I, of course, own none of these characters. Which, is OK.....that makes it ASP's problem and not mine!! Anyway, it's going to be a long summer, so just read on and hope you enjoy one of a thousand different takes we will probably get this summer.
Recipe For The Discarded Raincoat
Lorelai watched her daughter storm out the door, not before of course, hearing the expected "I hate you". She had expected that, actually she had wanted it. Then she knew that Rory was really letting her mother's words sink in to her inner being. Rory was one of the brightest, most sensible nineteen years old she knew......but that was the problem.....she's nineteen, a sheltered small town girl, and my daughter. My daughter who is more like me than I ever expected. Lorelai walked back into Rory's room and knew she could never look at it quite the same way again. She surveyed the tousled pink sheets, and noticed the hard evidence on the night stand – the opened packet. As if she needed more evidence than her daughter's stricken face....but there it was....opened, and flat....flat like she felt right now. She walked to the door and closed it behind her.
Walking out the front door, she saw Rory sitting on the porch steps. She was gripping her phone, and sobbing uncontrollably. Lorelai immediately flashed to the little three year old sobbing when she had skinned her knee...and then the six year old after her first day at school-- when she realized she couldn't learn everything in one day of first grade, and then she visualized the twelve year old, upset after her first big fight with her new friend Lane. Those problems had been so easily fixed. A few words, a band aid, some ice cream or a trip to the park.......but this, there was no easy fix for this one. This was the first big adult problem that even Lorelai didn't have the right words for.....at least, not right now, or ever actually. She walked by her daughter's bent over shape and put her hand on her shoulder.
"I'm not sure what to say right now, Rory. I've said what I need to for now. I think we both have to think about this for a while. You got your self into something really big this time.....really life changing big. It involves other people....innocent people who are getting hurt and don't even know it, and don't deserve it. The timing is so bad....you know I have to leave....the Inn.....it's full of people who expect me to be there...."
"I know mom. I'm sorry. Seems like I always screw up at the worst possible times....times that should be good for you....."
"Yeah, well, I've done that a few times myself. But this is a big time for me.....so big on all different levels....and now I can't share it with you. At least, not now....not yet. I really have to get back....and I guess we should both use some time to think about all of this. You should use this time to really think about the consequences of this 'heat of the moment' thing."
Rory understood her mother's words and flinched. "Yeah, well....I think I'll stay here tonight. I just want to be alone.....I don't think I can face all the people at the inn right now...."
Lorelai couldn't help but think that this should be a time when Rory was wrapped in the arms of her lover and enjoying this wonderful experience. Even though Lorelai's first time hadn't been ideal, it had been with Christopher and he had held her afterwards and said all the right things. She brought herself back to the harsh reality of this night.
"I understand. I sort of feel the same myself.....but I have no choice. So try to get some sleep and maybe I'll see you for breakfast?"
"Maybe, but probably not. I can't imagine I'll feel any different tomorrow."
Lorelai looked down at her daughter. "No, you'll probably feel worse. The harsh light of day always makes things seem more real, more intense." Lorelai knew the hard facts would sink into her head soon enough.
Rory looked up at her mom. "I'm sorry. I can see the disappointment on your face...the shock....and on your special day....the day you have waited so long for."
"If you only knew.... well, I'm off. Call me if you need me. I'm sure I'll be awake."
Lorelai reluctantly walked to the jeep. She eased her self in, started the engine and then rested her head on the steering wheel. Her new CD was in the player, and of all songs, Reflecting Light was playing. She immediately thought of Luke and the earlier events of the evening.....the life changing events that had made her so confused, and happy, and emotionally charged. That seemed like days ago now. She slowly pulled the jeep away, as she watched Rory slowly get up and head back into the house. Lorelai immediately flashed to her mom......now she realized a little more.... no, now she knew, just how her mother must have felt. And it really hurt, more than she had ever imagined anything could.