SEGMENT TWO
INT. GILMORE MANSION – FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER (March 28th)
Scene opens on Rory and April as they discuss the latest town event with Richard and Emily.
RICHARD: Why, that sounds like a wonderful idea! A pantomime!
EMILY: And when is this going take place?
RORY: A week from tomorrow.
APRIL: It's going to be so much fun!
EMILY: A week from tomorrow? (Looks at Richard, then back at Rory) Is that enough time to rehearse?
RORY: Oh, we've been working on it since last week.
APRIL: (With hand gestures) You have to come. It's going to be the best production ever.
Emily and Richard are pleasantly surprised at the invitation.
EMILY: (Looks at her husband) Oh.
RICHARD: (Looks at his wife) I don't see why not. Do we have anything planned for next Saturday, Emily?
EMILY: (Thinks) I don't think so. I may have to check…
RICHARD: Well whatever we have scheduled, cancel it. We're going to see a pantomime! (Looks at the two young ladies and smiles)
April and Rory smile at each other.
EMILY: I guess we are. (Looks at Rory with a random thought) How are things with you and Trevor?
RORY: (Looks up from her meal) Oh… umm… so far, so good. (Nods) I like him.
EMILY: (Smiles proudly at Richard) I told you, Richard. (Rory and April, curiously, look at the elder Gilmores)
RICHARD: (Explains to his granddaughter) Your grandmother here was determined that the two of you would hit it off, Rory.
RORY: (Chuckles shyly) Oh, that's great. But it's only been two weeks guys. Let's hold off on the planning.
EMILY: (Gloatingly gives in) Fine. (Then randomly asks) Are you leaving us early again like last week?
RORY: (Confused for a second) Last week?
EMILY: Yes, last week you left early to go to that shelter of yours.
RORY: (Remembers) Oh yeah, I did. Didn't I? (Explains) There aren't a lot of people volunteering on Friday nights. That's why I try to volunteer as much as I can. But nope, not tonight. I'm all yours.
EMILY: Good.
APRIL: (Adds) I hope I get to see Nate again. (Rory smiles at her step-sister)
EMILY: Nate? (Richard wonders as well)
RORY: Oh, Nate DiLuca… he runs the shelter. I thought I mentioned him before?
EMILY: No, I don't think so. Richard, have we heard of Nate DiLuca?
RICHARD: (Thinks) His name does sound familiar though.
RORY: (Explains) You've read his articles, grandpa. (Reminds him) He writes for the Hartford Courant?
RICHARD: (Remembers) Oh! Nathan DiLuca! Yes, I remember liking his freedom piece from long time ago. (Adds with a jolly chuckle) He has an evil sense of humor, and I approve. (Asks) He runs the shelter too? (Looks at his wife) Isn't he an accomplished man.
APRIL: (Chimes in) Yup, he sure is. He's going to Africa this summer, and Rory… (looks at her step sister, and sees her subtle head shake – suggesting that Richard and Emily don't know about her job offer. April censors her comment)… umm, Rory may take on his position at the Courant. Right, Rory? (Rory subtly smiles)
RORY: (Smoothes her hair) Oh, I don't know. They haven't really talked about it yet.
EMILY: They'd be foolish to give it to someone else.
RORY: (Shakes her head) We still have a few weeks to figure it all out, grandma.
RICHARD: I'm sure it will all work in your favor, Rory. I have absolute faith it will. (Emily smiles at Richard)
RORY: Thanks.
April mouths a 'sorry' to Rory, as Richard and Emily carry on eating. Rory mouths 'it's okay' back to April.
Scene fades as the two smile at each other.
INT. HARTFORD COURANT – TUESDAY MORNING (April 1st)
Rory is at her desk working away when Nate arrives at her cubicle.
RORY: (Smiles and goes back to her work) Hey.
Nate steps into her space and leans against the desk.
NATE: (Looks down at her) Hey. (With a lowered voice, he continues) So, I heard you've asked Gus for an extra week.
RORY: (Stops typing and looks around to make sure no one else is there) Yeah, I needed a bit more time.
NATE: (Nods) I understand. (Spots a script-style book on the table) "Cinderella"? (Rory notices it too – but she's too late – Nate picks it up) Have you run out of books to read, Gilmore?
RORY: (Tries to discreetly take it from him) No… no. It's for a pantomime.
NATE: (As he flips through the pages) A pantomime. Whose pantomime?
RORY: Stars Hollow's. Yeah, we're having our first annual pantomime on Saturday.
NATE: Don't tell me you're playing the main character.
RORY: (Shakes her head) No… no. (Clears her throat and lies) I'm a nobody, actually.
NATE: (Flips through more pages) Looks like it'll be fun. (Rory reaches out and takes the book)
RORY: (Chuckles) Oh yeah… Remember Taylor Doose? (Nate nods) He's playing the wicked step-mother. It's going to be a sight to see.
NATE: (A rare smile splits his face) Oh, now this I've got to see.
RORY: (Not expecting that) What? (Shakes her head) N-no… actually. No, I think it's going to be a silly production.
NATE: (Amused at Rory's sudden reaction to his passing comment, he decides to tease her) What? You're uninviting me already?
RORY: (Nervously smoothes her hair) No… in order to un-invite you, I would've had to invite you in the first place.
NATE: (Continues to tease) Oh, so you're saying you don't want me there at all. I get it.
RORY: No… I didn't say that.
NATE: (Pushes himself off her desk with a smirk and begins to leave the cubicle) I see how it is. (Turns with a serious tone) Anyway, we eagerly await your decision, Rory. (Referring to the New York Times).
Nate exits the scene as it fades on Rory as she contemplates.
INT. DRAGONFLY INN – WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON (April 2nd)
Scene opens on April at the front desk of the inn, sorting brochures on the portable rack. Michel is behind the desk working on the computer.
APRIL: (To herself) Should Antique Shopping be in the front of Hiking Trails? (Michel rolls his eyes) I think Hiking Trails should. Especially since there are so many Antique Shopping brochures. Right, Michel?
MICHEL: (In his exaggerated accent) What are you doing?
APRIL: (As she continues to work) Lorelai mentioned earlier that the brochures needed to be organized, so I'm helping out.
MICHEL (With a fake smile) Oh, how nice. But why are you talking? Organizing the brochures does not require one to talk.
APRIL: (Makes a face at him, and goes about her business) Grumpy.
Lorelai, carrying a bunch of mail, walks around the corner and into the check-in area.
LORELAI: (Surprised to see April working) Oh, what're you doing there?
APRIL: (Positions the rack) I thought I'd help you with the brochures.
LORELAI: (Adoringly smiles) Aw, thanks April.
APRIL: (Asks) Now, do you think the Hiking Trails should be front and center or the Antique Shopping?
LORELAI: (Considers) Hiking Trails… because there are too many Antique Shopping brochures.
APRIL: (Grins) Exactly what I thought! (Lorelai grins as well)
MICHEL: (Rolls his eyes again, and exclaims sarcastically) Great minds. Really.
LORELAI: (Senses his tone, and frowns) Grumpy. (April smirks) Come on, April… let's go open mail.
The two ladies enter the great room of the inn.
LORELAI: (As she takes a seat on the couch) Are you enjoying your time here?
APRIL: (Follows and takes a seat a few inches from her) Oh yeah, I love Stars Hollow.
LORELAI: (Not exactly the answer she wanted, but smiles) Great.
APRIL: (Adds) I love spending time with you and dad.
LORELAI: (Smiles at the answer she was looking for) Aw, I love spending time with you too. (Takes a couple of envelopes) I wish we could have you here for longer though.
APRIL: (Takes a magazine from the stack of mail, and starts flipping through) Me too. It won't be long though.
LORELAI: (Curiously looks at her) "Won't be long"?
APRIL: (Continues to flip through) I've decided to apply to colleges in the tri-state area so I can be closer to you guys.
LORELAI: (Taken by surprise) Oh.
APRIL: Yeah, I've already started looking at schools that may appeal to me…
LORELAI: Wow. Really? (Thinks) What about your mother? How does she feel about that?
APRIL: (Explains) Oh, she's completely supportive. "If" I get in…
LORELAI: (Adds) Which you will… to any college you apply.
APRIL: (Smiles)… if I get in, I can spend more time with you. And visit mom during the holidays. (Adds seriously as she points at Lorelai's stomach) I'm only going to see my little brother or sister during the holidays the first couple of years. I don't want to miss out…
LORELAI: (Touched) Aw, honey. I will do my best to make sure you will never miss out.
APRIL: (Smiles at her step-mother) Thanks. (Goes back to her magazine as Lorelai continues to adoringly look at her. April randomly continues) I can't wait to see the final fitting tonight. Can you imagine Taylor in that dress?
LORELAI: (Chuckles) Can you imagine Taylor in that dress… plus make-up and that hideous wig?
APRIL: (Chuckles) Oh, I'm so looking forward to the dress rehearsal when they're all wearing heels!
The scene cuts to the next as the ladies continue to laugh.
INT. SCHOOL AUDITORIUM – FRIDAY NIGHT (April 4th) – CINDERELLA DRESS REHEARSAL (Ball Scene)
Camera fades in and pans around a bustling auditorium, cast in full dress rehearsal for the ball scene, as we hear snatches of conversation
LULU: (twirling in a circle) I love this dress!
RORY: Mom really outdid herself. (grinning with pride and stroking her fine brocade jacket)
LIZARD FOOTMAN: (on a very high step stool) Are these pants too long?
LORELAI: Nah. They're perfect. All the rage for lizard footmen. (pats said footman's leg) You're good to go. (turns as she stretches her back, and spots Crazy Carrie a little too close to where Luke is finishing up one of the thrones)
LUKE: (with an annoyed expression and back turned as far away from Crazy Carrie as possible) What do you want Carrie? (cringes inwardly at the poor choice of words)
CARRIE: Just checking out your handiwork. (twirls a lock of over-dyed hair around her finger) It's amazing what your ha...ACK! (she jumps as Miss Patty's voice screeches through her headset)
Cut to:
MISS PATTY: Carrie! I need you stage right to set up the dancers. Rory dear, posture (Patty throws her own shoulders back). Kirk, stop playing with your brooch. Taylor? Where is Taylor? I need my Grand Dame! (Miss Patty taps on the microphone of her head set)
Cut to: Backstage…
TJ: They're so comfortable. It's like you're wearing nothing. Like you're wearing air!
TAYLOR: Air-pants? (he rests a hand on his bustle and looks intrigued)
(Luke, free of Crazy Carrie, walks over to see how Lorelai is doing)
LORELAI: Hey (wrinkles her nose and smiles at her husband)
LUKE: You okay? (puts an hand on her back and rubs gently)
LORELAI: Mmm. Perfect if you keep doing that. (smiles) April has been such a big help with the costumes. I see you escaped without being manhandled.
LUKE: (makes a face) Who's that old guy talking to Taylor? Another last minute replacement?
LORELAI: (glances over as she straightens her sewing basket) That's T.J. (Luke squints his eyes to look closely) I wonder if we could get an Emmy consideration for Make-up and Costume?
LUKE: Huh??
Cut to:
MISS PATTY: Taylor!! Rory, posture dear, shoulders back! (mutters) Always with the shoulders. Oh, April honey! You look lovely. (turns her head sideways as she looks her up and down and mutters) Look at the way she stands...Okay. Places everyone!! Places!
Lorelai and Luke walk out to the stage…
LORELAI: Hey Patty, just a second, please. (in a trying-to-be-patient voice, turns) Kirk? You promised me you'd take care of the glass slipper. Where is it?
KIRK: Lorelai, there is no need to be concerned. I have it completely under control.
LORELAI: That's great Kirk. It's just that, tomorrow is the panto. We need the slipper before the curtain goes up. I need to know it fits Lulu.
KIRK: Not to worry, Lorelai, the slipper will be here in plenty of time. I took precise measurements of Lulu's foot. I even took the added precaution of measuring it several different times throughout the day in case of possible swelling. Before her bath, in her bath, before making...
LUKE: Kirk!
LORELAI: (holds up a pleading hand, the other covering her eyes) Okay, okay, I think we get the picture.
LANE: Unfortunately...
LORELAI: Just make sure it's here tomorrow, ok? (grabs Luke's hand as he guides her down the steps) Why did I sign us up for this again?
MISS PATTY: Okay everyone. Carrie. Carrie? Carrie! Carrie, (who has been flirting with a lizard footman, jumps) Take off your headset and stand over by Andrew as his partner for the dance. Joe honey, you're over with Lulu. Rory, Zach - you're with Kirk and Jackson. Everyone else, find your places.
Luke and Lorelai make their way to the seats to watch
MISS PATTY: Everyone ready? Okay. Hit it Morey!
"I've Got You Under My Skin" begins to play as the couples start dancing. The cast drifts in and out of character, muttering amongst themselves. Pantomime dialogue is in italics...
COURTIER 1 (Joe): (bows to Cinderella) May I have this dance?
Kirk shoots daggers at Joe over Rory's head
CINDERS (Lulu): I would be delighted kind sir.
They float on to the floor, Cinderella's skirt billowing
COURTIER 2 (Andrew): (to the Royal Mistress) So I hear you have a lot of experience with royal balls.
ROYAL MISTRESS (Carrie): (leers coquettishly as the courtier swings her around) Oh, I wouldn't say… OH! (she twists and jerks) Ouch!!
MISS PATTY: Cut! Carrie, what are you doing?
CARRIE: I don't know! Every time I turn, I get a sharp, stabbing pain.
Lorelai smiles blandly from her seat as Luke reaches over to pat her thigh. She links fingers with him, neither taking their eyes off a twitching Carrie
MISS PATTY: No pain, no gain, honey - just stop wiggling, you look like a worm on the end of a hook. Lorelai can look at your dress later. Andrew, box-step her around, less swinging. Morey dear, from the top!
Dancing begins again. Camera on Jackson (Salmonella) and Zach (Dandini) as they stumble and glare at each other
JACKSON: (hissing) What's with the two left feet? You're a musician! Musicians are supposed to have rhythm!
ZACH: Dude! It's a foxtrot, not a waltz. It's slow-slow-quick-quick, slow-slow…
JACKSON: I know! One, two, three; one, two, three… (stomps on Zach's foot)
ZACH: (grimacing) Dude, not cool. Seriously…
MISS PATTY: Gracefully gentlemen – sail across the floor. Elbows up, Dandini. That's it. Smile!
JACKSON: (moving Zach's hand up from his lower back) Watch it, Mister! Got a wife at home with an impressive set of chef's knives, and she's not afraid to use them!
Cut to:
Kirk (Listeria) dancing with Rory (Prince Charming), maneuvering towards Lulu and Joe. He startles Rory by executing an impressive arc turn while kicking Joe in the shin.
RORY: Whoa there, Kirk!
JOE: (whirling to face his attacker, and finding a smug Kirk flitting away across the stage) Hey!
Cut to:
Stage Right: Enter April dressed as Snow White, holding Pierpont and looking around expectantly
LISTERIA (Kirk): (sidling up to Snow White) Aren't you in the wrong fairytale? I don't believe there's a ball in Snow White.
SNOW WHITE (April): Oh, but I was invited!
KIRK: (Thoughts trail off) I'm not 100 percent sure about that, (thinking), I will have to check with mother later.
RORY: (Makes a face and mumbles) I don't remember that from the script. (April shrugs at her)
LISTERIA (Kirk): Who's your friend? (nodding at Pierpont).
Listeria and Prince Charming keep dancing, following Snow White as she weaves her way across the stage
SNOW WHITE (April): This is Sleepy.
KIRK: Looks like one of Babette's gnomes to me. Why is he called Sleepy when his eyes are open? Does he always sleep with his eyes open? It could be indicative of an underlying neurological problem, namely bilateral facial weakness. I strongly recommend an evaluation by an ophthalmologist, and also by a neuromuscular specialist - the former being more urgent for the care of your eyes.
RORY: It's a plastic gnome, Kirk…
APRIL: (whispers conspiratorily) Hi Rory, have you seen Prince Charming around here anywhere? (Rory looks down at her clothes and they both giggle)
KIRK: Doesn't Snow White need an apple? (looks around). I don't think we have any here. Hmm. There might be some apple tarts on the buffet. (lowers voice) Yes, they may be left over from Lorelai's Christmas party, but they freeze surprisingly well…
SALMONELLA (Jackson): (swirling by, eavesdropping). Tart? You DO look like a tart. I told you so back in the boudoir! It's that dress – there's not enough taffeta in the tri-county area to cover that …(gestures to Listeria's bosom) (Aside to Prince Charming) A shameless trollop!
(Salmonella spins away with Dandini, laughing…and we hear..) One, two, three…
ZACH: (protests loudly to Jackson) Dude! Hello! The tights? I'm the guy, I'm supposed to be leading here!
Kirks stops abruptly, causing an unscripted pile up. We hear miscellaneous expletives from the ensemble
KIRK: (to Jackson) Come back here! You take that back! I am not a trollop!
MISS PATTY: (confused) Wait… Kirk?
JOE: (at the top of the heap, looks up, rubbing his shin): Oh, yes you are!
KIRK: (glaring at Joe, hands on hips) Oh, no I'm not!
JOE: (poking Kirk in the bosom, egging him on) Oh, yes you are!
They stand and face-off on stage, Kirk with fists raised
KIRK: You look me in the eye when you say that, you…you…wife-stealer you!
MISS PATTY: (exasperated) CUT! Joe, honey, stop it! Kirk, it's in the script – it's part of the shtick remember? And you missed your cue! You're supposed to compliment Prince Charming on his tarts…. Everybody, take 5! (Fanning herself) Oy to the vey – Sondheim's got nothing on this.
Camera cuts to seats
LORELAI: (aside to Luke) This is shaping up to be a loooong night (...whips out a baggy of Red Vines)
LUKE: What is that?
LORELAI: (turns to him and gives the d'uh look) After all these years, you still don't know? (hungrily rips off a strand with her teeth)
LUKE: I know what it is...why are you eating it? You promised to lay off the junk while you're pregnant. Where are the carrot sticks I put in your bag?
LORELAI: Are you kidding?? I had to lace Kirk into a corset (shudders) and let out Taylor's gown. A lot - sigh - Edgar wasn't double dipping in the raspberry white chocolate swirl. You're lucky I didn't waddle out for a triple shot latte!
LUKE: Okay, okay...eesh (raising hands in surrender as Lorelai offers him the baggy) No thanks. (she turns back and pulls out a bag of Teddy Grahams)
LORELAI: (grinning) Aren't these cute? The baby's gonna love these. (Luke looks slightly nauseous)
Suddenly they both feel a tap on their shoulders, and jump slightly as something glittery comes between them
BABETTE: Hiya dolls! Whaddaya think so far? I'm thinkin' Zach is gonna take Jackson down. Sure Jackson's got the height and weight, but Zach's wiry. Quick on his feet too. Ooh, Red Vines! Do ya mind? I'm starvin' and Patty won't let me eat a thing in this get up…..
Cut to:
INT. BROADSTREET SHELTER – FRIDAY NIGHT (April 4th)
Scene opens on Nate bidding his volunteers goodbye for the night.
NATE: (As closes the door behind them) Thanks guys. Have a g'night.
The volunteers, in unison, wish him a good night as well.
Nate closes the door, takes a look around the main hall, and makes his way to the office in the back. Just as he takes a seat to relax for the first time in five or six hours, his cell phone rings.
NATE: (Talks into the phone as he opens his laptop) Hello.
It's his colleague, Gus, from the New York Times. Scene cuts between the shelter and Gus' office in New York.
GUS: Hey there, Nate. It's Gus.
NATE: Hey man, working late, are we?
GUS: (Chuckles a bit) Unfortunately. It's a Friday night, and my partner's not happy.
NATE: Right. I'm at the shelter, myself. So what's up?
GUS: I've been meaning to contact you all day. Just didn't get a chance… I heard from Rory today.
NATE: (Attentively) Oh yeah?
GUS: I think you will be happy to know that she accepted the offer.
NATE: (A subtle smile appears on his face) I see. That's good.
GUS: Yes, I'm glad she'll be joining us. Even if it's temporary.
NATE: (Nods) I agree.
GUS: Anyway, it's late. I just wanted to give you the news. Go home, DiLuca!
NATE: Night, Gus.
Nate hangs up, and the scene ends on his pondering face.
……………SEGMENT ENDS
IMPORTANT Check out LiveJournal to see Stars Hollow's poster for the First Annual Pantomime - and a list of the Cast & Crew. You don't want to miss it! (These are visuals for the next segment) – Link provided in Author Profile.
Reminder: This is a collaborative effort by damselfly, dragonfly, and AudiRox.
Reviews are appreciated, as always.
Note: You may have noticed (or not), that this is the first time we've seen Nate's point of view.
