A/N: I've been toying with the idea of a new GG fic... a next generation fic. Here's the prologue as a bit of a teaser. Let me know what you think? Updates would be sporadic as I don't have any more than 1 chapter written so far, but there will be a lot of beloved characters, and some new ones as well.
Prologue
Stars Hollow- July 2024
The drive back to Stars Hollow always went by slower than it should. It was eighty four minutes from Greenwich to Stars Hollow but it always amazed me how close two worlds could be and that were as radically different as Dad's and Mom's were. My best friend Miki sometimes said that my dad spoiled me but it's hard to feel spoiled when everything else seems to be more important than spending time with me. Besides, Miki lived with both her parents; she had no idea what it felt like to only see her dad once every couple of months.
We were almost back to Stars Hollow and I had my earbuds in, blaring some unknown artist that Miki told me about while Dad was on a conference call long distance to Australia. He brought me to New York City again but cancelled our plans to see a Broadway show because something came up at the office. Instead, he gave me his credit card and his secretary as a chaperone so I could wander the 5th Avenue shops. I knew this was what Miki saw as spoiled, but all I ever felt was abandoned.
Dad conveniently finished his call just moments before we pulled up to Mom's house. "We'll see the show next time Em," he said putting a hand on my shoulder. I nodded and turned my attention out the window. 'Next time' seemed to be a specialty for him.
"Tell Candice thanks for me," I said as he pulled into the driveway. I knew it would probably hurt his feelings but right then, I didn't care. "Tell her I had a good weekend with her," I added for emphasis.
Dad put the car in park and I had my door open before he could stop me. "Em," he said as I hopped out. I opened the back door and gathered my things as he said my name again, trying to get my attention. I didn't respond and I saw him reach for his seatbelt buckle as I slammed the door. Over the top of the car I could see Mom's silhouette on the porch.
I was halfway to the house when I heard dad's stern voice. His business voice. "Emeline Lorelai," he said, and I froze with a sigh. Mom took a couple steps down from the porch and gave me a look. I dropped my bags and turned around. I knew that she wanted me to be on better terms with him; he was my dad after all. But it's hard knowing that you aren't important to someone. It is hard to love them like you want to.
Dad came and gave me a hug. My hands stayed at my side until I heard Mom clear her throat behind me. "I'll make it up to you next time pumpkin," he whispered as he gave me a quick squeeze. "I'll be back in three weeks and then we'll spend a whole week together, just you and me. Okay?" I smiled and nodded. I knew it would never happen. And I was old enough to no longer hope that this time would be different.
"I love you," he said before finally releasing me.
"You too," I answered. I picked up my discarded bags and headed toward the house.
"When will you be back?" Mom asked, looking past me.
"Few weeks," he answered. "Does the 14th work for you?"
Mom nodded and I could see the fire in her blue eyes. I used to think she missed Dad. I used to think I could see the longing in her eyes. I still saw it there—but I just wasn't sure it was him that she was missing. Usually when she and Dad are in the same room all I saw was that fire. I dropped into the rocking chair on the front porch, mostly hidden from his view.
I could still see Dad as he dropped back into the car, and the engine roared to life in his BMW. The window rolled down and he gave Mom a lopsided grin that made him look twenty years younger. "I'll see you then Ace," he said before the car backed out of the driveway and he's gone.
A/N: Again, if you like it, let me know. I'll add all the characters along with ages into Ch.1 to give some reference if people are interested.