Disclaimer: Gilmore Girls is the creation of Amy Sherman-Palladino. Please don't sue me.

Author's Note: Rory graduated Yale, but has never met Logan. Most everything from the original series applies; however, she meets Logan much later in life. I know this starts out a little slow but it's necessary to set the story up. Stick with me and I promise it will be different than any other Rogan out there. I pride myself on grammar and punctuation... but, I'm not perfect and don't pretend to be. I don't have a beta, so there will be mistakes. There are so many amazing fanfics that sadly never get finished, I can assure you I won't do that to you! This story will have an ending.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy. ~ T

"Well kid, you did it! I am so proud of you!"

"Thanks, mom."

Rory looks around the Yale campus, a place that means so much to her. It's a beautiful Spring day, the sun is shining and she couldn't have asked for a more perfect day for her graduation. She was lost in her thoughts, trying to remember everything. The last four years had been incredible. So many memories here, so many experiences. She was very proud to follow in her grandparent's footsteps as an Eli. Rory's lifelong dream had been to go to Harvard, but when she decided to go to Yale it was how it was always supposed to be. The campus was gorgeous, with it's perfectly landscaped grounds and the architecture of the buildings was like living in your very own history book. School was hard but it was more than rewarding. She was really going to miss this.

Rory and the very memorable Paris Geller were roommates and while sometimes more frenemy than friend, they were always there for each other. Paris graduated pre-med and was going to Harvard for medical school. Rory had a degree in journalism and English and recently accepted a position as a political correspondent and would be leaving in two weeks. While not exactly her dream job, she was looking forward to the traveling and just getting out in the world.

With Paris's lack of family around, the Gilmore's and the Hayden's accepted Paris as one of their own. They had their own cheering section, with Richard and Emily Gilmore, Rory's grandparents. Christopher Hayden, Rory's dad. Luke Daines, Rory's soon-to-be step father, and their fearless leader Lorelai Gilmore, Rory's mother.

"Hey! Earth to Rory!"

"Sorry, mom… I'm a little lost in thought. I can't believe this is it." Rory looked around at everything surrounding her. "I'm really going to miss this." Tears started to fill her eyes. "Ugh, I didn't think it would be this hard."

"Come here… " Lorelai wrapped her into a tight hug. "Of course today is going to be hard, it's exciting and scary and very real and all of those emotions would make any Gilmore cry. Now, we have an entire town waiting for us back at the Dragonfly all ready to celebrate you." Lorelai slowly let her go and watched as a smile started across her face. "That's my girl. No more tears, today is a celebration."

"Mom, just one more thing. I want to say thank you. I know I've said it many times before, but I really want you to know how much I appreciate everything you did for me. I know what you sacrificed. I am the person that I am because of you, I am a Yale graduate because of you. I just want you to know how much I love you and that not a day goes by I don't wonder how in the world you raised a baby at 16. I am 22 years old and can barely take care of myself. You are an inspiration."

It was Lorelai's turn to start to cry. "Now, look what you made me do." She smiled between tears. "Rory, I love you too. And, I would do everything exactly the same if I had to do it over again. I might skip that perm in 1993, but other than that… exactly the same. And, you are this incredible person because of you, not because of me. You, my beautiful daughter, are the inspiration. You gave my life love and purpose and the direction I didn't even know I needed. Now, enough with the mushy stuff. I have it on good authority that Miss Patty happened to make punch… I think a glass or two is just what we need to kick this party off."

"Mom, nobody needs a second glass of Miss Patty's punch, especially you! You remember, Grandma and Grandpa will be there, right? And besides, I don't think Michel has forgiven you for rearranging his desk the last time Miss Patty snuck in punch at Sookie's surprise birthday party last year."

"Well, you are no fun. Go find Paris and I'll round up the rest of the crew and let them know we are ready to head out."