thanks.

LORELAI: Don't thank me, thank Harry. He came out of retirement just to string the lights for this affair.

RORY: It's not night yet.

LORELAI: It will be.

RORY: How long will the insanity last?

LORELAI: Until Kirk passes out.

RORY: So, about twenty minutes.

LORELAI: Thereabouts.

[SOOKIE comes up from behind, carrying a tray]

SOOKIE: Hey, popcorn! Raspberry tart?

RORY: [Taking one] Thank you so much, Sookie.

SOOKIE: It was no problem! We're just so glad to have you back.

LORELAI: Amen to that.

SOOKIE: Jackson has a whole platter of strawberries over there for you.

RORY: Really? [She hugs SOOKIE] I'll be back.

LORELAI: [Watching her go] Thank God she's back.

SOOKIE: I wasn't much of a replacement for movie night.

LORELAI: You gave it a noble try. And I was beginning to feel guilty tearing you away from your husband every other night.

SOOKIE: Husband…

LORELAI: You'll have to get used to it eventually.

SOOKIE: It just sounds so…wow.

LORELAI: [A little sadly] Yeah. It does.

SOOKIE: So, have you heard from him?

LORELAI: Who?

SOOKIE: Who? Chris.

LORELAI: Oh, yeah. He's coming up next weekend.

SOOKIE: Oh.

LORELAI: Not "oh." Good.

SOOKIE: Good?

LORELAI: He and Rory can patch things up.

SOOKIE: Something has to be patched?

LORELAI: They had a fight.

SOOKIE: Uh-oh.

LORELAI: Not really. Rory was just upset. I think Chris understands.

SOOKIE: What about Sherry?

LORELAI: What about Sherry?

SOOKIE: Is she coming up too?

LORELAI: I don't know.

SOOKIE: Wow.

LORELAI: Yeah. Wow.

[Cut to RORY and LANE by the food table]

LANE: His name is Clyde.

RORY: Clyde?

LANE: It's a musician name.

RORY: Wow.

LANE: He plays the drums in Mediocrity.

RORY: Really? They're pretty good.

LANE: I know.

RORY: So, have you told your mom yet?

LANE: Well, you'd been gone so long that I was on the verge of spitting it out, but I saved myself.

RORY: How?

LANE: I wrote it multiple times in my journal.

RORY: Journal?

LANE: The New-Age way of avoiding death by your mother's hands.

RORY: You could have told me on the phone.

LANE: I think my mom was listening in. She doesn't trust long distance.

RORY: So that's why you asked me about my orange juice six times.

LANE: I had to keep it G.

RORY: Obviously. [She looks around the party]

LANE: I haven't seen him around.

RORY: Who?

LANE: Dean.

RORY: Oh.

LANE: He hasn't been in the market when I've gone in, I haven't seen him on the field at school when I walk by, and he definitely hasn't gone into Luke's.

RORY: Okay.

LANE: What happened between you guys?

RORY: We just decided we were growing apart, I told you.

LANE: There was no catalyst?

RORY: No. It was a mutual decision.

LANE: So that's why he hasn't come out of his house in six weeks?

RORY: Maybe he's trying an Emily Dickinson thing. Maybe he's starting to write poetry.

LANE: Maybe. [Picks a cookie off the table] I'm glad you're back.

RORY: You just like me for my food.

[Cut to Luke's Diner]

LUKE: [Wiping the table off] You aren't going?

JESS: What?

LUKE: To the party.

JESS: Nope.

LUKE: Why?

JESS: Not much of a party animal.

LUKE: I thought you might like to say hi to Rory.

JESS: She'll come in the diner eventually.

LUKE: I know. I just thought you two were…friends or something, and friends usually greet other friends after long trips and such.

JESS: I'll greet her when she comes in.

LUKE: Did something happen between you two?

JESS: No.

LUKE: Then why the sudden weirdness?

JESS: There's no weirdness.

LUKE: There's weirdness.

JESS: [Flinging the rag down] I'm not going to debate this with you.

LUKE: Jess.

JESS: I'm going upstairs.

LUKE: Your break's not for another hour.

JESS: Well, then, I'll skip that one.

LUKE: Jess, come on. [JESS goes up the stairs. LUKE sighs. LORELAI enters]

LORELAI: Hey.

LUKE: Hey.

LORELAI: Are you gonna come to the party?

LUKE: Not today.

LORELAI: Rory would really like you and Jess to come.

LUKE: Well, Jess doesn't want to go mingle with the insanity that is, unfortunately, Stars Hollow, and I need to keep the diner open.

LORELAI: Come on, there are no customers. Everyone's at the party.

LUKE: If I get a chance later.

LORELAI: Luke, I would really like you to come.

LUKE: I said, if I get a chance later.

LORELAI: Can't you just accept my apology?

LUKE: It has been accepted.

LORELAI: Then why are you still an ice sculpture?

LUKE: I'm not an ice sculpture.

LORELAI: Oh, yes, you are. And there isn't even any water dripping off the edge.

LUKE: What?

LORELAI: No sign of melting.

LUKE: Look, Lorelai, I accepted your apology. I give you coffee. What more do you want?

LORELAI: I want us to be friends again.

[LUKE doesn't say anything, just starts tidying up behind the counter. LORELAI'S eyes get teary, and she turns around and leaves. LUKE turns and watches her through the window]

[Cut to SOOKIE by the food tables. SOOKIE is rearranging the food, refilling platters. LORELAI comes marching up]

LORELAI: That man is so stubborn!

SOOKIE: Who?

LORELAI: Who? Luke!

SOOKIE: The war rages on?

LORELAI: He won't even talk to me anymore.

SOOKIE: I thought you said things were getting better.

LORELAI: Better in the sort of better way. He gives me coffee now, but he doesn't even tell me that it'll kill me.

SOOKIE: Isn't that what you've always wanted?

LORELAI: No! I want him to go back to old Luke.

SOOKIE: Lorelai, you blew up at the man for something that wasn't his fault. He's hurt.

LORELAI: I know that. I tried to explain to him a million times that I didn't mean it, that I was just upset.

SOOKIE: Just give him time.

LORELAI: I have given him time.

SOOKIE: Give him more.

[LORELAI looks back to the diner with a sad look on her face. JACKSON comes up, holding two pears]

JACKSON: Which one looks better?

SOOKIE: [Pointing to the one in his left hand] That one.

JACKSON: Ha! I told you!

SOOKIE: Told me what?

JACKSON: That the singing and dancing works. See, the one you pointed to was the one I sang and danced for. The other one, however, has been deprived of entertainment and love. Look how measly it is!

SOOKIE: Okay, you win.

JACKSON: I'm going to move the operation indoors.

SOOKIE: [Panicked] Indoors?

JACKSON: Sure. They need a home too.

SOOKIE: Their home is the garden.

JACKSON: But they might get even plumper if I keep them indoors.

SOOKIE: They look fine like that.

JACKSON: Fine. Just fine, see. Indoors, they could look great.

SOOKIE: They look great.

JACKSON: You said fine.

SOOKIE: I meant great.

JACKSON: Lorelai, what do you think?

LORELAI: What?

JACKSON: About the pears. Indoors or out?

LORELAI: Oh. Well, I don't know. I don't have to live with them if they suddenly look so great that they sprout legs and attack me in the night.

SOOKIE: [After a pause] She wants them outdoors.

JACKSON: She said they might sprout legs indoors!

SOOKIE: She was being sarcastic.

[LORELAI shakes her head and walks away, starting toward RORY and LANE. Her cell rings]

LORELAI: Hello?

CHRISTOPHER: Lor?

LORELAI: Hi, Chris.

CHRISTOPHER: So, did Rory get home all right?

LORELAI: She's still vertical.

CHRISTOPHER: That's a good sign. Paris hasn't torn her to shreds.

LORELAI: Nope.

CHRISTOPHER: I wanted to run an idea by you.
LORELAI: Maybe you should just jog it.

CHRISTOPHER: What if I come down today?

LORELAI: Today?

CHRISTOPHER: Yeah. It'd be good to see Rory.

LORELAI: You'll see her this weekend.

CHRISTOPHER: I know, but I want to be a part of the welcome home committee.

LORELAI: It's pretty big already.

CHRISTOPHER: Could always use one more, right?

LORELAI: [Smiles tightly and says with mock cheer] Right.

CHRISTOPHER: Great. I'll be there in twenty minutes.

LORELAI: Twenty minutes?

CHRISTOPHER: Well, I started out a little earlier.

LORELAI: What would you have done if I said no?

CHRISTOPHER: Turned around and went back.

LORELAI: Is Sherry coming?

CHRISTOPHER: [Pause] Yeah.

LORELAI: Great.

CHRISTOPHER: We won't even come to the house if you don't want.

LORELAI: No, no, come. We'll have to get to know her better now.

CHRISTOPHER: Yup.

LORELAI: Well, I'll see you soon, then.

CHRISTOPHER: Nineteen minutes now.

LORELAI: Bye.

CHRISTOPHER: Bye.

[LORELAI hangs up and frowns. The la-la's start playing]

[Cut to RORY and LANE]

RORY: We had a big fight.

LANE: You fought with your dad?

RORY: Yeah. It was weird. I've never done it before.

LANE: Neither have I. Is he mad?

RORY: Mom said he's okay. He's coming up this weekend.

LANE: That's good then.

RORY: Yeah. I wonder if he's bringing Sherry.

LANE: Do you want him to?

RORY: I don't know.

LANE: She's nice, right?

RORY: Yeah, she's nice. I just…now she has a whole new meaning. Before, she was just a girlfriend, but now…

LANE: Wow.

RORY: I know. [Looks toward the diner] Have you seen Jess around?

LANE: Not much. He's taking summer school, so he's at the diner less.

RORY: Is he in school now?

LANE: [Checks her watch] Nope, it's after noon.

RORY: Oh.

LANE: Why?

RORY: I was thinking about getting some coffee.

LANE: Why wouldn't you get it now?

RORY: Jess is there.

LANE: So?

RORY: [Her eyes widen] Oh, no reason.

LANE: Are you avoiding him?

RORY: Not exactly.

LANE: You don't have to avoid him for Dean anymore.

RORY: I know.

LANE: So there's another reason you're avoiding him.

RORY: I'm not avoiding him.

LANE: Oops, my mistake.

RORY: I'm not.

LANE: Okay.

RORY: [Pauses] When does school start?

LANE: [Grins] Eight.

RORY: Thanks.

[LORELAI comes over]

LORELAI: Uh, hey, hon.

RORY: Hi, Mom.

LORELAI: Having fun?

RORY: Yeah. This is amazing. All this food.

LORELAI: Yeah, yeah. Look, there something I need to tell you.

RORY: Now?

LORELAI: Now. I know you weren't counting on it until this weekend…[RORY is looking over LORELAI'S shoulder]

RORY: Dad?

[LORELAI turns around]

LORELAI: He's coming today.

RORY: Oh. [CHRISTOPHER and SHERRY get out of the car. RORY starts walking uncertainly toward them, looking over her shoulder at LORELAI]

[Second commercial break]

[Open to the center of Stars Hollow. RORY and CHRISTOPHER have met halfway and are standing on the edge of the park]

CHRISTOPHER: Hey!

RORY: Hey! [She hugs CHRISTOPHER] Hi, Sherry.

SHERRY: Hello, Rory.

RORY: I didn't think you two were coming up until the weekend.

CHRISTOPHER: Well, we both had some time off at work, and we decided to help welcome you home. I see the town already has a start.

RORY: Oh, yeah. They like their parties.

SHERRY: How charming.

CHRISTOPHER: Charming until you meet the people.

RORY: Ignore him, he's just trying to scare you. They're all really nice.

CHRISTOPHER: Just a little quirky.

RORY: They're not that bad.

SHERRY: Well, I'll look forward to meeting them.

CHRISTOPHER: Where's your mom?

RORY: [Points] She and Lane are by the food.

CHRISTOPHER: Some things never change.

SHERRY: Lane?

RORY: My best friend.

SHERRY: What an interesting name.

RORY: She's Korean.

SHERRY: Oh, is she adopted?

RORY: No. [Starts walking] Come on. You have to meet her.

CHRISTOPHER: [Taking SHERRY'S hand and following] So, do they do this for every returning war hero?

RORY: Well, they threw an even bigger party for Mrs. Kline when she turned a hundred, so I don't think it's limited to coming-home bashes.

CHRISTOPHER: What did they do for your sixteenth?

RORY: Mom had that one taken care of.

CHRISTOPHER: I bet.

[They come up to LORELAI and LANE]

RORY: Sherry, this is my friend Lane.

LANE: Hi.

SHERRY: Hello. Lorelai.

LORELAI: Sherry.

SHERRY: It's nice to see you again.

[LORELAI just nods]

CHRISTOPHER: How is the inn?

LORELAI: Well, Michel is handling the guests alone, so we're in serious danger of going out of business.

CHRISTOPHER: Not with that spiffy degree you have now.

LORELAI: No degree could save the guests from the wrath of Michel.

RORY: He's the craziest one in this whole town.

LORELAI: Michel's not crazy. Just rude.

RORY: Okay, he's the one you'd most want to avoid.

CHRISTOPHER: The Frenchman?

RORY: Stars Hollow's one and only.

LORELAI: Thank God, 'cause I'd hate to see the havoc two could wreak.

SHERRY: Wow, who catered this?

LORELAI: Sookie.

SHERRY: I've never heard of that company.

LORELAI: It's not a company. It's a person. [LORELAI points to SOOKIE, who is busy at one of the tables] Right there. She's the chef at the inn.

SHERRY: Does she do private catering?

LORELAI: Not really. She does it as favors to people. Rory's birthdays, her wedding.

SHERRY: She catered her own wedding?

LORELAI: [Smiling tightly] Yes.

SHERRY: It must have been quite a bash.

LORELAI: Oh, it was. Trust me.

CHRISTOPHER: Where is her husband?

LORELAI: Jackson's at home.

CHRISTOPHER: Was she afraid he would show up in a kilt?

LORELAI: He's transferring his pears from the outside garden inside.

CHRISTOPHER: Why?

LORELAI: He thinks they'll grow legs.

CHRISTOPHER: Okay. [To SHERRY] You want something to eat?

SHERRY: [Looking to her stomach] I don't think we're hungry.

CHRISTOPHER: Okay. Hey, can I steal Rory away for a while?

LORELAI: Sure.

[CHRISTOPHER and RORY walk off, leaving LANE, LORELAI, and SHERRY]

LANE: I better go see where my mom is.

LORELAI: Okay. See you later, Lane.

[LANE turns and waves]

SHERRY: This is awkward.

LORELAI: Unbelievably, even more so than the first time.

SHERRY: I told Chris it probably wasn't a good idea for me to come with, but he insisted.

LORELAI: I'm fine.

SHERRY: I don't know if I am.

LORELAI: Oh.

SHERRY: I mean, it just seems wrong to be spending time with Rory.

LORELAI: Spending time with Rory?

SHERRY: Well, Chris meant to ask you if we could take her out to dinner tonight.

LORELAI: Oh. Well…

SHERRY: If you don't want to, that's okay. I mean, I know you two just got together again after a while…

LORELAI: No, it's fine.

SHERRY: I'm sorry to spring it on you like this.

LORELAI: No problem. I'll just…rent a movie or something.

SHERRY: Oh, God, I ruined your night.

LORELAI: No.

SHERRY: She's a good girl.

LORELAI: She's a great girl.

[Cut to RORY and CHRISTOPHER]

CHRISTOPHER: So, we had a fight.

RORY: Yes.

CHRISTOPHER: I'm not used to having fights with you.

RORY: Same here.

CHRISTOPHER: I'm sorry, Rory. I'm sorry about everything that's happened.

RORY: I'm sorry I yelled at you. I was just upset.

CHRISTOPHER: I know. I understand. [Sighs] I feel like scum. [RORY doesn't say anything] I really wanted this to work out. I was going to give it a try.

RORY: I believe you.

CHRISTOPHER: And I was thinking about it. I thought that maybe…maybe once Sherry had the baby, I could move up here, try to be with your mom.

RORY: Dad…

CHRISTOPHER: I could help her out with money, obviously.

RORY: I don't think that's a good idea.

CHRISTOPHER: Your mother wouldn't go for it?

RORY: She might. I don't know. But it's not fair to the kid.

CHRISTOPHER: I guess you're right.

RORY: You said you wanted to avoid what happened with me right?

CHRISTOPHER: Right.

RORY: Well, this is practically the same thing, except you're older and you can prevent it.

CHRISTOPHER: You're right.

RORY: I'm always right. I get it from Mom.

CHRISTOPHER: It's an infuriating habit.

RORY: But useful.

CHRISTOPHER: So where is that boyfriend of yours?

RORY: We broke up.

CHRISTOPHER: Oh.

RORY: It wasn't a big deal.

CHRISTOPHER: You were with him for a long time.

RORY: Yeah, almost two years.

CHRISTOPHER: [Laughs] I think you topped my record for longest relationship.

RORY: I beat Mom, too.

CHRISTOPHER: That's something to be proud of.

RORY: I'm thinking of putting it on my Harvard app.

CHRISTOPHER: Good idea. I hear this Jess kid is back in town.

RORY: [Nervous] Mom told you?

CHRISTOPHER: Yeah.

RORY: Why?

CHRISTOPHER: I think she's a little worried.

RORY: About what?

CHRISTOPHER: I don't know. I thought you might know.

RORY: I don't know. He left for New York for a while, and now he's back.

CHRISTOPHER: Well, keep me away from him, or he'll be Stars Hollow's Headless Horseman.

RORY: You can't do that.

CHRISTOPHER: Why not?

RORY: He's Stars Hollow's only juvenile delinquent. If you make him the Headless Horseman, what will we do for juvenile delinquents?

CHRISTOPHER: Tough call.

RORY: Mom and Sherry seem to be talking okay.

CHRISTOPHER: That's good. That's very good. Hey, Sherry and I had an idea on the way out here.

RORY: Like what?

CHRISTOPHER: We thought you might like to go out to dinner with us tonight.

RORY: Oh.

CHRISTOPHER: You can pick the restaurant.

RORY: Well, I don't know. It's my first night back. I think Mom might like to spend some time with me.

CHRISTOPHER: We'll have you back early.

RORY: Only if Mom's okay with it.

CHRISTOPHER: We'll check.

RORY: [Worried] Okay.

[Cut to LUKE coming out of the diner. He turns in the doorway]

LUKE: Don't burn the place down, okay?

JESS: I'll do my best.

LUKE: I won't be gone long.

JESS: Okay.

LUKE: Right. [He leaves and crosses the street to the party, walking up to RORY] Hey.

RORY: Luke! I didn't think you'd come!

LUKE: Welcome back.

RORY: Thanks.

LUKE: How was it?

RORY: Not too bad. The speakers were amazing, and I took a lot of pictures.

LUKE: Sounds like a good time.

RORY: I thought so.

LUKE: Your mom around?

RORY: She's talking to Sherry.

LUKE: Sherry?

RORY: My dad's girlfriend. They're right over there.

LUKE: Thanks. If you wanna come in the diner later, the coffee's on me.

RORY: I will. Thanks.

[LUKE nods and walks over to LORELAI and SHERRY]

LUKE: Hey, Lorelai, could I borrow you?

LORELAI: Sure. [To SHERRY] I'll be right back. [She and LUKE walk off] What's up?

LUKE: I thought about what you said.

LORELAI: When?

LUKE: Today. Yesterday. The day before that. Last Monday.

LORELAI: I get the point. And?

LUKE: I'm sorry that Rory got hurt. But you can't blame me.

LORELAI: I didn't. I wasn't thinking straight.

LUKE: My keeping Jess here was not directly responsible for the accident. I had an obligation to keep him. And despite what you think, he's not the devil incarnate. He genuinely cares about Rory, and he felt bad about what happened.

LORELAI: I know.

LUKE: He's back.

LORELAI: I know.

LUKE: So, if we're gonna be friends again, you have to promise not to blow up about Jess again.

LORELAI: I won't.

LUKE: And cut him and Rory a little slack. They're friends, Lorelai.

LORELAI: I know.

LUKE: Good.

LORELAI: Thank you.

LUKE: You're welcome. You want me to bring some coffee over?

LORELAI: Since when is that a legitimate question?

LUKE: Right. [LUKE turns a leaves. LORELAI watches him, smiling. SHERRY comes up. "You Don't Know Me" by Jann Arden starts playing]

SHERRY: You seeing him?

LORELAI: Luke? No.

SHERRY: You two looked like you were together.

LORELAI: We're not.

SHERRY: Exes?

LORELAI: No. Just friends.

[Cut to the Gilmore house. LORELAI, RORY, CHRISTOPHER, and SHERRY enter]

LORELAI: Sorry about the messiness. We didn't get a chance to clean this time.

CHRISTOPHER: Sadly, you thought last time was tidy.

RORY: You should have seen it before we cleaned.

CHRISTOPHER: I'm glad I was spared.

LORELAI: So, you guys need anything to drink?

SHERRY: Just the opposite, actually.

LORELAI: Oh, bathroom's down the hall. First door on your right.

SHERRY: Thanks.

[CHRISTOPHER looks at LORELAI. RORY gets the hint]

RORY: I'm gonna go change.

LORELAI: That looks fine.

RORY: I know, it's just, I traveled in this. It's all frumpy.

LORELAI: But—

RORY: I'll be right back.

LORELAI: Okay.

CHRISTOPHER: I have an idea to run by you.

LORELAI: Not again.

CHRISTOPHER: Sherry and I were hoping to take Rory out to dinner tonight.

LORELAI: Oh, yeah. Sherry mentioned that.

CHRISTOPHER: So, what do you think?

LORELAI: Fine with me.

CHRISTOPHER: Are you sure? Because Rory said that since it was your first night together again that you might not want to.

LORELAI: Well, I'm fine.

CHRISTOPHER: Great.

LORELAI: Why tonight?

CHRISTOPHER: We just thought it would be nice to get it out of the way.

LORELAI: Are you guys staying?

CHRISTOPHER: Until Sunday, if it's okay.

LORELAI: Oh, yeah, fine.

CHRISTOPHER: Are you sure?

LORELAI: I would not have said it was fine if I weren't.

CHRISTOPHER: Because it seems like you're angry that we're here.

LORELAI: I'm not angry.

CHRISTOPHER: You don't want us here.

LORELAI: I just…thought it was weird that you guys decided to change plans so fast.

CHRISTOPHER: We wanted to welcome Rory home.

LORELAI: [Sharply, finally releasing her anger] That was my job!

CHRISTOPHER: I know.

LORELAI: No, you don't! I have been away from my best friend for six weeks, six horrible, lonely, miserable weeks of endless bad movies with no one to mock them appropriately and dinners without no one to talk to and an empty, sad house, and then you show up and think you can take her away from me.

CHRISTOPHER: Lor, if you don't want us to go out—

LORELAI: No, go! What do I care? We're supposed to conform to you, right? That's how it's always been. Chris is coming? Well, let's drop everything, because we never know when he'll come back!

CHRISTOPHER: Lor—

LORELAI: Don't "Lor" me. You come here and tell me that this is our time together and like an idiot I believe you! I listened to you, I trusted you, I gave you everything, and then you just up and leave, like you always do! You didn't even have the decency to tell your daughter to her face.

CHRISTOPHER: I'm sorry, Lorelai.

LORELAI: That doesn't matter. [LORELAI turns and leaves the room] Go have dinner.

CHRISTOPHER: Don't leave, Lorelai.

LORELAI: Why not? Seems to work for you. [LORELAI grabs her keys and slams out the front door]

[RORY comes out of her room. SHERRY comes out the bathroom. They both stand there and look at CHRISTOPHER]

SHERRY: Should we get going, then?

CHRISTOPHER: Yeah. Ready, kid?

RORY: Yeah.

[The three leave]

[Third commercial break]

[Cut to LORELAI in the diner]

LUKE: Where's Rory?

LORELAI: Out with Nick and Nora.

LUKE: Okay.

LORELAI: Coffee?

LUKE: It's brewing. I just poured the last cup.

LORELAI: Sure. A fine excuse.

LUKE: [Pours her a cup] Here you go.

LORELAI: Ha! I knew it.

LUKE: You have supernatural powers.

LORELAI: I need them, since the whole shower superhero thing didn't pan out.

LUKE: That's a shame.

LORELAI: Where's Jess?

LUKE: I gave him the night off.

LORELAI: That was nice.

LUKE: Well, he's been working his butt off here and at school.

LORELAI: School?

LUKE: Summer school. He's retrieving some lost credit.

LORELAI: So that's good.

LUKE: Yeah.

LORELAI: How's the school thing going?

LUKE: He's doing all right.

LORELAI: No need for a tutor?

LUKE: I'm getting the elbow-patch guy next time.

LORELAI: I told you.

LUKE: You were right.

LORELAI: I'm always right. It's freakish.

LUKE: Among other things.

LORELAI: It's part of my supernatural powers. I was even nice enough to pass it on to Rory.

LUKE: At least she doesn't abuse it.

LORELAI: You should see her exploit it when it comes to my parents. Ugh, I don't know why she likes them.

LUKE: Maybe she just has better taste than you.

LORELAI: Now, then.

LUKE: What do you want?

LORELAI: French toast.

LUKE: It's five o'clock.

LORELAI: So?

LUKE: French toast is usually considered a breakfast item.

LORELAI: When has that stopped me?

LUKE: Never. [He writes the order on a pad and hands it back to Caesar] I assume you trust him with French toast.

LORELAI: French toast, yes. Pancakes, no.

LUKE: Just so I have it straight.

LORELAI: Hey, Luke?

LUKE: What?

LORELAI: It was a good thing you did. With Jess.

LUKE: Thanks. You didn't do too bad either. With Rory.

LORELAI: Thanks.

[Cut to a Hartford restaurant]

CHRISTOPHER: So, how's the food?

RORY: Very good.

SHERRY: Good.

CHRISTOPHER: Are you sure that's the right thing?

SHERRY: For what?

CHRISTOPHER: For the baby.

SHERRY: It'll be okay.

RORY: I wonder what Mom's doing.

CHRISTOPHER: Do you want to go home?

RORY: No, we'll finish. We're out here already.

SHERRY: That was quite a party your mother threw you.

RORY: She didn't throw it. The town did. Mom said they designated part of the town meeting for it, which is on par with being in the newspaper.

CHRISTOPHER: Wow. You're a celebrity.

RORY: It's even better than the time they named the Rory Curtain.

CHRISTOPHER: The Rory Curtain?

RORY: It's a long story.

SHERRY: Could I have a bite of that? [Points to CHRISTOPHER'S plate]

CHRISTOPHER: Here.

SHERRY: I should have ordered this.

CHRISTOPHER: Do you want another plate?

SHERRY: No, this is fine.

CHRISTOPHER: [Clears his throat] Rory, the reason we wanted you to come out here with us was to discuss this…situation.

RORY: Okay.

CHRISTOPHER: The last thing we want is for you to hate us.

RORY: I couldn't hate you.

CHRISTOPHER: Well, we just really wanted you to know that I'm still here for you.

RORY: I'll be in college next year.

CHIRSTOPHER: I know.

RORY: So it's not really a big deal.

CHRISTOPHER: I guess.

RORY: It won't matter as much, not having you come by.

CHRISTOPHER: [Surprised] Yeah.

RORY: So you can stop worrying about it.

SHERRY: I'm going to the bathroom. Would you like to come, Rory?

RORY: [Confused] Uh, well…oh, right. Sure. [She stands up and follows SHERRY to the women's room]

SHERRY: I'm not trying to replace your mom.

RORY: If you were, it'd be a lost cause.

SHERRY: I know that. I just don't want you to resent me. Because the last time I was here, you seemed okay with me.

RORY: I was. Am.

SHERRY: Good. I don't want you to think of me as the person who stole your father away.

RORY: I don't.

SHERRY: I didn't get pregnant intentionally.

RORY: Okay.

SHERRY: It wasn't a ploy to get him back home. Let's face it, we'd been having some problems, and I thought we were going to break up, but then this happened, and it just threw everything off.

RORY: I know.

SHERRY: You probably don't want to hear all this, and I don't want to unload on you, but just remember that this wasn't my idea.

RORY: Okay.

SHERRY: So we're good?

RORY: We're good. [SHERRY starts putting on lipstick, and RORY bites her lip and watches sadly]

[Cut to the Gilmore residence. RORY enters through the front door]

RORY: Mom?

LORELAI: Living room!

[RORY walks into the living room, where LORELAI is sitting on the couch with the TV on. RORY sits by her on the sofa]

RORY: Hi.

LORELAI: Hey, babe.

RORY: Are you okay?

LORELAI: I'm fine. I'm sorry I freaked out like that.

RORY: It's okay. I seem to recall doing something quite similar.

LORELAI: I never meant to put you in the middle of my lovelife.

RORY: Trust me, I know.

LORELAI: And it really made me mad that your dad forced me to do that.

RORY: It's okay. What did you do tonight?

LORELAI: Just had dinner at Luke's and watched TV.

RORY: Luke's?

LORELAI: Yup.

RORY: You two made up!

LORELAI: We did.

RORY: This is so great. We can actually go and have coffee now without you looking like a secret agent, trying to sneak in.

LORELAI: Great, huh? So, come on, how was dinner?

RORY: Boring, without you.

LORELAI: Well, everything is. You'll learn.

RORY: Dad and Sherry were telling me how they didn't want me to hate them and stuff, and Sherry asked me to come to the bathroom with her.

LORELAI: Major league stuff, Ripkin.

RORY: And she was telling me how she didn't get pregnant on purpose and how Dad and her were going to break up before the baby.

LORELAI: She told you all that?

RORY: While applying makeup.

LORELAI: Impressive. I never pegged her to be that talented.

RORY: You two would probably get along if it weren't like…this.

LORELAI: We might. She just doesn't really seem like my type.

RORY: Good, cause I think she and Dad are together for a while.

LORELAI: Ha. Wow, it's so cool to have you back. Now when I talk, something responds, because let me tell you, the walls in this house aren't a very lively bunch.

RORY: HBO lies.

LORELAI: Yeah. These walls can't talk. All they can do is sigh because they've listened to me so long.

RORY: Kind of like me.

LORELAI: Kind of like you.

RORY: It's good to be home.

LORELAI: How many weeks until school starts?

RORY: Three.

LORELAI: How much does that suck?

RORY: It's not that bad.

LORELAI: Says you.

RORY: At least I won't get bored.

LORELAI: When have you ever gotten bored? You have a reading list like fifteen miles long.

RORY: I'm just saying, I don't even get the chance.

LORELAI: Which is the sucky part.

RORY: Whatever you say.

LORELAI: So, I noticed you didn't go to Luke's today.

RORY: I didn't get a chance.

LORELAI: Uh-huh. You're not avoiding anyone in there, are you?

RORY: No.

LORELAI: A certain someone with spiky hair, wears a lot of Metallica shirts, likes to read Hemingway and leave notes in the margins like Mark Twain?

RORY: No one like that.

LORELAI: You remember when you first kissed Dean?

RORY: Yeah…

LORELAI: You're acting a lot like that.

RORY: Am not.

LORELAI: Are too.

RORY: So mature.

LORELAI: I'm just saying, it looks weird that you're not going in there.

RORY: So, you think I should go in there so it won't be too obvious that I'm not avoiding anyone?

LORELAI: That is precisely what I'm saying.

RORY: You just want coffee.

LORELAI: Thwarted. Will you go?

RORY: I'll be back in twenty minutes.

LORELAI: Atta girl.

[RORY stands up and starts going out the door]

RORY: If I don't come back soon, just assume Jess and I are debating Hemingway.

LORELAI: Got it.

RORY: Bye.

LORELAI: Good luck, solider.

[RORY leaves. LORELAI flips channels]

[RORY enters the diner. LUKE is behind the counter]

LUKE: Hey.

RORY: Hey, Luke. Can I have four coffees?

LUKE: Sure.

RORY: [Looking around] Is Jess here?

LUKE: Nope, gave him the night off.

RORY: Oh.

LUKE: Sorry he didn't come to the party.

RORY: Oh, no big deal.

LUKE: I didn't think you were expecting him or anything.

RORY: I wasn't.

LUKE: Here you go. [Hands her the coffees in a tray] Anything else?

RORY: Nope, that'll do it.

LUKE: On the house.

RORY: Thanks, Luke. [She smiles and leaves]

[Cut to RORY by the bridge. She turns and we see Jess sitting on the bridge. RORY smiles]

RORY: Hey, stranger.

JESS: Hi.

RORY: What are you doing out here?

JESS: Enjoying the scenery.

RORY: Right.

JESS: So, I heard you went to Washington.

RORY: That would explain the extended absence.

JESS: Yes, it would.

RORY: Sorry I didn't tell you about it.

JESS: No big deal. You weren't obligated to.

RORY: I just…I forgot, sort of, and then it happened so fast.

JESS: Don't worry about it. I figured it out.

RORY: We need to talk.

JESS: Now?

RORY: Well, we're both here, and it's a private location, which is a big plus in Stars Hollow.

JESS: I don't think now is the best time.

RORY: I'll make it fast.

JESS: Rory…

RORY: I'm sorry I kissed you at the wedding. I don't know what happened to me. I mean, I have never done anything like that before. I had some sort of seizure or something, and it wasn't your fault. You were just standing there and I had my seizure, and I…I'm sorry. I don't know what it meant, and I don't know if it will develop into something more, but it was a kind of catalyst for something I probably should have seen a long time ago. So, I mean, don't think that I'm ignoring you or avoiding you or anything, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Washington. [RORY takes a deep breath and realizes that JESS is staring over her shoulder. RORY turns and looks. A girl is standing there] Hi.

JESS: Rory, this is Nina.

RORY: Hi.

NINA: Hi. [RORY stands there with an uncomfortable look on her face] So you and Jess are friends?

RORY: Not really. "Friends" is a generous term. Really generous. We're just acquaintances. Hardly that. I eat at Luke's all the time with my mom. More of a symbiotic relationship. He gives me the coffee, I give him the money. [Silence] I'm just gonna…go now.

JESS: Rory…

RORY: No, I've embarrassed myself enough for one night. Maybe tomorrow I can babble about the food you give me. See you around. [RORY walks quickly down the bridge. She tries to wait until she's out of sight, but JESS and NINA can see her running. JESS stares after her, worried]

NINA: God, what a weirdo.

JESS: She's not that weird. She was just caught off guard.

NINA: She kissed you?

JESS: It was a mistake.

NINA: I see.

JESS: You'd like her under normal circumstances. She really likes to read.

NINA: Oh, well then she must be cool.

JESS: She is. Rory just doesn't like surprises.

NINA: You know a lot about her, for a symbiotic coffee-and-food relationship.

JESS: [Shrugs] She and her mom come in there everyday, at least once. Usually twice.

NINA: I hadn't seen her around much.

JESS: She doesn't go to Stars Hollow High.

NINA: Oh, a private school girl?

JESS: Yeah.

NINA: Doesn't seem like your type.

JESS: We're friends.

NINA: I meant, your type of friend.

JESS: We're not really that close.

NINA: Didn't think so.

[Cut to the Gilmore house. RORY comes running in the door, crying]

LORELAI: [Standing up] Rory? [She follows RORY to her room, where RORY puts the coffees on the nightstand and flops on her bed] Rory?

RORY: Mom.

LORELAI: What happened? He wasn't there, was he? Luke said he gave Jess the night off, that's why I sent you down there.

RORY: He wasn't there.

LORELAI: Then what happened?

RORY: I saw him on the bridge.

LORELAI: What did that little punk do?

RORY: Nothing!

LORELAI: It doesn't sound like nothing.

RORY: Nothing happened! Nothing's ever going to happen!

LORELAI: Hey, maybe I should have seen Windtalkers to try and decode what you're saying.

RORY: I saw him on the bridge.

LORELAI: Where "nothing" happened, right.

RORY: And I was talking, babbling on and on about how I didn't mean to kiss him and everything, and I turn around…

LORELAI: Dean?

RORY: He has a girlfriend.

LORELAI: What?

RORY: He has a girlfriend. Her name is Nina and she's beautiful.

LORELAI: You're beautiful, honey.

RORY: Not like that.

LORELAI: Babe…

[RORY sits up and LORELAI hugs her tightly. "Nightingale" by Norah Jones starts playing]

RORY: I should have known he wouldn't wait for me.

LORELAI: Did you ever tell him about Washington?

RORY: No.

LORELAI: [Sighs] I'm sorry.

[RORY just keeps crying and puts her head on LORELAI'S shoulder. LORELAI looks out the window and frowns]

[Fourth commercial break]

[Cut to the next morning. LORELAI is sleeping when someone knocks on the door. She wakes slowly, grunts, and goes to get it. CHRISTOPHER and SHERRY are standing there]

CHRISTOPHER: Hey, Lor.

SHERRY: Hi, Lorelai.

LORELAI: Good morning.

CHRISTOPHER: We came to say goodbye.

LORELAI: Goodbye? I thought you were staying for a while.

CHRISTOPHER: We decided that we wreaked enough havoc for one visit.

LORELAI: Do you want to say goodbye to Rory?

CHRISTOPHER: If she's awake.

LORELAI: I'll go grab her. [LORELAI leaves and she enters RORY'S room] Babe?

RORY: Ugh.

LORELAI: Your father and Sherry are leaving.

RORY: What?

LORELAI: They're leaving.

RORY: Why?

LORELAI: Go say goodbye and find out for yourself.

RORY: Okay. [She gets out of bed and goes to the door, where CHRISTOPHER and SHERRY are standing] You're leaving?

CHRISTOPHER: Yeah, we figured we'd done enough damage.

RORY: You don't have to.

CHRISTOPHER: It's best. We'll come visit soon.

RORY: Thanks for welcoming me home.

SHERRY: You can come visit us anytime.

RORY: Thanks.

[CHRISTOPHER and SHERRY hug RORY. LORELAI stands in the background. She meets CHRISTOPHER'S eyes, and he looks away]

CHRISTOPHER: Bye.

RORY: Bye. [She stands at the door and waves until they leave] I'm going back to bed.

LORELAI: I'll go and get the coffee.

RORY: Good plan. 'Cause I'm not going in there, ever again. Not after last night.

LORELAI: Understandably. I'll be back.

RORY: Mom.

LORELAI: What?

RORY: Change.

LORELAI: Right. Good idea. [LORELAI runs up the stairs, and RORY shakes her head and goes back to her room]

[Cut to LUKE'S. LORELAI comes in]

LORELAI: Four coffees.

LUKE: Four?

LORELAI: Four.

LUKE: Won't two do you?

LORELAI: No.

LUKE: Why not?

LORELAI: Because Rory needs some, too.

LUKE: This is so unhealthy. I'm surprised she hasn't been taken by the government.

LORELAI: Not yet.

LUKE: So, why didn't she come in with you?

LORELAI: She's sleeping. It's early.

LUKE: Right.

LORELAI: So, how are those coffees coming?

LUKE: What's going on between Rory and Jess?

LORELAI: Nothing.

LUKE: Really? Because she seems a little skittish in here.

LORELAI: She's not skittish. Does she look like a kitten to you?

LUKE: When she's in here.

LORELAI: Fur and everything?

LUKE: Let's not take this metaphor too far.

LORELAI: There's nothing.

LUKE: If you're sure.

LORELAI: I'm sure. I mean, especially with Jess' girlfriend.

LUKE: Girlfriend?

LORELAI: You didn't know?

LUKE: Since when does Jess tell me anything?

LORELAI: Well, he has one.

LUKE: Good to know. [Hands her the coffees] Here you go.

LORELAI: Thanks.

[LORELAI leaves]

LUKE: Caesar, take the place for a minute. [LUKE goes upstairs and finds JESS reading] So.

JESS: [Not looking up] So.

LUKE: Anything interesting happen lately?

JESS: [Not looking up] Nope.

LUKE: Any interesting social developments?

JESS: [Not looking up] Nope.

LUKE: Okay, put the book down. [JESS puts the book down] What's her name?

JESS: Who's?

LUKE: Your girlfriend.

JESS: How—

LUKE: Lorelai.

JESS: Okay.

LUKE: So?

JESS: Nina.

LUKE: You didn't say anything.

JESS: You expected me to?

LUKE: I just thought you might like to alert me of certain developments.

JESS: Nope.

LUKE: Look, girls are a mystery to me. Just…be careful, don't have unprotected sex, don't have sex where I can see you…that sort of thing.

JESS: Got it.

[LUKE stands up and starts to leave. JESS picks his book up again. LUKE turns at the door]

LUKE: She broke up with Dean because of you.

JESS: What?

LUKE: Don't play dumb. She broke up with Dean because of you. You're breaking her heart. [JESS doesn't reply] Do you hear me?

JESS: Yeah.

LUKE: So?

[JESS doesn't reply. LUKE sighs and leaves. JESS puts his book down on his chest and sighs]

[Cut to Gilmore house, later in the afternoon. RORY is reading on the sofa when there's a knock on the door. She bookmarks her spot and goes to answer it]

RORY: Jess.

JESS: Hey.

RORY: What are you doing here?

JESS: I thought you might like some coffee.

RORY: I always like some coffee. [JESS hands her the coffee] Thanks.

JESS: Sure.

RORY: Why did you come out here to give it to me?

JESS: Needed something to do.

RORY: You have school.

JESS: Only until noon. How did you know?

RORY: Newspaper.

JESS: Ah.

RORY: Lane told me.

JESS: Huh.

RORY: And you have work. And Nina.

JESS: Well, it was a short break.

RORY: Okay.

JESS: Are you gonna let me in?

RORY: I thought it was a short break.

JESS: Long enough to come in.

RORY: I don't think it's right.

JESS: Right?

RORY: I mean, you know. What with all those other people.

JESS: What?

RORY: Never mind. Thanks for the coffee. I'll see you later.

JESS: [Holding the door] Rory, wait.

RORY: What?

JESS: Are you mad at me?

RORY: No.

JESS: Did you break up with Dean because of me?

RORY: See you around.

JESS: Rory.

RORY: It doesn't matter, okay? Bye. [She shuts the door and leans against it. Outside, JESS stares at her outline through the glass, then shakes his head and walks away. RORY takes a sip of the coffee and her eyes tear up. The phone rings]

RORY: Hello?

LORELAI: Hey. I just wanted to let you know that there's a wedding party here, so I'll be late.

RORY: Aw.

LORELAI: I know. We just can't coordinate schedules.

RORY: Is there money under the rabbi?

LORELAI: Yeah. Get enough pizza so I can eat when I get home.

RORY: Okay. Send Michel my best.

LORELAI: With a first-class stamp.

RORY: He came over.

LORELAI: Michel?

RORY: Jess.

LORELAI: Why?

RORY: He said he wanted to give me coffee.

LORELAI: Real coffee?

RORY: No, the fake kind.

LORELAI: He actually came, voluntarily bearing coffee?

RORY: Yup.

LORELAI: Hard to believe he's related to Luke.

RORY: Inconceivable.

LORELAI: So, did you guys talk things out?

RORY: No.

LORELAI: Oh, well. You know, sometimes, it's so hard to cut through all your crap.

RORY: This sucks.

LORELAI: I know it does. Well, I'll be home at eight-ish, and we can parse every movement he made.

RORY: Good.

LORELAI: I missed you.

RORY: I missed you too.

LORELAI: Bye.

RORY: Bye.

[Cut to the Inn. LORELAI, SOOKIE, and MICHEL are seated at a table with a couple]

WOMAN: I want to get married in the rain.

MAN: She wants to get married in the rain.

LORELAI: I heard. But, um, I don't think July is the best month to get married in the rain.

WOMAN: Why not?

MAN: Yeah, why not?

LORELAI: Well, it doesn't rain much in July.

WOMAN: Can you prove that?

MAN: Yeah, can you prove that?

LORELAI: Well, there are several meteorological records that will tell you that rain in July in Connecticut is rare.

WOMAN: But I want to get married in the rain.

MAN: She wants to get married in the rain.

LORELAI: Okay, I'm hearing you, and I wish I could help you, but wanting to get married in rain and wanting to married in July are two completely different things.

WOMAN: Is she saying that I can't get married in the rain?

MAN: Are you saying that she can't get married in the rain?

LORELAI: I'm not saying she can't. I'm saying that if she wants to get married in the rain, July isn't the best month to get married in the rain.

WOMAN: Who made you the expert?

MAN: Yeah, who made you the expert?

LORELAI: I'm not an expert. I'm just saying that, based on years of science, rain and July are generally not the same thing.

WOMAN: Oh, so you're saying I'm not good enough to get married in the rain in July?

MAN: Yeah, you're saying she's not good enough to get married in the rain in July?

[LORELAI just looks to SOOKIE and MICHEL and sighs. MICHEL puts his head on the table]

[Cut to RORY entering Luke's. She smiles at LANE and sits at the table]

RORY: Hey.

LANE: Hey.

RORY: I can't believe your mom's letting you out.

LANE: I haven't told her about Clyde yet.

RORY: Enjoy it while I can, got it.

LANE: So, how is it being back?

RORY: It's been a disaster. Dad and Sherry already left.

LANE: I thought they were staying through the weekend.

RORY: They were. But Mom and Dad had a huge fight, and I think it scared them off.

LANE: Are you okay?

RORY: Yeah. I mean, I wish it had been different, and it's weird, but I think it's good.

LANE: You think it's good that your mom and dad had a fight?

RORY: Mom's never gotten mad at him before. And I think it's time that my dad realized that he can't just come in and out as he pleases.

LANE: I'm glad it was positive for you.

RORY: Me too.

LANE: So, you're coming in here again.

RORY: I've got you to protect me.

LANE: Right, 'cause I look like Mr. T.

RORY: Well, I'm over the avoidance phase.

LANE: So fast?

RORY: I might as well face it, right?

LANE: Right.

[LUKE comes over]

LUKE: Order.

RORY: Coffee, burger, fries.

LUKE: Lane?

LANE: Same.

LUKE: Got it. [LUKE leaves. JESS puts his rag down on the counter]

JESS: I'm outta here.

LUKE: Back by ten.

JESS: Whatever.

[JESS goes to the door. He looks at RORY, but she looks away. He leaves]

LANE: She's going to freak.

RORY: You said that about Henry, remember?

LANE: It was true.

RORY: It ended up being worse because you never told her.

LANE: He was Korean and perfect. I'm going to have my work cut out for me making Clyde look remotely like a Korean doctor.

RORY: I'll help you with makeup.

LANE: I appreciate that.

RORY: Anytime.

LANE: I saw Dean.

RORY: Oh.

LANE: He has a girlfriend.

RORY: Seems to be a theme.

LANE: What?

RORY: Nothing.

LANE: Anyway, I just thought you might like to know so you don't get caught off guard.

RORY: Yeah, that doesn't turn out well for me.

LANE: I know. It could be some very ugly babbling.

RORY: It definitely could. [She takes a sip of coffee]

LANE: Hey, that MC5 album is great.

RORY: I'm glad you like it.

LANE: I'm officially done with the sixties, although Clyde said I'm missing some really great ones.

RORY: It's always nice to have a second opinion.

LANE: It is at that.

[RORY looks out the window. "Love Song for No One" by John Mayer starts playing. JESS and NINA are walking down the street. RORY stares, frowning. LUKE sees and purses his lips, then brings the food over]

LUKE: Anything else?

RORY: Nope.

LUKE: Sure?

RORY: Yeah. [She meets LUKE'S eyes] I'm sure.

[Cut to the Gilmore house. LORELAI enters through the front door. She goes into the living room, where RORY is sitting on the sofa, reading]

LORELAI: Hey, babe.

RORY: Hey, Mom.

LORELAI: Have a nice night?

RORY: I went to Luke's with Lane.

LORELAI: You went in?

RORY: I've decided to stop the whole avoidance thing.

LORELAI: Well, that's good. [Pause] You didn't talk to him.

RORY: Not a word.

LORELAI: Well, at least we can go in there again.

RORY: As long as we don't sit at the counter. You look tired.

LORELAI: You would be too if you just spent the last four hours with Mr. and Mrs. Abbott and Costello.

RORY: They aren't married yet, right?

LORELAI: Technicality. She wants to get married in the rain.

RORY: Depressing.

LORELAI: In July.

RORY: Unlikely.

LORELAI: And he repeats everything she says, with a "yeah" before it.

RORY: Annoying.

LORELAI: Even Sookie was starting to get frazzled.

RORY: Over something non-edible?

LORELAI: I know. They're horrible.

RORY: How'd the evening end?

LORELAI: They decided to go somewhere else that could produce rain in July.

RORY: Ecuador?

LORELAI: Hopefully.

RORY: And some people think the locals are crazy.

LORELAI: They are. These people are belligerent. We don't have many belligerent people in town.

RORY: Taylor.

LORELAI: Taylor is a downright pacifist compared to these people.

RORY: Wow, they must be really bad.

LORELAI: You wanna know something freaky?

RORY: Yeah.

LORELAI: I was actually wishing I were at dinner. It would have been better.

RORY: [Widens her eyes] Wow.

LORELAI: I know. Don't ever tell Grandma that.

RORY: Your secret's safe with me.

[LORELAI grins and puts her arm around RORY]

[End of episode]