SEGMENT TWO
INT. CRAP SHACK – MASTER BEDROOM – EARLY TUESDAY MORNING
Scene opens on Lorelai, sound asleep on the bed. Luke is not visible. A moment or two later, the cell phone on the night table starts to ring and wake up Lorelai.
LORELAI: (Eyes still closed, she grumbles) Nooo… go away. (The phone continues to ring) Argh! (She sits up, and looks at her cell phone) This better be good. (She picks it up, and grunts instead of the usual greeting).
EMILY: What on earth was that?!
Scene cuts between the Study of the Gilmore Mansion and Luke and Lorelai's bedroom.
LORELAI: (Whines with her eyes closed) Mom!
EMILY: Don't tell me you just woke up Lorelai.
LORELAI: (Continues to protest) I'm not awake.
EMILY: (Sits in her husband's chair) It's 7 o'clock in the morning, you should be up by now.
LORELAI: (She opens her eyes) You're right, I should be up… except, I didn't get much sleep last night.
EMILY: (Shakes her head disapprovingly) Seriously Lorelai, I thought those silly "movie-nights" would go away once Rory left the house…
LORELAI: (Annoyed and crabby) It wasn't because of movie night! We never have movie night on Mondays. Never.
EMILY: (Curiously) Then what on earth could keep you awake?
LORELAI: Oh gee, let me think. A pregnant woman, going on her sixth month… no matter what position you try, the mattress is uncomfortable… baby keeps moving around in here… all the possibilities, mom.
EMILY: Oh, the baby kept you awake?
LORELAI: (Now leaning against the bed frame) Yes, it kicked and moved around like it was the freaking rodeo in there.
EMILY: Well, that's a good sign.
LORELAI: I loved it, (complains) but I also hoped to sleep in this morning.
EMILY: (Realizes her mistake) Well, (with one nod) I apologize, Lorelai.
LORELAI: (Sighs) It's okay. What's going on?
EMILY: (Opens up what looks like a planner) Don't you have an appointment with Dr. Borvansky this week?
LORELAI: Yeah, I do. Thursday, in fact. (Shakes her head) Wait, how did you know?
EMILY: (Clearly lying) Oh, I think you mentioned it last Friday.
LORELAI: I did?
EMILY: Of course you did, how else would I know?
LORELAI: Hmm, apparently the baby is taking away my memory too. I should get some of that gin-whatever.
EMILY: (Offers) Ginseng?
LORELAI: Yeah, that.
EMILY: Anyway, I was just wondering if you would like me to accompany you. (Adds) Unless of course, Luke is going with you.
LORELAI: (Nods) Luke's going with me (speaking of the devil, Luke enters the room with a breakfast tray).
EMILY: Oh well, okay. I was just offering, that's all…
LUKE: (Sets the tray at the foot of the bed, and takes a seat by Lorelai, he whispers) Morning. (Gestures at the phone) Who is it?
LORELAI: (Mouths) Mom. (Then speaks into the phone) Thanks for offering… I really appreciate it.
EMILY: (Sighs) Well, go back to sleep, Lorelai. I apologize again for waking you up.
LORELAI: (Looking at her husband) No problem, mom. Have a good day.
Lorelai hangs up.
LORELAI: That was weird.
LUKE: What?
LORELAI: (Eyes the breakfast tray) She apologized twice in just one call.
LUKE: (Nods) That is weird. (Takes the tray and brings it closer to Lorelai. He notes) She has been trying…
LORELAI: (Looks at the contents of the tray) She sure has. (Looks up) But you never fall for the ways of Emily Gilmore. Never.
LUKE: (Adds) Maybe it's sincere now...
LORELAI: (Dives into her breakfast) Maybe.
Scene fades on Luke smiling as Lorelai begins to eat.
INT. HARTFORD COURANT – TUESDAY MORNING
Scene opens on Rory arriving at work. With her work mail in hand, she walks by some offices on her way to her cubicle. She passes Ken's office…
RORY: (In a good mood) Morning, Kenny.
KEN: (Looks up from his work) Hey Ror!
RORY: (Steps into his office) Yeah?
KEN: Rob's been looking for you.
RORY: (Looks at her wrist-watch) It's not even eight o'clock yet.
KEN: He's in panic mode… Just a warning. (Goes back to his work)
RORY: Oh. (Steps out of Ken's office, and continues her walk to her cubicle. A sudden expression of concern wipes her face)
As Rory arrives at her cubicle, Nate steps out of his office.
NATE: Hey.
Not realizing Nate's presence, Rory jumps a bit and drops her mail on the floor.
RORY: Oh!
NATE: (Hides a chuckle, and quickly picks up the mail from the floor) You're so on edge today.
The once 'good mood' turned to concern, and now it's just awkwardness around Nate.
RORY: I-I… I just heard Rob was looking for me. (Smoothes her hair behind her ears)
NATE: (Hands the mail) Yeah, Dick was supposed to cover the Washington/Wisconsin primaries today. He called this morning and said an "important" appointment was going to keep him away from the news all day. This is front-page news, Rob always freaks out about the front page news.
RORY: That's crazy. Do you know who Rob's going to pull for this one?
NATE: (As he looks around) We're all trying to lay low – he's going to pull one of the editorial columnists. (Nate looks at Rory, which makes her a bit uncomfortable after the recent epiphany).
RORY: (Tries not to look at him) Well, this… this is going to put too much pressure on you guys. (Awkwardly) The "important" appointment – can't Dick schedule it some other time? I'm sure he can wiggle it around a bit and find a slot (Nate subtly shakes his head as he finds it amusing) where it doesn't interfere with his work? (Slowly realizes what she just said. Nate looks down at the floor for a second to compose himself) I-I mean… I meant… can't he… (closes her eyes to save herself from digging the hole any further)… What I meant to say was…
NATE: (Cuts in) Gilmore… we can let that one go. (Steps back a bit) I'm just going to step into my office and laugh my ass off. If you don't mind.
RORY: (Red with embarrassment) Okay.
Rory closes her eyes as Nate walks away.
RORY: (Turns to settle down, then speaks to herself) Shut up, Rory!
Someone walks up from behind.
ROB: Rory!
RORY: (Jumps yet again) Oh my god!
ROB: (Taken back) Sorry. But I need to talk to you…
RORY: (Leans on her desk to compose herself from the already embarrassing day) Okay.
ROB: Dick can't make the front page tomorrow.
RORY: (Nods) And he was supposed to cover the Washington/Wisconsin primaries, I heard.
ROB: (Steps in a bit closer and looks down at Rory) What I am about to do is going to be unconventional… and it rides on a lot of faith in your work.
RORY: (Confused) What is it?
ROB: I want you to cover it. (Rory is stunned) I know that's not a part of your job description… and definitely not within your pay range, but I'm sure we can work out a deal. (Nods) Rory, please tell me that you are okay with this?
RORY: (Unsure of how to respond) But, I've never written for the Courant… I mean…
ROB: (Shakes his head) Go into the newsroom or use Dick's office… whatever you have to do – because we need to fill that front-page with whatever happens tonight. (Explains) I can't pull anyone else for this. If you need help, let me know… (Gestures at the offices across the hall) ask one of the columnists. They will help you. (Sighs) Rory… this is a huge responsibility. Can you handle it?
RORY: (Takes a deep breath) Yes. I can.
ROB: If you're working on any editing… I can give those to one of the other copy editors.
RORY: (Shakes her head) I can handle them. It will be finished by the time the polls close anyway.
ROB: (Nods approvingly) Good… I came to the right person. Thank you, Rory.
Rory nods subtly. As Rob walks away, Rory finds herself positioned so she sees directly into Nate's office. He's looking at her. He smirks and signals a thumb up as if he knew it all along.
A phone-ring distracts Rory's attention – she turns around and picks it up.
RORY: The Courant, this is Rory.
It's Lorelai.
Scene cuts from the Crap Shack master bathroom (as Lorelai gets ready for her day), and the Courant.
LORELAI: Hey.
RORY: (Finally, takes a seat) Hi.
LORELAI: How's the morning going so far?
RORY: (Thinks) Chaotic… (adds) in a good way.
LORELAI: (As she applies makeup) That's good.
RORY: (Realizes) Am I on speakerphone?
LORELAI: As good as I am with makeup… I can't mastered the art of applying eye liner with just one hand.
RORY: Ah.
LORELAI: Anyway, I just wanted to remind you about the town meeting tonight. It should be good.
RORY: (Remembers) Oh no… mom.
LORELAI: (Stops applying her makeup) What is it?
RORY: I can't.
LORELAI: You can't what?
RORY: Come to the town meeting.
LORELAI: (Whines) Aw, Rory. Come on… you said you would. Besides you haven't been to one for so long.
RORY: Which brings me to the news… hot off the press… (Lorelai stands up straight) Rob just asked me to cover a front-page piece that goes to print later tonight.
LORELAI: (Gasps) Rory! That's awesome!
RORY: (Nods) I know! Which means, I have to watch all the news channels, listen to all the self-proclaimed gurus, write a 750 word article in two hours, fact-check it, send it off to Rob, and then off to the press by midnight.
LORELAI: Why midnight?
RORY: It's the Wisconsin/Washington primaries… which polls close at eight and nine o'clock our time.
LORELAI: (Adds with conviction) Ha! Which means you can come to the town meeting. Are you seriously going to choose Wolf Blitzer over Taylor Doose? Especially when all he's going to report on is when the polls are closing.
RORY: You're right. But I'm going to hog your TV, and crash at the house.
LORELAI: (Grins) Crash away.
INT. PATTY'S STUDIO – TUESDAY NIGHT – TOWN MEETING
Scene opens on a laptop displaying a streaming video of a news channel. As the camera zooms out, we see it's Rory with her earphones on, watching the news. There is chatter throughout the studio as the meeting is about to begin.
LORELAI: (Leans in to Rory) Told ya Miss Patty's studio is wired.
RORY: (Pulls out one of the ear-buds out) Never doubt the mother, got it.
SOOKIE: (Sitting in the row in front of Lorelai, she turns to her best friend and gestures at Luke) How did you get him to come to this thing?
LORELAI: (Grins) TJ and Liz are in town.
LUKE: (Grunts, and leans in to speak softly) I'm glad you're enjoying this.
TAYLOR: (With his gavel, takes the podium) Hello citizens of Stars Hollow. Silence, everyone. (Everyone quiets down as Taylor looks down at his agenda) We have something important to cover this evening - but I promise to make it quick. So, I'd like to get started… but before we do that (looks into the crowd) Is there anything you'd like to discuss that's not on the agenda?
GYPSY: (Whispers to Morey and Babette) This is new.
TAYLOR: (Sees someone raising a hand in the background. Taylor squints to look at the gentleman) Kirk? What is it?
KIRK: (Stands up) There is one matter I'd like to discuss.
TAYLOR: (Rolls his eyes) If it's about you and Lulu eloping… we've already dealt with that Kirk… congratulations to you and (looks at his new wife seated next to him) your wife.
SOOKIE: (Turns back again, and asks softly) Did he return the truck?
LORELAI: (Nods) Yeah, surprisingly in good condition.
LUKE: But I'm having it detailed this week. (Sookie and Lorelai exchange smiles).
KIRK: The matter I want to address is the fact that we now have a spy among us, Taylor. (Everyone looks at Kirk, even Rory turns and pulls out one of her ear buds)
TAYLOR: (Confused) A spy? What on earth are you talking about, Kirk?
KIRK: (Looks at Rory, making Rory uncomfortable) Yes, Miss Gilmore is no longer a resident of Stars Hollow. I think it's a matter of security...
RORY: (Makes a confused face) What? (Everyone looks at Rory)
LUKE: (Bluntly) Shut up, Kirk.
LORELAI: (Shakes her head with amusement) What's she going to do? Share our secret recipes at the Hartford town meeting?
TAYLOR: (Looks at Rory, who looks like a deer in headlights) Kirk does bring up a good point.
PATTY: (From the back panel) Oh Taylor, don't be ridiculous… this is cutting into the agenda.
TAYLOR: (Sighs) You're right (but gives Rory a good accusatory glance before he goes back to his agenda) Thank you, Kirk. I may have to consult the town elders about this one.
RORY: (To Lorelai) I can't believe I was singled out like that.
BABETTE: Get to business, Taylor! My ass is freezing and I want to go home. (Some townies agree).
TAYLOR: Alright… alright. (Looks up at the townies) As you may have noticed, there are a lot of decorations out there.
LUKE: Yeah, what the hell's going on?
TAYLOR: I'm getting to that Luke, please be patient.
LUKE: Well, get to it faster!
TAYLOR: (Clasps his hands) I know the decorations don't necessarily give away any of the details of the event. And it's last minute… but a good fund raiser is needed… (townies start chattering)… the town beautification committee needs the money, people. (The volume of the voices start to increase). Now, now! I'm not finished.
BABETTE: What the hell are we raising money for?
TAYLOR: Despite the success of our knit-a-thon last year, we have run out of money to complete the bridge. Since many of you expressed your disappointment in last year's fund raiser, I've decided… (Patty clears her throat, prompting Taylor to correct himself)… we've decided to bring back the Bid-On-A-Basket auction. (The town makes agreeable sounds)
LORELAI: Nice! (Luke is clearly not happy)
TAYLOR: Now, I know that it's such short notice… but we've decided to hold the event this Saturday at the town square, as we've done before. If you have any last minute suggestions, we will make a note of it… but can't promise you anything…
LORELAI: (Raises her hand) Ooh!
TAYLOR: Yes, Lorelai?
LORELAI: We should have the men make the baskets this year…
LUKE: (Under his breath) I make it anyway.
LORELAI: (continues) …and the ladies, or the significant others, can bid on it.
LUKE: (Tilts his head and whispers) Stop it. (Lorelai makes an innocent expression)
TAYLOR: No, no, no… we would like to stick to tradition. The women will fill the baskets…
BABETTE: It's people like you that set us women back a hundred years, Taylor.
TAYLOR: (Ignores Babette's comment, and looks over at Rory) Now, Miss Gilmore is more than welcome to participate.
RORY: Gee, thanks Taylor.
TAYLOR: (Ignores Rory's sarcasm as well) Okay, people… the auction starts at 11 o'clock this Saturday. Bring lots of cash… and make sure the baskets are new and purchased from Doose's market. (People start to get up from their seats even before Taylor adjourns the meeting).
Rory goes back to her laptop and puts on both her earphones… unaware that people are in fact leaving, she concentrates on her work.
BABETTE: (Grumbles) Basket auction, my ass! It's freezing out there. It's too cold to be picnicking about.
MOREY: (Follows his wife) I'd bid on it.
Luke helps Lorelai up, and then they move to the exit of the studio. They are joined by a very chatty Sookie and Jackson.
Camera on the only person left in the studio. The last person out turns off the lights.
RORY: (With a sudden reaction) Hey!
Scene fades.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I
apologize for the delay in my updates. Personal life, and all.
Will update with third segment as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone that took the time to read and review.
A big thanks to DieHardJavaJunkie14 again for her help and support.