Hello! Okay before anyone gets mad that this isn't an update of "Love Me Now" let me say a few things. I am going to finish "Love Me Now" at some point. I mentioned during my last one-shot post that the fall/winter ended up being really difficult for me. I didn't say how but I the reason is that I had three major losses back to back in my life that were all incredibly unexpected. It hit me hard and I've been just trying to put the pieces of myself back together over the last few months.
With my anxiety and depression this has not been easy. Slowly but surely I've gotten back into the swing of things but it's been hard. The heaviness of "Love Me Now" seemed really daunting to me to write but it is still important to me. When I am ready I will work on it again. Thanks for your continued patience.
For now I have come up with a different short story. I don't think it will be to many chapters but I got the idea from an Instagram post I read yesterday that really struck me. And BAM a story appeared in my head! I quickly wrote the first chapter and am now uploading it to see if there is some interest!
The post I saw was originally a tweet that someone made thinking about a different ending. Making the last four words different...in this ending the wedding happened but Rory never got pregnant. Instead the last four words were: "Can I stay here?" read and find out who says them. Makes it much more full circle. I hope you like it! I've taken this idea and I don't know how the person would have wanted it, but this is my spin. If you are interested drop a review and I will continue! Thanks!
Waking up in bed, Lorelai yawned and rolled over slowly. She looked out the window and saw that it was raining pretty hard outside which would normally bring her down. But...she was still floating on that newlywed high. A little over a week ago, she had finally married the love of her life Luke Danes.
After their second wedding in less than 24 hours, her new husband surprised her by whisking her away to a surprise honeymoon. They had expected to only take the weekend to celebrate, but Luke took it upon himself to plan a trip for them. He whisked her away to St. John for a week in paradise just the two of them and it was everything she could have dreamed of and more.
But yesterday they came home and today they were both heading back to the real world. She sighed, sat up and yawned, stretching her arms over her head. The door opened and she smiled when she saw Luke walking towards her. "Ahh...there's my doting husband."
Luke smiled and walked towards her with a cup of coffee, "I figured if there was any chance of getting you to work today you'd need some liquid crack first."
She laughed and leaned against the bed frame, "Well it can't hurt. But I have to admit that I am still highly energized due to all this happiness."
Luke sat down beside her and smiled, "And what could you possibly be so happy about?"
She sighed dramatically and shrugged, "I have no idea…"
He smiled and handed her the cup, "Ready to head back to the real world?"
She shrugged, "I suppose so. As long as when I come back home we're still married."
He chuckled and nodded, "Uh yeah...I believe that's how it works."
She smiled and took the cup from him, "Thank you." She took a sip and sighed happily, "Man you make a good cup of Joe."
He reached for her leg and squeezed it affectionately, "I'm glad I'm good for something."
"Oh you're good for a lot of things babe. But this is just in the top three." She said taking another sip.
"And what are the others in the top three?" He asked with an amused expression.
She put the cup down on the bedside table and said, "You're incredibly talented tongue and hands and the fact that you really can keep the hat on while we do it."
He chuckled and shook his head, "My God my wife is insane."
She smirked and leaned forward to kiss him genty, "Your wife…"
He nodded, "My wife."
"Which makes you my husband." She said with a beaming smile, "Husband. Rolls right off the tongue doesn't it?"
"If you say so." He said sitting up again and giving her leg another squeeze, "I need to get going and make sure that the Diner is still standing since you wouldn't let me stop in yesterday."
She pouted at him, "Forgive me for wanting a few more hours of uninterrupted husband time. I didn't hear you complaining about it when I was-"
He put his hand over his mouth, "Your breakfast is on the stove."
She sighed and sat up, "I'll try and drop in for lunch unless Michel wants to talk more about the expansion."
Luke nodded, "Okay. Well we'll meet here for dinner either way, right?"
"Right. I told Babette I would pick up Paul Anka on my way home." She said with a smile.
Luke nodded, "Okay. I have to run to the store at some point so I'll go pick up some more dog food for him. We're running low. We need anything else?"
"Hmm…" She said tapping her chin gently, "Cotton balls, world peace, Connie Chung's original face back-"
He cut her off with a kiss, "Goodbye crazy lady."
"Bye babe." She said with a laugh as she sat back, "Love you."
He stood up and winked at her, "Love you too."
She smiled and leaned back again, smiling to herself wondering how she had gotten so lucky. Taking a deep breath, she reached for her coffee cup again and felt ready to face the day. Especially because she knew that when she came home...her husband would be here too. How could life get any better than this?
The day ended up being a whirlwind and she wasn't able to go to the Diner for lunch. It turned out being gone for a week created a lot of extra work for her to do. With the expansion there was even more work than usual. While she was happy that it would keep Michel around she knew that it was going to be long journey to get where they needed to go. She was currently sitting at her desk in the office going over notes she had written during a meeting with Michel. She was so busy working to try and get home in time for dinner she almost didn't hear the person ding the bell out front.
But after a moment, she looked up and tried to bring herself back to reality. She stood up, smoothed out her dress and walked up to the desk. She stopped in her tracks when she saw a very young girl staring up at her, a baby on her hip and bags scattered at her feet.
Lorelai took a deep breath, "May I help you?"
Tears sprung up in the girls eyes and she whispered, "Can I stay here?"
Suddenly the world seemed to spin around her and Lorelai was immediately transported back in time to many years before…
Lorelai had stood outside the large Inn for what felt like hours. In reality it was probably only a few minutes. She had taken the bus as far as she could get with the little money she had in order to save money for other necessities. Rory was fast asleep in her arms, a raindrop fell from the sky and Lorelai knew she had to get inside before it started to downpour.
She awkwardly picked up the bags she had and walked into the foyer of the Inn. There were people moving in and out getting to where they needed to be. She felt so out of place and she was starting to get a little scared. Rory started to fuss in her arms now that the noise level was louder in this place. She seemed rooted to the spot as she glanced around at all the people. She couldn't tell if she was paranoid or of people were staring at her…
Tears started to well up in her eyes and she felt like she was going to begin to sob. What was she doing? Was she crazy to have run away? It all seemed to clear in her head and now...now she realized she had no real plan. Not enough money to make it past a few days and a tiny baby who needed her now more than ever.
She felt the sob building in the back of her throat when a gentle hand touched her arm, snapping her out of her gaze, "May I help you?"
The words tumbled out of her mouth before she could even think, "Can I stay here?"
Lorelai shook her head to bring herself back to reality and stepped up to the desk, "Hi…"
The young girl swallowed hard, "I...I need a room. Even for a night. I um…" She tried to reach for her wallet in her pocket, "I think I have enough-"
Lorelai reached across the table and smiled, "Take a deep breath."
The young girls lip trembled, "I just...I was on the bus and ended up here. Someone told me about your Inn and I-"
Lorelai walked around the front desk, "Well you found me."
The baby in her arms started to fuss a little, "Oh she's going to wake up soon…"
Lorelai looked down at the little girl, "How old is she?"
The girl bounced her slightly, "About four months."
Lorelai smiled and fought the urge to ask the girl how old she herself was, but having been in her position before she knew better, "Where are you coming from?"
"I got on a bus last night in New Hampshire. We ended up here because I-" She blushed and looked down, "I um...do you have any rooms?"
"New Hampshire? Hm...you must be hungry. Can I get you something to eat?" Lorelai asked.
The girl licked her lips, "Um...I don't think so. But thank you. Um...do you have a room?"
Lorelai nodded slowly, "Sure. Yes. I can get you set up."
"Just a night." The girl said quickly.
Lorelai nodded again and walked around the desk, "Sure. If you decide to stay longer...we can deal with that later." She stood behind the computer, "What's your name?"
She held her daughter closer and whispered, "Jessica."
"Okay Jessica." She said with a smile, "Room number 2 is open. Can I help you bring your stuff up?"
Jessica frowned, "Shouldn't you check me in-"
"Oh we can deal with it later. You must be tired." She said softly, remembering how kind Mia had been to her. "Let's get you settled in."
Tears sprung up in her eyes again, "Thank you...uh-what's your name?"
"Lorelai." She said with a smile, "Lorelai Gil-" SHe paused and smiled, "Sorry. Lorelai Danes."
Jessica smiled, "Newlywed?"
Lorelai blushed, "Is it that obvious? Still getting used to the name change."
Jessica smiled harder, she was starting to feel comfortable with this woman, "Congratulations."
Lorelai smiled back at her, "Thank you. Can I help you upstairs?"
Jessica nodded, "That would be great. Thanks."
Lorelai walked around the desk and picked up her bags, "We have some spare bassinets and cribs. I can have someone bring you one if you'd like."
"Really?" Jessica asked as they walked towards the stairs, "That would be amazing."
"Great." She said softly as she led Jessica up the stairs and down the hall to Room 2. "This is it." She unlocked the door and held it open for her.
Jessica stepped into the room and bit her lip, "Oh wow...it's beautiful." She flushed and turned to Lorelai, "So beautiful. I uh...I don't know if-"
Lorelai walked into the room, "Jessica-"
The baby started crying and so did Jessica, "Oh she's awake…"
Lorelai fought the urge to step closer to her, she stood back and watched as the girl tried to soothe her baby, "Shh...Sadie it's alright. You're fine." She sighed and looked around, "I think she needs to be changed...I need to find her diapers. I-"
"Would you like me to hold her?" She asked softly.
Jessica sighed, "Do you mind?"
"No. Not at all." Lorelai said walking closer to her, "I'd be happy too."
Jessica quickly handed Sadie to Lorelai and started ripping through the bags at her feet. "I know I have some in here. I just can't remember which bag…"
Sadie continued to cry, "Shh…" Lorelai whispered, "You're alright. You're okay Sadie. I've got you."
Sadie's cries started to slow down softly and she nuzzled into Lorelai's embrace. Lorelai breathed in the smell of her and remembered how often she would hold Rory close as a baby and breath in that sweet smell. She began to hum softly to her, not noticing the way that Jessica was now staring at her, in awe of how easily she was able to calm her daughter.
Lorelai rocked her back and forth, "There you go baby girl...you're alright. Everything is okay now."
Jessica swallowed the lump in her throat, "How did you do that?"
Lorelai turned quickly and felt suddenly nervous that she had overstepped her boundaries, "What?"
Jessica sighed, "It takes me forever to get her to stop crying. No matter what I do she never calms down usually until she's too tired to cry anymore…"
Lorelai smiled softly at her, "It takes practice. You'll get there."
Jessica frowned and sat down on the edge of the bed, "I doubt it. I'll never get used to it."
"You will." Lorelai said softly, "The first few months are the hardest. But soon it will become second nature to you. I promise."
Jessica stared at her for a moment, "You have kids of your own?"
Lorelai nodded, "A daughter. She's all grown now."
Jessica smiled, "So it gets easier?"
Lorelai chuckled, "Well...it's all challenging but in the end worth it."
Jessica frowned, "Lorelai I don't think I can afford to stay here."
Lorelai slowed her movements slightly, "Jessica-"
"Maybe if I could just take a quick shower and then give Sadie a bath? Then I'll leave. I wish I could stay but I just...I can't." She said with a frown, "I just...I wanted to find a place for the night-"
"Jessica…" Lorelai said walking towards her, "You can stay."
She bit her lip gently, "But I can't aff-"
"You don't have to worry about a thing, okay? We'll figure it out. You can't go outside. It's raining and it's cold. Both you and Sadie are exhausted and hungry. You're staying here." She said sternly.
Jessica stared up at her as the tears started to fall down her cheeks, "Why are you being so nice to me?"
Lorelai took a deep breath and looked down at Sadie in her arms who was now staring up at her, "Because...a long time ago someone gave me a place to stay when I needed it too."
Jessica took a deep breath, "I'm starving…" Her face flushed, "Sorry I-"
Lorelai smiled and handed Sadie to her, "I'll go get you both something to eat. You change Sadie...I'll have someone bring up the crib too."
She started to walk towards the door and paused when she heard Jessica call her name, "Lorelai?"
She turned slowly, "Yes?"
Jessica smiled at her with Sadie in her arms, "Thank you."
Lorelai just nodded and gave her a smile before turning to walk out of the room and down the hall. She spent the next hour helping Jessica get set up in her room, tending to Sadie to allow Jessica to take a shower. The little baby cooed up at her, smiling and giggling at every face she made and an ache pulled at her heart thinking about how she still wished she could have a child with Luke…
When Jessica came back into the room dressed and done with her shower, she smiled, "She's adorable Jessica."
"Thanks." She said toweling off her hair, "Hopefully she sleeps tonight and doesn't keep your guests up."
Lorelai smiled and shook her head, "Don't worry about them."
"Was your daughter fussy at night?" Jessica asked as she sat at the edge of her bed.
"Sometimes." Lorelai said with a smile, "Weirdly when I played The Bangles she would sleep. She especially liked Eternal Flame...knocked her out every time."
Jessica smiled, "The who?"
Lorelai sighed, "Ahh...there I go again showing my age."
Jessica smiled and then yawned, "I didn't realize how tired I was too."
Lorelai nodded, "I bet. I'll get out of your hair to let you get some sleep." She walked over to the desk in the room, "I live just a few minutes away. There is a night manager on tonight. Tobin. He's great. But...if you need anything feel free to give me a call." She said writing her number down, "My phone's always on."
Jessica smiled at her, "Thank you."
"Do you need anything else before I head out?" She asked softly, "More snacks? New towels? More blankets?"
Jessica shook her head, "No. I think we'll be alright until the morning."
Lorelai nodded, "Okay. Well...if anything comes up call downstairs to Tobin or me. Okay?"
Jessica bit her lip and looked up at her, "You know I've been waiting for you to ask me a million and one questions…"
Lorelai sighed and walked over towards the bed, she sat down beside her, "Do you want me to ask you a million and one questions?"
Jessica shook her head, "No. But everyone always does."
Lorelai took a deep breath and looked over at Sadie who was laying down in her bassinet making little noises, "How about this...what if I tell you my story and if you decide you want to share yours I'm here to listen. Doesn't have to be tonight...or tomorrow. Whenever you're ready."
Jessica smiled, "Okay."
Lorelai nodded and turned towards her, "I got pregnant when I was fifteen with my High School boyfriend. Gave birth to my little girl by 16 and was living at home with my parents. It was a nightmare...it wasn't what I wanted. And her father wasn't...involved. He proposed but when I said no I think he took it as a sign that he didn't need to be involved. So I ran away...and I was terrified. Somehow I ended up at an Inn here in town...not this Inn but a different one." Tears welled up in her eyes, "I didn't know what I was doing. I had no money...Rory was so little and I had no one to turn too. But the manager there...Mia. She let me stay. And turns out I never really left…"
Jessica took a deep breath, "Wow."
Lorelai smiled, "I know that you're probably terrified right now...and I know you don't know me. But I'd be happy to help if I can."
"But Lorelai I can't afford to stay here…" She whispered, "Not even for tonight. I can't stay here for free."
Lorelai stood up, "Why don't we worry about that tomorrow? You need rest." She paused for a moment, "You don't have to tell me everything...but I do need to ask one question."
Jessica nodded, "Okay."
"Do your parents know where you are?" She asked softly.
She shook her head, "My parents kicked me out when I got pregnant. And my boyfriend dumped me...I was staying at my Grandma's house but she kicked me out last week too. She said she couldn't handle having me and Sadie living in the house. It was too much."
Lorelai swallowed hard, "Jessica…"
She shook her head, "I had nowhere else to go...so I just packed my bags and got on the bus and now I'm here."
Lorelai sighed and looked down, "Try and get some sleep, okay? We'll talk in the morning."
Jessica nodded, "You know...your daughter is really lucky to have gotten you for a Mom."
Lorelai smiled by the door, "Just like Sadie is lucky to have you. Goodnight Jessica."
"Night." Jessica said giving her a nervous wave.
Lorelai shut the door behind her and leaned back against it. She sighed and thought about how strange the world was sometimes. Taking a deep breath, she looked back at the door and then walked down the steps to head home to her husband.
She pulled up in front of the house and noticed that Luke was already home. She cringed knowing she was supposed to be home before him. She turned towards Babette's thinking she would get Paul Anka but she figured Luke had already done it. She walked a little faster and took the porch steps two at a time.
She walked in the front door, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." She said as she walked into the kitchen where LUke was sitting at the table waiting for her.
He smiled softly, "I called the Inn and your cell phone...was starting to think you ran out on me already."
She sighed and walked over to him, leaning down she placed a kiss on his lips. "No. I'm sorry...weird day. I sort of lost track of time." She turned to see Paul Anka laying at his feet, "Thanks for getting him…"
Luke shook his head, "No worries. Weird day? You okay?"
Lorelai sighed and placed her bag down on the ground, "Very weird day...deja vu kinda day."
Luke frowned, "What's that mean?"
Lorelai suddenly realized how hungry she was, "Did you eat?"
Luke nodded towards her plate, "Took a few bites...was trying to wait for you."
She sighed and shook her coat off before sitting down across from him, "Michel and I spent most of the day planning. I was busy...and then this girl showed up."
"A guest?" He asked reaching for his fork.
Lorelai took a bite of her pasta and sighed happily, "Yes. A very...young guest."
Luke frowned, "What do you mean?" He asked reaching for his glass of water.
"A young Mother...she didn't tell me how old she was but she couldn't be more than 18." She said with a frown.
He stared at her for a moment, his glass held up in the air, he leaned back against his chair, "Huh. Wow. I can see the deja vu thing…"
"It was like looking into a mirror." She said with a little laugh, "She was standing there looking terrified as hell with this tiny little baby in her arms. Luke it was so weird…"
He put the glass down and nodded, "I can see why it would be. Made you think about a lot of things I'm sure."
"She was worried because she can't really afford the room. But I couldn't turn her away." She said with a frown, "I mean what if Mia had done that to me? Where would Rory and I have ended up?"
Luke took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck, a million questions running through his mind, "Lorelai-"
She put her hand up, "I know there are a lot of things to consider...but Luke I had to let her stay."
She stared at her for a moment, "I know."
"I asked about her parents...about the Father. She said her parents kicked her out when they found out she was pregnant and her boyfriend ditched her. She was staying with her Grandma for awhile but she kicked her out too. Her daughter is only a few months old." She was babbling on nervously.
He frowned, "How can you just kick your kid out like that? I mean I'm sure my Dad was furious with Liz but he never would have kicked her out. She left...but he would have let her stay there forever."
She shook her head, "I don't know. I couldn't have done that with Rory if it had happened. I mean my parents didn't kick me out...to be honest sometimes I was surprised they didn't. But...it was different. I had to leave."
Luke nodded, "I know." He paused a moment, "Where is she from?"
"She said New Hampshire. She took the bus until she ended up here." She said with a sigh.
He stared at her for a moment, "Are you okay?"
She smiled at his question, it was so like Luke to be worried about her no matter what, "I'm…" She paused and then shook her head, "I don't know. It just...it feels so weird and yet so right that she would end up here. Does that make any sense?"
He smiled softly at her, "I suppose if there was anyone in the world to help her it would be you…"
She looked down at her hands, "I mean...I don't know what to expect. And I don't know if she will want me help past today but it just feels like I have to try ya know? If Mia had turned me away I don't even want to think about what would have happened to me or Rory." Tears welled up in her eyes, "I don't think we would have survived."
"You would have found a way." Luke whispered, "You always do. But I can say I'm glad Mia let you stay. Otherwise I never would have met the GIlmore Girls."
She beamed at him, "Luke…"
"You know that I support you with this...I just want you to be careful. Okay? I love that you love so hard and are so willing to help. But...we should still be cautious a little. Feel out the situation, okay?" He asked with a shrug.
She smiled again at his concern, "I know…"
He nodded towards her food, "Eat up."
She took a deep breath and looked down at her plate, "Hey Luke?"
He looked up at her again mid bite, "Hm?"
"You make a really wonderful husband." She said with a hopeful smile.
Luke shrugged, "Well it's only been a week...give it another week before I screw it up."
She laughed and shook her head before taking a few more bites of her food before getting lost in her thoughts. Luke watched her carefully and wondered what was going to happen next...
So...what do you think? More to come soon.