CHAPTER ONE – THE QUIET AND THE HUNGRY

Rain was belting down upon the rooftop as Rory awoke from inside the independence inn. Her mother was gone as usual, but she knew she would only be just down the hall working. She liked it like this. So many new faces coming in and out, children that she could play with. There weren't that many, but people always commented on how smart she was. Getting up Rory went to look for her mother to get some breakfast.

Rory: "Mummy", she said pulling on Lorelai's sleeve. "What's for breakfast?" Lorelai looked down at her child. They had been living there for a while now. The owners were sweet enough to let them live rent free while working there. Everyone loved Rory so it was more of a delight.

Lorelai: "I'm not sure sweetie. How about I make a deal with you. You can sit over there for half an hour with this lolly pop, and then I will find something for you to eat". Rory looked up like she didn't agree. "Rory, honey", she started kneeling down next to her. "You know I have to work. I just have to interview a few cooks since our last one left, and then I will find you something".

Rory: "Okay mummy", she hugged her mother as she took the lollypop. Sitting over at the couch she started to quietly eat it.

This was the bad thing about the inn. Rory never got to hang around with her mother, she was always to busy, with so many things on her plate to deal with. Rory knew this, work had to come first, or there would be nowhere to live. Picking up a book that was left on the table, she started to read the tale of two cities. Rory looked up from her table and noticed that a woman around the age of Lorelai, that was standing at the counter with three different dishes. Two were placed on the counter and one on the floor. Rory got up and walked over towards them. They smelt so good.

Rory: "Excuse me", she said to the lady. "Can I please have some?"

Lorelai: "Rory. This isn't the time". The lady smiled down at Rory.

Woman: "That's okay", she told Lorelai as she gave one of the dishes to the child. "Eat up", she told Rory. Lorelai looked concerned and confused. The woman then produced a small spoon and handed it to the child. Rory placed the dish on the floor and started to slowly eat this bake dish. She didn't know what it was but it was surely better than anything she had ever had.

Rory: "Hmm, this is good", she told the lady.

Lorelai: "What exactly is all this food for?" She questioned.

Woman: "I don't like resumes. You have to taste the food to see if someone is a good cook or not". Lorelai agreed.

Lorelai: "Oh, you're here for the interview". The woman nodded. "And what is your name?" She asked grabbing a clipboard.

Woman: "Sookie St James", she returned. Lorelai wrote the name down. "Well from what I can see my daughter likes your cooking". Rory looked up and nodded. "But we are going to have to let the manager decide. Can I have your number so I can call you back with the answer? It may take a few days. Sookie nodded and gave Lorelai her details. Glancing back at the child, Sookie smiled. "Now to make that even better, add a bit of lemon when it goes cold". Rory looked at her mother. With that Sookie left.

Rory: "This is good". Lorelai came around and sat next to her daughter. It wasn't professional but she knew lately she had neglected her. Rory gave her mother the spoon and she took a bite of what tasted like chicken in some sort of sweet sauce. It was like an explosion inside her tastebuds. It was perfect.

Lorelai: "Hmm. This is certainly good".

Rory: "Can she cook for us?" Rory asked.

Lorelai: "We will see. We have to clear it with Brendon". And with that they took turns clearing the whole bowl together.