Here is a little holiday themed oneshot of Gilmore goodness. It's just a little idea that came to me. I hope you enjoy it. Please review and let me know how you liked it. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I want to thank all my readers and reviewers for inspiring me to continue to write. I appreciate you all so much. Many blessings during this holiday season to all! Lori

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Gilmore girls is owned by Amy Sherman-Palladino.

A Potting Shed Christmas

It was Christmas Eve and Mia Holloway was making her rounds at The Independence Inn. She was very proud of the inn, her inn. It was one of the premier inns in Connecticut and business was booming. The holiday season was her favorite time, as families came in droves to revel in the holiday merriment of her quaint little town. Stars Hollow was known for its festivals and celebrations as much as for its history. Today the inn was booked to capacity and Mia was making certain that the guests were well taken care of.

She entered the lobby and smiled at the beautifully adorned Douglas fir, its twinkling lights glistening against the ornate decorations that she herself had collected over the years. Potted poinsettias were strategically placed throughout the inn. The banister was wrapped with long strands of faux pine branches, as were the archways and over the doors. A fire burned in the fireplace, casting a warm glow to the festively decorated room. Under the tree were neatly placed gifts for each of the staff, a tradition she began many years ago, as a way of thanking her employees for all their hard work throughout the year.

Mia surveyed her surroundings with a nod, noting that all was in order. She smiled at passing guests, as she made her way upstairs to check on things. It was evening and many of the guests were heading into town for the Christmas Eve festivities. She spotted one of her maids, the youngest one, darting into one of the rooms and smiled as she watched the girl beginning the nightly turn down service. The raven-haired teen quickly dashed about, turning down the bedding, placing mints on the pillows, drawing the curtains closed and placing fresh towels in the bathroom. The girl worked diligently and efficiently, glancing around the room to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything.

Mia's heart melted, knowing that the girl had regularly taken double shifts and tonight was working overtime as well. She knew this young maid much more intimately than her other employees. She remembered the day the strikingly pretty teenager showed up at her inn, looking for a place to spend the night and inquiring about a job. The girl looked so tired, her blue eyes glazed over from exhaustion and the emotions she fought so hard to contain. It wasn't just her appearance that struck Mia: it was the stroller she laboriously wheeled into the lobby, laden with a diaper bag exploding with supplies and containing a bundled up baby, no more than a year old.

Mia brought the girl into her office for privacy and had the kitchen staff bring her something to eat. She watched the girl shovel the food into her mouth, barely coming up for air. She listened as the girl told her story, the story of why she was here. Seventeen-year old Lorelai Gilmore was a runaway, searching for a life she so desperately wanted her baby girl to know. Not the life of luxury and social prominence forced upon her, but a life full of love, laughter and real happiness. The girl had goals and dreams. She felt confident that she could do any job available if given the chance. What she didn't know, she would learn quickly. All she wanted was a chance. A chance to show she was more than some rich girl who'd made a choice and now held the consequence of that choice in her arms.

Mia listened as Lorelai continued to sell her strengths as a prospective employee. Going back to her parents was not an option. Mia could see the tears in Lorelai's eyes, the deep pain etched on the young girl's face, as she spoke about life with her parents. Normally, she would have contacted the parents and informed them of the whereabouts of their child, but seeing the desperate longing on the face of the young mother, and the tears she quickly wiped from her cheeks, Mia decided it would be best to give the girl a chance at happiness. She would take her under her wing and teach her skills that she would need in life.

Lorelai turned out to be a very diligent worker. In exchange for the use of the potting shed as living quarters, Lorelai put in extra hours whenever she could. Baby Rory was a sweet toddler and a joy to have around the inn. Mia herself watched the baby while Lorelai worked. Lorelai promised to find a sitter for Rory as soon as she could afford it, but Mia insisted that it was no problem. Rory was no trouble at all. Mia set up the old playpen that once held her son and even managed to find a few toys for the tot. Rory seemed to enjoy spending time in Mia's office, listening intently as Mia read her stories.

On her days off, Lorelai fixed up the potting shed to make it as cozy as she could. Mia gave her some old furniture from the inn to use. She never saw someone get so excited over a few pieces of furniture! She watched as the handyman brought in a full sized bed and placed it in a corner. Next came a small dinette set with two chairs, leftover from a garage sale. Mia was glad they found a home. She watched Lorelai practically skipping around the one room shed, arranging things the way she liked them. She had to laugh at the girl's enthusiasm, as she animatedly told her baby girl all the plans she had for their new home. Mia handed Lorelai two complete sets of bedding, including blankets and pillows. Lorelai set them on the bed and gave her benefactor a shy hug of gratitude.

Yes, Mia found herself getting very attached to the vivacious girl and her sweet baby. When Lorelai asked to work overtime and extra shifts so she could give Rory some presents for Christmas, Mia couldn't turn her down. After all, the young mother arrived with only a small rolling suitcase of clothes for her and Rory, the stroller and diaper bag. She would need a lot of things for her baby. To cut down on expenses, she let Lorelai take her meals from the kitchen at the inn without charging her for them. She knew the girl was very grateful for those meals, but she could see the embarrassment in Lorelai's eyes at not being able to provide for herself and Rory.

Mia watched Lorelai finish the turn down in the room and bolt distractedly for the door to head to the next room. She ran into Mia, almost knocking her over in her haste to finish her work for the night.

"Mia! I'm sorry, I didn't see you," Lorelai gasped, bending down to pick up the supplies that fell from her arms onto the floor. "I'm almost finished doing turn down. Is there anything else you need me to do?"

"Yes Lorelai," Mia replied, smiling. "I want you to take that adorable baby of yours and go to the festivities in the town square tonight."

"But I thought you needed me to stay tonight to cover for Andrea who's sick?" Lorelai entered the next room and began her duties again.

"Well I'm allowing you to finish early," Mia said. "You've already worked your own shift this morning and stayed an extra four hours. Everything looks wonderful. You've done an amazing job tonight, and now I'd like you to go spend Christmas Eve with your daughter. Tonight is the Christmas pageant. There will also be carols in the square. I think you'd really like it."

"But I don't want to leave you when I promised to work the extra shift," Lorelai objected. "Rory is still a baby. Maybe next year she'll enjoy it more."

"Lorelai, I understand that you need the money," Mia began, putting an arm around the teen. "I will pay you for the overtime you worked. That's not a problem. I want you to go and have some fun for YOU. You haven't really been anywhere or even seen the town. Please, go and enjoy yourself."

Lorelai nodded and Mia could see the look of relief and gratitude in her eyes, as the girl hurried off to finish her duties for the evening. She hoped that Lorelai would take her up on her suggestion. The Inn Keeper had some work of her own to finish this Christmas Eve. It broke her heart to see how hard Lorelai worked for what little she had. Every penny Lorelai earned went toward necessities. Mia wanted to give Lorelai a real Christmas, but she knew the girl had her pride and would be embarrassed to accept her gifts. So Santa would make an appearance at the humble potting shed home of one Lorelai Gilmore and her baby girl Rory.

A short time later, Lorelai bundled Rory in her snowsuit and blankets and tucked her into the stroller. The tiny girl seemed to know that something fun was about to happen. She smiled, showing off her eight pearly teeth. Her bright blue eyes crinkled at the corners. Lorelai leaned over and kissed her daughter's rosy cheeks, causing the baby to squeal with glee. Lorelai adjusted the knitted pink hat on Rory's head and shoved the matching pink mittens on her daughter's chubby little hands. She pulled on her own gloves, wrapped her scarf around her neck and tucked some loose strands of hair under her own knit hat. Once she was assured that both she and Rory were sufficiently bundled for the cold weather, she set out with the stroller toward the town square.

Lorelai walked briskly along the streets toward the center of town, singing Christmas songs to Rory, who chortled happily in her cocoon of blankets. She had to admit it was nice to get away and actually do something with her daughter. Mia was right. She had been working hard. Too hard. Yes, Lorelai felt stressed, wondering if she'd be able to provide for Rory, but she also worked so hard to avoid the loneliness she felt inside. She knew that leaving her parents' world would be a challenge, but now she was fully conscious of the sacrifices she had to make to have the life she wanted.

She was no longer a carefree child, or the irresponsible teen who stayed out all night, just to avoid her parents, and made the impulsive alcohol fueled decision to give herself fully to her boyfriend. She was no longer the girl who spent her parents' money freely, yet lamented about their lack of love for her. There were no more rules, harsh criticism, or impossible standards to meet. That girl was gone. She was a mother now, and the only standards she had to live by were the ones she set for herself and her child. At seventeen years old Lorelai Gilmore had become a full-fledged adult, and as much as the freedom elated her, the responsibility frightened her.

It was Christmas Eve and all Lorelai had to give her daughter were some secondhand clothes she'd bought at a thrift store and a few used toys. She had no idea that diapers cost so much. She insisted that she pay rent on the potting shed and Mia finally conceded, charging Lorelai a small amount each month to teach her the value of money and the importance of budgeting. Lorelai also paid toward the electric bill, although she suspected Mia charged her far less than she actually used. All the bills and expenses added up leaving Lorelai with very little extra.

Still, she wanted to give her daughter a special Christmas, even though Rory would never remember it. She would remember for the both of them. It was her first Christmas on her own and Lorelai pushed aside her worries about money, her insecurities in parenting, and her complete lack of a social life, just to share this special time with her baby girl. As the town square came into view, all thoughts of lack faded away in the twinkle of colorful lights wrapped around every tree and adorning not only the buildings, but also the gazebo that stood right smack in the center of it all. It was magical!

A huge Christmas tree stood in the center of the square, decorated in full holiday splendor. The twinkling lights mesmerized Rory. The tot stared at the magnificent tree with huge wide eyes. As Lorelai wheeled the stroller closer to the giant tree, Rory suddenly squealed and clapped her mitten-covered hands. She bounced in her seat with excitement causing her mother to burst out laughing. The Christmas pageant was just about to begin, as Lorelai crossed the street to where a large crowd had gathered.

Mia waited until Lorelai and Rory were gone before putting her plan into action. Her son John was home from college and was assisting his mother in her Christmas surprise. He coaxed a few of his friends to help him out. Mia unlocked the door to the potting shed and entered. The large one room shed was dark except for the twinkling of lights on a tiny Christmas tree that Lorelai had set up on the little table. Since Rory was toddling now, she assumed that Lorelai wanted to keep the tree out of her curious daughter's grasping hands. She smiled at the little handmade ornaments that hung on the tree and the popcorn string draped with such care around the tiny tree.

As she waited for John to arrive with his friends, Mia took in the surroundings. She flipped the light switch, illuminating the dwelling. It was the first time Mia had been inside since Lorelai moved in two months ago. The bed that Lorelai shared with her baby was positioned up against a wall, the covers in a state of disarray. A curtain hung around the bathtub, separating it from the rest of the room. The large deep utility sink and counters, once used by the gardener and landscaping crew, now contained a few dirty dishes, cups and bottles. All in all, the place looked bare. The boys arrived and Mia set about changing that. They moved quickly and efficiently, hoping to clear the premises before Lorelai came home.

Lorelai enjoyed watching the festivities through her innocent daughter's eyes. Rory was wide-awake, taking in all the activity around her. She babbled excitedly and laughed at the sights and sounds of Christmas. Lorelai was fascinated by the people in her new hometown. She wasn't sure how they'd react to her though. Would they judge her because she was a teen mother? She certainly hadn't made her presence known until tonight, preferring to keep busy at the Inn. She had a baby to raise and Rory was her top priority. Though the townsfolk seemed friendly enough, Lorelai had enough scrutiny from her family and former friends back in Hartford. She felt like an outsider and, despite the joyous celebration going on around her, she was lonely.

Rory had finally worn herself out and fell asleep in the stroller. Lorelai began the walk back to her new home, the potting shed at the Independence Inn. She kept a low profile, smiling self-consciously at those individuals that did notice her. As she walked down the sidewalk, she breathed deeply. The crisp air had that familiar smell, the unmistakable odor of snow. Lorelai smiled. It was a gift she had, the uncanny ability to know when it was about to snow. Snow was magical, its fluffy whiteness heralding wondrous experiences for her. She could smell snow and knew that this Christmas would be special.

She passed by a store that said Williams Hardware on the sign. The store was devoid of the tools and accessories one would associate with a hardware-selling establishment. It was empty except for a light coming from the back stairwell. As Lorelai passed by with the stroller, she was nearly trampled by a young man in his early twenties who bolted from a back alley. The guy wore a pair of faded jeans, a warm blue checked flannel shirt, and an olive green army jacket. He wore a baseball cap on his head backwards. Lorelai briefly locked eyes with him as he grunted a quick apology and hopped into a green pick up truck. She shook her head as he pulled away from the curb, and continued making her way down the street.

As the inn came into view, it began to snow. Large downy flakes fell softly from the sky. Lorelai sniffled, her nose and cheeks reddened by the cold night air. She glanced down into the stroller to make sure that Rory was protected from the elements. She pulled a small blanket from the diaper bag and draped it over the hood of the stroller to block the frigid air and snow. The last thing she needed was for Rory to get sick. She smiled to herself, as her sixth sense was right again. She wondered what magical experience snow would bring her tonight.

By the time she reached the potting shed, she was tired and cold. She couldn't wait to get into her cozy flannel pajamas and snuggle in bed with Rory. She knew her baby was toasty warm, as she hadn't so much as stirred since falling asleep. She pulled out her key and unlocked the door. She entered, parking the stroller just inside the door, and turned to reach for the light switch. She gasped and dropped the keys on the floor. The room was lit by strings of colorful twinkle lights. She lifted a sleeping Rory out of the stroller and kissed her pink cheeks. The baby stirred and rubbed her eyes with her little fist. She let out a huge yawn as Lorelai unbundled her. After shucking off her own outer garments, Lorelai took a good look around.

Santa had come to her humble abode! Lorelai couldn't believe her eyes. A beautiful crib sat next to her bed. It was fully stocked with blankets and plush toys. A matching dresser stood nearby. Lorelai walked over to the dresser and opened the drawers. They were filled with clothes for Rory. There was also a chest of drawers for her, filled with pairs of jeans, sweaters and other articles of clothing.

Lorelai turned toward the deep sink and noticed a set of dishes and utensils sitting on the counter. She practically squealed when she spotted a small refrigerator and stove placed in her now kitchen area. Next to the fridge stood a pantry. She opened it and found it stocked with canned goods and other foods that she would actually be able to heat and eat. The fridge was filled with food too!

Rory toddled over toward the corner of the room. The sight of brightly colored paper and bows caught her attention. She reached out and started tearing away the pretty paper. Lorelai had recovered from the shock and joined her baby in opening Santa's gifts. There were toys for Rory and three cases of diapers and wipes. Lorelai unwrapped a new Walkman along with a gift card to a local music store. Now she'd be able to purchase some new cassettes to listen to on her new Walkman. Just when she thought she would explode with joy, she caught sight of a television sitting on a small stand in the corner of the room. On the shelf of the TV stand was a VCR. Not only would she be able to finally watch TV, she'd be able to tape the shows she would miss while working.

Lorelai sat on the floor surrounded by gifts and she had no idea where they came from. Rory fell asleep next to her. Lorelai picked her baby girl up and brought her to her new crib. She changed Rory's diaper, changed her into a sleeper, and tucked her in her new crib. She looked down at her sleeping baby, her eyes clouding with tears, and placed a soft kiss to her cheek. After cleaning up the debris, she changed into her pajamas. She was about to climb into bed when something caught her eye, a note sitting on the table under the tree. She sat at the table and began to read.

Dear Lorelai,

By now, I'm sure you've discovered your Christmas gifts. I know you wanted to save up for these things on your own but most of them you needed now. You've been such a hard worker and you've always put Rory first. Please accept these gifts as a token of my gratitude for all you've done and my pride in your success as a responsible young mother. I know you will be a mother Rory can be proud of. You've sacrificed so much for that little one of yours. Not everything is new. Some items were donated. You are worth it Lorelai. Please enjoy them. Merry Christmas to you both! I know the New Year will bring you great things.

With great affection.

Mia

P.S. I will be picking you both up for Christmas dinner at my place at 3pm and I won't take no for an answer.

Lorelai laughed as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. Snow came through again. She found a home and a life filled with love. Yes, great things happened when it snowed.