Seven

by AudiRox

SPOILER WARNING in some of the chapters. This set of fics started back in May of 2006. They were all written as speculation of Season 7 in episodic format and was initially posted on a different site. I have now decided to bring them over. LL.

3. Her Last Mistake

Introduction: A speculative fic - possibly based on SPOILERS - so be warned. This is part of a series - so please read 7.01 and 7.02 prior to continuing. This particular episode is a few months after 7.02's end. Hence the title contains "7.13" in it. There will be a long preview of the last few episodes (which I skipped) to help catch you up. Some are from the actual episodes that have already aired, and most are my own fiction. (Also, this was originally published in October of 2006).
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7.13 Her Last Mistake

PREVIOUSLY ON THE GILMORE GIRLS…

INT. DRAGONFLY INN - 7.02

LORELAI: Luke wanted to elope. (cut)

SOOKIE: Did the answer 'have' to be "no"

LORELAI: (cut) Then I'd be married to a guy who didn't want to be married to me.

INT. HOTEL ROOM - PARIS - A FEW EPISODES LATER

CHRIS: (Standing in front of Lorelai) ... I don't want to wait anymore. Let's elope.

LORELAI: (emotionless) Okay.

INT. RANDOM BUILDING - AN EPISODE LATER

CHRIS: (Before the vows, holds Lorelai's hand) Lor, are you sure?

LORELAI: I've been waiting so long... let's do it.

MOMENTS LATER...

JUDGE: (with a French accent) Lorelai Gilmore, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband.

LORELAI: (Pauses, as Chris looks at her quizzically) I... do. (Smiles)

JUDGE: By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

INT. CHRIS' APT - AN EPISODE LATER

CHRIS: (Holding on to Lorelai and smiling) I can't wait to begin our life together.

LORELAI: (Smiles) Wow, I can't believe it's real. (Sighs) I can't believe we didn't have our kids there.

A MOMENT LATER

CHRIS: Let's not wait. Since you have the bigger house, I think GG and I should move in with you.

LORELAI: (Jumps) No... I... I mean... not yet. We haven't even told Rory yet. Let's decide all of that after we tell Rory.

INT. LORELAI'S HOUSE - LATER IN THAT EPISODE

CHRIS: (Gloriously happy - speaks to Rory) We have some great news!

LORELAI: (Not as happy, but smiling and nervous) Yeah.

RORY: (Confused, looks at them both) What's up?

CHRIS: (Jumps in as Lorelai stays quiet and looks at Rory) You're mom and I... (holds Lorelai's hand) got married over the weekend. We really wanted you there but it was quick and spontaneous... (Cut)

RORY: (Shocked, she forces a smile) Wow, you eloped?! (Cut) (Goes over to her dad and hugs him) Congratulations.

CUT TO LORELAI AND RORY ALONE AT THE CRAP SHACK (In the middle of an argument)

LORELAI: (Is obviously upset) It just happened. And I wanted it to happen... (sighs) but...

RORY: (Angered, she lashes out) ... congratulations, mom! Now I can say with certainty that you've 'just' made the biggest mistake of your life.

EXT. STARS HOLLOW - EPISODE 7.11

Luke and Lorelai run into each other outside Doose's. It's snowing.

LORELAI: (Nervously) Haven't run into you in a while. (cut) How are things?

LUKE: (Smiles and genuinely responds) Things are good. (cut) Life's been good, Lorelai.

EXT. STARS HOLLOW - SAME EPISODE

Lorelai's walking away from Doose's as her phone rings. It's Chris.

CHRIS: (Outside the crap shack) Hey, I've been calling your cell phone. You're not home.

LORELAI: (Flustered after her run-in with Luke) Oh, sorry... I was at Doose's and ran into someone... (tries to cover it up)...

CHRIS: Oh yeah? Who?

LORELAI: (Hesitantly) Oh... ugh... no on-ugh... Luke.

CHRIS: (Facial expression changes) I see.

INT. LOGAN'S APARTMENT - SAME EPISODE

Chris is visiting his daughter.

CHRIS: Hey Rory?

RORY: Yeah?

CHRIS: How long have you guys known Luke?

Rory is surprised at the randomness.

INT. LORELAI'S HOUSE - EPISODE 7.12

LORELAI: I don't think you and GG should move in. Let's find another place.

CHRIS: But you love this house, Lor. (cut) You love Stars Hollow.

LORELAI: This house isn't meant for 'you and me'... (cut)

CHRIS: (angered)... first you use Rory as an excuse. She isn't 16 anymore! (cut) You don't want to hang around the town. You don't want me to meet your friends here. We have to go out of town to do anything at all. You can't just stay over at my apartment and leave whenever you feel like it. You're not my roommate - you're my wife! We're married, Lor!

LORELAI: (Tries to calm him down) ... Chris...

CHRIS: It's 'him' isn't it? (cut) I just married a woman who didn't want to be married to me. It's my own fault.

Chris leaves the scene.

CUT TO STARS HOLLOW - TOWARDS THE END OF 7.12

Lorelai is standing in the middle of town watching a very happy scene where Luke and April welcome Liz and TJ's baby into the diner for the first time. Audio from a previous scene with Sookie and Lorelai play in the background as camera focuses on Lorelai's face.

SOOKIE: What's wrong?

LORELAI: I just got married to the wrong man. I keep digging myself a massive hole...

AUDIO CUTS TO CURRENT TIME & PLACE...
LORELAI: (Still looking in the direction of the diner, she speaks softly to herself) What have I done?

CUT TO INT. GILMORE MANSION - LATER THAT AFTERNOON

Emily opens the front door and sees Lorelai outside.

EMILY: (Suprised to see her daughter there on a random afternoon) Lorelai?

LORELAI: (Crying) Mom... can I please come in?

7.13 TEASER

(Continues after final scene of 7.12)

EXT. GILMORE MANSION - SCENE CONTINUES...

EMILY: (Concerned) Of course. It's so cold outside. (Notices the tears on her cheek) What's wrong?

LORELAI: (Continues to walk into the living room with her head down. She sits on the couch)

EMILY: (Follows as her concern increases) Lorelai, what is it? What happened? (She sits on the edge of the chair next to the couch)

LORELAI: (Still crying, she tries to speak) I married Chris. And Rory is so angry at me - she won't talk about it - she just pretends that everything's fine... and...

EMILY: (Unable to process it) What?

LORELAI: We got married before Christmas...

EMILY: (After a few moments of silence, she surprisingly asks) And you didn't really want to?

LORELAI: (She lets her face fall into her hands as she cries even more) Why do I keep making 'so many' mistakes.

EMILY: (Places a hand on her shoulder) Lorelai... (Lorelai looks up)... how are you going to tell Christopher?

LORELAI: He already knows. It's over. (Goes on) I'm sorry I didn't tell you... I keep disappointing you and dad 'all' the time. I know you really wanted us to work.

EMILY: What makes you think that?

LORELAI: (Confused, Lorelai looks at her mothers face and sees a sigh of relief) I thought you liked... Chris...? You and dad seemed to love having him over.

EMILY: (Emily starts her lecture) Your dad and I decided some time ago that we were going to let 'you' decide what was best for you... what made you happy. But I have to admit I was secretly wondering when on earth you would come to your senses and leave the man. It's unfortunate that you had to 'marry' him to realize the truth. But it's over... it's done. (Beat) I've only seen you truly happy with one man, Lorelai. Whatever happened between the two of you should have been fixed a long time ago if not for your obvious lack of communication skills. With that said, go wash up - I will have some towels sent to your old room. You're staying for dinner.

Fade out on Lorelai's shocked expression.

OPENING CREDITS

SECOND SEGMENT

INT. GILMORE MANSION - NIGHT TIME

Lorelai is sitting at the dining table, very slowly consuming the bowl of soup left in front of her as Richard and Emily share very subtle glances. The night seems to be going very quietly. Richard tries to break the silence.

RICHARD: Well, this soup is incredible, Emily. It's certainly keeping me warm.

EMILY: (Makes a face at Richard's poor attempt at making conversation) Thank you, Richard. I will tell Thelma to save that recipe. (Sighs) Lorelai?

LORELAI: (Obliviously, looks up as she hears her name) Hmm?

EMILY: How do you like the soup?

LORELAI: (Still oblivious) Soup? (Looks at the dish in front of her) Oh, it's great mom... thanks. (Goes back to consuming it)

EMILY: (Sighs and makes a sympathetic expression. An idea comes to mind) Well, excuse me - I forgot to go check on dessert.

Richard suspects that it's more than that - however, as Emily leaves the dining room, he looks at Lorelai with a similar sympathetic expression.

CUT to INT. STUDY

Emily walks in and shuts the door behind her. She picks up the receiver and dials a familiar number.

EMILY: Rory?

SCENES CUT between Logan's Apartment and the Mansion.

RORY: Grandma? This is a surprise.

EMILY: I was hoping I would get a hold of you. I know it's a school night for you and... (cuts in) why is it a surprise?

RORY: (Chuckles) First of all, I'm not in highschool, and it doesn't matter because we college kids stay up late. Besides I don't have any classes in the morning. Secondly, I was surprised because you usually don't call after 6:30.

EMILY: Really? I never realized that.

RORY: Well, now that you have... what's up, Grandma?

EMILY: You're mother's here.

RORY: My mother? As in Lorelai Gilmore?... (sarcastically) ... or is it Hayden now? I mean, does it make me Rory Hayden now? (Realizes she may have revealed something she shouldn't have) Oh no! I don't think I was supposed to say that...

EMILY: It's alright, Rory. She told us. She has been here since this afternoon. She explained some of what had happened. But now she's just quiet and looking down all the time. (Sighs) And honestly, I can't handle it. It's making me... (very uncomfortably) sad.

RORY: Aw, grandma... I know it's all screwed up... I know I should get over it, it's been 6 weeks...

EMILY: (Cuts her off) She needs you here, Rory. Whatever fight you girls had, forget about it and just come over.

RORY: Oh...

EMILY: (Assumes) I don't think she'll want to stay here overnight. And I don't want her driving alone. We can have someone take the jeep back later.

RORY: Okay, I'm leaving now.

Emily hangs up the phone and sighs.

INT. DINING ROOM - GILMORE MANSION

Richard can't handle the silence anymore. He looks over at Lorelai once more, then he begins to say something but he stops himself. (Silence) He then forces himself to speak up...

RICHARD: Lorelai...

LORELAI: (Still looking down) Yeah...

RICHARD: (With subtle emotion) ... go tell him exactly how you feel. Doesn't matter if he feels the same way or if he doesn't. The important thing is that he knows.

LORELAI: (Immensely surprised at what he said, she looks up at her father) ...but...

Emily walks in and unintentionally interrupts.

EMILY: Oh I'm sorry... that took longer than I thought. (Looks at Lorelai as she takes her seat) I figured you wouldn't want to stay over, so I called Rory to pick you up.

LORELAI: Oh... you didn't have...

EMILY: (Cuts in) I know you would've protested but I really don't want you driving home alone tonight.

LORELAI: It's not that (she looks down at her food)... I thought I'd stay over. Honestly... you guys are probably the only people around not angry at me right now.

Both Emily and Richard look up at each other in shock at their daughter's words. Surprised that their 39 year old daughter who had rebelled all her life, wanted to stay over.

EMILY: (Suddenly stands up with a jolt of energy) I'll go ask Thelma to make your bed and... (changes her mind)... never mind... I'll do it myself.

RICHARD: (Stands up as well) I'll help!

As they walk out... you can hear them speak to eachother.

EMILY: Maybe we should set up the guest room too... for Rory.

RICHARD: That's a good idea... unless she'd like to sleep in the same room?

EMILY: Seriously Richard, this isn't some European hostel...

Lorelai subtley smiles at her parents' conversation.

Scene fades.

INT. LUKE'S DINER - THAT NIGHT

The dinner rush is dying down. Among the few scattered customers are Taylor, Miss Patty and Kirk. They are seated at one table with clipboards and a few pads of paper.

TAYLOR: Since it's past the holiday season, we can get all of these items on this list for half off...

KIRK: Now that's a good deal.

PATTY: But the holidays are over! Will people really care enough to show up?

TAYLOR: Patty! I don't think you heard me. All the event items are half off! We should've always done this at this time of the year... Always!

KIRK: But that's breaking tradition.

TAYLOR: But it's half off! Who cares about tradition!?

KIRK and PATTY: You do!

Luke walks over as he hears them shout.

LUKE: Okay, I've been staying away from whatever crap pile you three are up to... but can you guys please keep it down?

PATTY: Sorry, Luke. But this man (points at Taylor) is a very difficult... difficult man.

LUKE: Been saying that for years.

TAYLOR: (Sarcastically) Why thank you, Patty.

LUKE: Not that I care... but what the hell are you three up to?

PATTY: I'm not up to anything. I was shanghai'd.

TAYLOR: Well, since you asked Luke. We are organizing the winter carnival.

LUKE: The "winter carnival"... wasn't that supposed to be during the holidays?

PATTY: Exactly!

TAYLOR: Yes, but in case you didn't notice "Luke" - we didn't have one this December. With all the issues we had to deal with the past couple of months a.k.a. the pickles and fall outs, all the celebrations were put off - including, unfortunately - the winter carnival. However, since it's still technically "winter" we're planning it for coming Friday. And we have all the details sorted out and rented all the equipment and performers and event tables and 'everything' for half off! "Half off!"

LUKE: So you've said a few thousand times.

KIRK: (As he looks at some lists) It says here that you have the Westchester choir singing holiday songs.

TAYLOR: So?

LUKE: It's February. And didn't we just have the Firelight Festival?

PATTY: Exactly!

TAYLOR: Yes Luke. But the Firelight Festival is so mediocre compared to our Winter Carnival. And because we didn't spend much on this year's Fire Fest, we have enough money saved up for our next shindig.

LUKE: Wouldn't you save more money if you scrapped the stupid Winter carnival all together?

April appears from behind the scene and stands next to her father.

APRIL: Hey, what's up?

TAYLOR: Okay... so we get another performer.

KIRK: The only other thing on here is some DJ that plays 70's music.

TAYLOR: (Protests) That won't work

PATTY: I like the 70's.

APRIL: I've heard good things about it.

Luke smiles at her.

KIRK: Yeah, those good ole "Orleans" always had me dancing.

APRIL: (Looks up at Luke) I'm going upstairs to study - then get ready for bed.

LUKE: Okay, I'll see you up there in a bit.

APRIL: Good night Kirk, Taylor ... good night Miss Patty.

PATTY: (Smiles) Good night, dear. (As April makes her way to the back, Patty looks at Luke and continues) She's such a darling, Luke. You must be so proud of your daughter... so happy.

LUKE: (Smiles and nods) I am.

TAYLOR: Okay, fine! We'll get the 70's DJ. But don't blame me when people start leaving the festival when they hear his music.

PATTY: First, they'd have to come to the festival, Taylor.

Luke subtley chuckles and walks away as the three townies continue to discuss.

INT. LORELAI'S OLD BEDROOM - GILMORE MANSION - LATER THAT NIGHT

The lights are turned off, but Lorelai is wide awake staring at the ceiling.

The bedroom door very slowly opens. We see Rory peaking in...

RORY: (Whispers) Mom? Are you awake?

LORELAI: (Turns around and turns on the lamp) Yeah...

RORY: (Walks in and closes the door behind her) Grandma and grandpa just went to bed.

LORELAI: (Sits up) Oh yeah?

RORY: (Stands next to the bed) Can we talk? I mean, we don't have to... but...

LORELAI: (Moves over to let her daughter know that it's okay) We can talk.

RORY: (Gets on the bed and sits up next to her) I'm so sorry for being sort of distant the past few weeks...

LORELAI: It's okay...

RORY: I just hate seeing you get hurt. I seriously hate it, mom. I want you to be happy... I mean, truly happy.

LORELAI: It's over.

RORY: What?

LORELAI: Your dad and I, it's over.

RORY: (Confused) Is it over a place to live? Because I thought that was what married couples fought about. Isn't it natural?

LORELAI: It was more than that...

RORY: How did this happen?

LORELAI: I told him I didn't want him to move in with me and that we should find a house outside of Stars Hollow...

RORY: (Still confused) That's why it's over?

LORELAI: No... I just... (sighs)... He told me he didn't want to be with someone who was still in love with someone else.

RORY: Oh, mom... (sighs). What's going to happen now?

LORELAI: A divorce, I guess. (A beat) What am I, like the woman who had the shortest marriage?

RORY: (As she puts her arm around her mother) Nah, I think Britney still wears that crown.

Fade out.

THIRD SEGMENT

INT. DRAGONFLY INN — KITCHEN — TUESDAY MORNING

Scene starts as Lorelai walks into the kitchen.

SOOKIE: Hey! You're late.

LORELAI: (As she pours herself a cup of coffee) Yeah, I'm sorry — I was walking out the door and saw Babette and decided to see what's up with her.

SOOKIE: Umm… okay.

LORELAI: Usually she's so chatty and happy. Today she just seemed in a hurry and not at all in the mood to talk to me or something.

SOOKIE: (Sarcastically) Just today?

LORELAI: Well, the past few weeks… (Sookie raises her eyes) a couple of months? … (sighs)… since summer… since 'before' summer.

SOOKIE: Ah, there you go!

LORELAI: Have I seriously been neglecting the town for that long?

SOOKIE: Well, the first few weeks were understandable.

LORELAI: (Big sigh) Well, I'm going to make it right. I'm so out of the loop in almost everything the town is doing. I need to catch up. (takes a sip of her coffee) I'm going to make it right. Life's going to be good again. Not the "myths about good life" kind of good — but "flaming rum punch" kind of good (nods with a smile).

SOOKIE: (Chuckles) I have no clue what you just said. But it sounds "good"

Michel walks in that very moment.

MICHEL: Lorelaiii…

LORELAI: Hey, Michel…

MICHEL: You're husband is here.

LORELAI: (Lets her face fall) I spoke too soon.

She looks at Sookie for support and walks out of the kitchen.

INT. DRAGONFLY INN — CHECK IN DESK — TUESDAY MORNING

LORELAI: (Straightens herself as she sees Chris near the desk) Chris.

CHRIS: (In a monotone voice) Hey. (He doesn't waste any time, he raises his hand and reveals a big yellow envelope).

LORELAI: (Looks down at it before she takes it. Then realizes what it is) Oh.

CHRIS: You can sign it whenever. And just mail it to the address there (he points at the label that's already attached on top of the envelope).

LORELAI: (Sighs) Okay, thank you for bringing it over.

CHRIS: (Nods and turns to leave — but looks around and sees no one around — so he turns back) Did you think I wouldn't see it?

LORELAI: (Confused and saddened that she had to hurt him) What?

CHRIS: Did you think you could go on pretending…

LORELAI: (Slowly responds) Chris… I'm sorry...

CHRIS: You used me Lor. (Thinks) Maybe not intentionally — but you used me to get whatever it is you couldn't get with… with… "Luke"

LORELAI: (Protests) Chris… no…

CHRIS: Look, I'm not here to start a fight with you. I know you settled. It's my fault for seeing it and still going through with… everything.

Silence.

Lorelai holds the envelope with both hands as she continues to look down.

CHRIS: Hey…

LORELAI: (Looks up) Yeah…

CHRIS: We have Rory.

LORELAI: We do.

CHRIS: I've realized that no matter what I do…. Or how much I change… I know I can't ever have you. So…

Silence…

CHRIS: (continues) We at least have Rory.

LORELAI: (Realizes that this is it for both of them. This is where it ends) We will always have Rory.

Chris subtly nods, and then turns to walk out the door.

Fade out on Lorelai's face as she looks down at the envelope once more.

INT. LUKE'S DINER - TUESDAY AFTERNOON

The lunch rush is just starting to leave. Luke is clearing the tables.

Two people enter the diner. It's Anna and April.

LUKE: (Surprised to see them, but smiles) Hey… What are you two doing here?

ANNA: (Rolling her eyes, she teases) "Someone" forgot her biology book.

APRIL: Yeah, I left it here on Sunday…

LUKE: (Amused) You lived without your biology book for 2 days?

As April walks slowly towards the entrance to the apartment, Anna continues…

ANNA: (still teasing) Must be a new boy…

LUKE: (plays along) Must be.

APRIL: Ha… Ha. Very funny. Speaking of boys, you should tell dad about your hot date last Saturday. (She bolts after she utters the words).

ANNA: April!

LUKE: (Amused again) Hot date, huh? (Goes behind the counter and grabs a couple of tea-bags to make some hot tea)

ANNA: (Moves to the counter) It was nothing.

LUKE: Nothing? April knows about the guy, so it can't be "nothing"

ANNA: Really, Luke. It was the first and last date with the man. I've been trying to go out more now that April's a bit older. But really… dating is hard.

LUKE: (As he sets the tea in front of her) Tell me about it.

ANNA: (Bursts into a few giggles) Oh yea, the swim coach.

LUKE: That was 'months' ago.

ANNA: I know, I know… but it was classic.

LUKE: (Sighs) Yeah… well.

ANNA: (A beat as she takes a sip of her tea. She gets an idea) Hey… maybe we should try it?

April walks in just as Anna finishes her sentence. (Scene will seem platonic between Luke and Anna)

Both Luke and April comment in unison…

LUKE: Try what?

APRIL: Try what?

ANNA: (Uncomfortable now that April's there, she looks back and forth) Well… dating.

APRIL: The two of you?

LUKE: (Asks Anna) Us?

ANNA: Yeah, why not?

APRIL: (As she puts her biology book in the back pack) Nah… it won't work.

ANNA: (Chuckles as Luke looks at April for an explanation as well) Why not?

APRIL: Your birth signs… they aren't compatible.

LUKE: (Casually) I don't believe in those.

ANNA: Me neither.

LUKE: (Looks at Anna) You don't?

ANNA: Well, I do… but… (Pause) 7 o'clock on Friday night? Meet you at the festival?

LUKE: Sure… wait a minute - how do you know about the festival?

ANNA: Ran into Patty outside.

LUKE: Ah.

ANNA: (As she prepares to leave) I'll bring the kid, too.

LUKE: Sounds good (smiles at April as she rolls her eyes)

ANNA: (Holds the door open for April) Come on Kiddo…

APRIL: (As she walks out) I'm telling you… astrology never lies.

Scene fades.

INT. CRAP SHACK — TUESDAY NIGHT

STAGE DIRECTION:

Lorelai's at the couch slouching over to sign the papers.

She takes a moment to glance at the papers. The divorce papers. She sighs, then places the them on the coffee table. Picks up the pen, and signs the first piece of paper. She sighs, then signs the next. When she's done, she places the papers in the envelope (leaving her own copy on the table). She then seals the envelope and places it carefully on the coffee table. She then sits back and pulls her legs toward her as she sheds a tear. She realizes that her first marriage has just ended.

The phone rings.

LORELAI: (Wipes the few tears, and reaches over to pick up the phone) Hello.

It's RORY. Scenes cut between Rory driving and the crap shack.

RORY: Guess where I'm going?

LORELAI: (Tries to be witty) Umm… I've got nothing.

RORY: To "grandma's"

LORELAI: (Confused) Oh God, is it Friday already?

RORY: Nope. Aunt Marilyn's in town and grandma and grandpa thought it would be lovely for me to join them for dinner.

LORELAI: I didn't get the invite.

RORY: They said that they didn't want to bother you. And it was last minute. I just got the call an hour ago.

LORELAI: They didn't want to bother me? Wow, are they finally being considerate.

RORY: Mom.

LORELAI: Kidding. I was kidding. I'm actually… "currently"… a fan of the elders. (a pause) For now.

RORY: (Smiles) And that's why I said yes to this thing. (Changes the subject) So what are you up to?

LORELAI: (Changes her tone) Actually… I just signed the papers.

RORY: (Realizes what she meant) Oh mom. Why didn't you tell me?! I would've been there with you…

LORELAI: (Smiles) I'm okay, Rory. I signed them, and they're lying on the table waiting to be mailed. It's official.

RORY: (Sympathizes) Mom.

LORELAI: Really, kid. I'm fine. This is where I stop making mistakes. Make amends.

RORY: Are you sure you don't want me to turn around and come over there?

LORELAI: (Smiles) I'm sure. Say hi to Marilyn for me.

RORY: I will.

LORELAI: (Abruptly) Okay, by hon.

RORY: (Unsure if she should hang up) Bye.

Lorelai hangs up the phone and sighs. She looks back at the front door as a thought comes to her mind.

INT. LUKE'S DINER — TUESDAY NIGHT

The diner is empty. Luke is behind the counter (turning his back on the front door) emptying out the coffee pots. He hears the door open.

LUKE: Take a seat I'll be with you in a minute.

LORELAI: (With a shaking voice) Luke…

Luke turns to see Lorelai (with no jacket to protect her from the cold) standing near the open entrance.

Fade Out.

FOURTH SEGMENT

INT. LUKE'S DINER — SCENE CONTINUES

LUKE: What the… (Sees Lorelai shivering and that the door wide open, he rushes to close it. Then he turns to her) What's … going on?

LORELAI: (Lost in thought) I was half way here when I realized I didn't have a jacket on. I… I didn't want to go back… and…

LUKE: (Motions her to the counter) Here… let me get you some hot coffee.

LORELAI: No, that's okay…

LUKE: (Insists) No really, I don't want to have to defrost an ice sculpture in a few minutes. (He walks behind the counter and hurries to get a hot cup of coffee)

LORELAI: (Moves closer to the counter — but remains standing. She looks up at Luke facing his back to her getting the coffee ready. She blurts out) I never could let you go.

LUKE: (Turns around with the coffee) What?

LORELAI: A few months ago… you told me to let go of you… And I couldn't.

LUKE: (Assumes the reason for Lorelai's visit, so he sighs heavily) Lorelai…

LORELAI: (Sits down on a bar stool and takes a sip of the coffee and very faintly smiles) I haven't heard that in a long time. You - saying my name.

LUKE: (Shakes his head) Look...

LORELAI: (Looks down at her coffee and cuts him off) You know what I realized? (A beat) I realized that it wasn't always the coffee that brought me here. I mean, yeah… the coffee was amazing… still is… But it was you. Even before we started dating… it was you. (Trying to remember the times "going to Luke's" was a routine… a requirement) I would wake up… get ready for work… and come here. For you.

Luke starts to look like a concerned but cautious bartender as his customer kept venting.

LORELAI: I'm not here to win you back. (Chuckles through the pain) Because I know it's very unlikely that you'll want me back. (Luke looks at her). God knows I want you back… (shakes her head) but that's not why I'm here.

LUKE: (Cuts her off) You can't do this to me.

LORELAI: But this 'wise man' (remembering what her dad said at the dinner table) told me that I should just let it all out. Reveal the truth no matter what the consequences. And that's what I'm doing. (Pause)…

Lorelai finds the courage to raise her head and look directly at him.

LORELAI: Luke… (Luke looks at her as well, and then Lorelai almost breaks down as she continues) I'm sorry. I'm sorry for ruining 'us'…

LUKE: We both did.

LORELAI: Yeah, but I went and did the unthinkable. I slept with Chris… (with regret)… then I went and got married to him. All I've done since the April news is screw up.

LUKE: I did my share as well… (pause) but all I needed was time. Time you couldn't give me.

LORELAI: But you didn't want to marry me, Luke.

LUKE: (The voice raises a bit) If I didn't want to, would I have come to you with a truck full of crap… like a big dumb idiot… almost (voice cracks a bit) 'begging' you to elope with me?!

Silence.

LUKE: Look, I don't want to fight with you. I can't go through this again. And…

LORELAI: (Cuts him off) I don't want you to hate me.

LUKE: I don't.

Silence yet again. But it's broken by the phone ring. It rings for a couple of times before Luke gives in and answers.

LUKE: (In a low voice) Luke's.

It's Rory. Scene cuts between the diner and Rory driving.

RORY: (In a panic mode) Luke!

LUKE: (Confused) Rory?

Lorelai raises her head when she hears the name.

RORY: Luke, I've been trying to call mom… but she's no where to be found.

LUKE: (Concerned) She's right here. Hold on.

LORELAI: (To Luke) What's wrong?

LUKE: It's Rory. (He hands the phone over the counter to Lorelai)

LORELAI: Rory?

RORY: (Goes off on a rant) I've been trying to call you! I called Babette and she said she didn't know where you were. I didn't know who else to call… so I called Luke to see if he could go find you.

LORELAI: I don't have my phone with me. I left it at home. (Concerned) Rory, what is it? (Luke stays close by looking at Lorelai's face… also with concern)

RORY: (As a tear falls on her face) It's grandpa… (shot of Lorelai's concern increasing). I… I'm following the ambulance right now.

LORELAI: (Shocked) What? What happened?!

RORY: We were… he just… chest. Mom, we're pulling into the entrance of the ER. Just get over here as fast as you can! (She hangs up)

Lorelai, unable to process the conversation she just had, she places the phone on the counter.

LUKE: What is it? What's going on?

LORELAI: Dad was just rushed to the hospital. (Lets herself down from the stool) I have to get to the hospital. I need my jeep. I need my keys. I…

LUKE: (Walks around the counter and walks over to the coat hanger and grabs his green army jacket and a vest) Hold on. It's cold outside. (Holds up the green jacket so that Lorelai can wear it) My truck's outside (He puts on the vest and grabs the keys from his front pocket) Let's go.

Luke walks to the front door and opens it and waits for Lorelai to catch up.

EXT. HARTFORD — MOMENTS LATER

Luke is driving as fast as he can to get to the hospital. It is obvious that Lorelai hasn't uttered a word since she received the call from Rory. Luke continues to give Lorelai the space she needs to process the last few minutes. However, he is concerned. As any human would be.

LUKE: (breaks the silence by looking over at her for a moment while driving) Hey…

LORELAI: (Continues to stare at the road ahead) Yeah.

LUKE: (Instead of saying what he wanted to say) We'll be there in a minute.

LORELAI: Thank you.

Luke nods and continues to drive.

CUT to a minute later.

EXT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM DROP OFF

Luke pulls up to the entrance, Lorelai gets out and assumes that's the last time she will see him that night.

LORELAI: (Hurriedly) Thank you, Luke.

CUT to INT. EMERGENCY ROOM

Lorelai hurries to one of the nurses' stations. Before she asks the nurse for info, she spots Rory in the waiting area. Rory sees her as well.

RORY: Mom!

Lorelai half runs over to her daughter and hugs her.

LORELAI: Where is he?

RORY: They are all inside. It was getting crowded so I told grandma I'd wait out here.

LORELAI: (Looks around) Where are they? (Looks at Rory) What happened?!

RORY: (Struggling to remember) We were just … uh… we were having drinks. (Closes her eyes and tries to remember) And laughing… we were laughing really hard… I mean, I don't even know what we were laughing about… but then grandpa started coughing… we thought it was because we were laughing and… and… (Lorelai's concern grows even more) then he grabbed his lapel so tight, and started struggling… (looks at Lorelai with tears running down her face) I didn't know what to do. I froze. I couldn't do anything! I just froze! Thank God Marilyn was there… because she dialed 911. And…

LORELAI: (Pulls her daughter in for a hug) It's okay… shh… (pause) where are they?

RORY: (As they pull away) Aunt Marilyn and Grandma are in there (points at the automatic doors) with a couple of doctors. They should be out soon. The doctor just wanted to speak to her.

LORELAI: (Grabs her daughter's hand) Let's go…

They make their way to the back. Then Rory leads the way to her grandfather's bed.

LORELAI: (As she spots Emily) Mom.

EMILY: (With a sad expression on her face, she holds on to Marilyn) Lorelai.

LORELAI: (As she walks towards her) How is he? (She makes her way around the curtain and sees her father laying there unconscious. She freezes for a moment and begins to stare at her father's face).

MARILYN: (Takes charge) We have to make room for the doctors honeys. Let's go outside to the waiting room.

EMILY: (Protests) No, I want to stay with my husband. Right here!

DOCTOR #1: Mrs. Gilmore, please… I will come for you. But I really would like you and your family to stay in the waiting room until I come get you.

MARILYN: (Holds on to Emily as she adheres to the doctor's demand) Come on dear.

Camera on Lorelai's face. Still staring at her father.

CUT to the waiting room as everyone enters.

STAGE DIRECTION:
Lorelai enters last. She seems to be looking for someone to lean on. So she turns to Emily (the closest to her) but she's being comforted by Marilyn as she cries. She looks over at Rory standing near a window, as she wipes a tear with a small piece of tissue.

Lorelai walks over and touches her shoulder. Rory sniffs, and then looks at Lorelai's old army jacket sleeve.

LORELAI: (Follows her gaze) I didn't have my coat with me, so Luke offered.

RORY: Oh. (Looks around) Where is he?

LORELAI: He just dropped me off at the front. I think he left.

RORY: (Nods and pulls out her cell phone) I called Logan and left a message a while ago. (Her thoughts return to her grandfather, and another tear is seen) I can't believe what's happening.

As Rory starts to cry, Lorelai steps in to hold on to her (not only to comfort her daughter, but also because she needs some comforting as well) — but Rory spots Logan rushing into the room.

LOGAN: Rory! I came as soon as I got your message. How is he?

Rory runs to Logan and throws her arms around him, and he holds on to her as tightly as he can.

Camera on Lorelai once again… alone. She looks like she's about to burst into tears, but holds it back. She turns around and something/someone catches her eye.

It's Luke making his way around the corner and into the waiting area.

Lorelai is surprised… but still on the verge of tears.

LORELAI: I thought you left?

LUKE: No, I was parking the truck. All the lots are full. How is he?

LORELAI: (Shakes her head and whispers) I don't know.

LUKE: (Looks around and sees Marilyn with Emily, and Rory with Logan — then looks back at Lorelai and sees how much she needed a friend) Hey…

LORELAI: (shakes her head again and cries) I don't know! (Luke pulls her in and hugs her) I don't know how he is.

Doctor #1 arrives shortly after.

DOCTOR #1: Mrs. Gilmore, your husband's awake… and he's fine…

EMILY: (Quickly stands up) Can I see him?

DOCTOR #1: Yes, he asked for you. (Looks around at the rest) I suggest one visitor at a time please. (Looks back at Emily) Mrs. Gilmore, your husband requested that I explain everything to you in his presence.

LORELAI: (As she pulls away from Luke) We'll wait out here, mom.

Emily disappears with the doctor.

LORELAI: (Looks at Marilyn) Marilyn, thank you so much for being here for us.

MARILYN: Oh honey, anything for you.

LORELAI: (Looks at Rory and Logan standing next to them holding hands) Rory and I can stay here over night with mom. I don't want you to have to wait with us.

RORY: (Joins in and nods) Especially since you have an early flight back. Thank you so much for everything (She hugs Marilyn and so does Lorelai).

MARILYN: I am going to cancel my flight and stick around for a bit more. God knows you both don't need anymore shoulders to cry on (looks at both Luke and Logan) but I'd like to know that I did everything I could to help.

LORELAI: (Smiles) Thank you. (Sighs) I don't have anything with me. I should probably run home and grab some things.

RORY: I'll wait here with grandma and…

LUKE: (Cuts in) I can grab whatever you need. You can stay here with everyone.

LOGAN: (To Luke) Do you want me to come with you?

LUKE: No it's okay… you stay with them.

LOGAN: (nods) K, man.

LORELAI: (With a thankful glance at Luke) Are you sure?

LUKE: (Nods) Of course. Purse?

LORELAI: (Tries to remember) It should be on the couch.

LUKE: The key's still under the…

Lorelai nods.

LUKE: (As he walks a few steps) Okay, I'll be back in a bit.

Lorelai faintly smiles at him.

LOGAN: See you, Luke.

Scene fades as everyone finds a chair to sit.

CUT TO THE CRAP SHACK ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER.

INT. CRAPSHACK

STAGE DIRECTION:
Luke finds the key and enters the house. He rushes to the couch and sure enough, the purse is on it. He grabs the purse and sees a blanket next to it, so he grabs that as well. As he turns, a big yellow envelope catches his eye. The label has the name of a law firm on it. He picks it up and realizes what it is. He sighs. Then places it back on the coffee table, and then rushes out the door.

Scene fades.

FINAL TWO SCENES

CUT to a few days later.

EXT. STARS HOLLOW — FRIDAY NIGHT

The square is full of people walking around. A couple of fires on two ends of the square can be seen. Also in the square are a few stalls and kiosks with food and drinks. Snow sculptures all over. Sure enough, 70s music playing in the background. (Music will continue to play throughout this scene).

Yeah, they were dancin' and singin' and movin' to the groovin'
And just when it hit me somebody turned around and shouted…

(Camera focuses on Luke as he watches the crowd with his hands tucked in his jean pockets)

Play that funky music white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music white boy
Lay down that boogie and play that funky music till you die…

Music fades as a couple of ladies (Anna and April) make their way through the crowd and head toward Luke.

The music's a bit loud, so everyone seems to speak a bit louder than usual. (Again, all very platonic).

ANNA: (Smiles) Hey!

LUKE: (Smiles at both Anna and April) Hey.

APRIL: (Nods) Now, this is a turn-out.

LUKE: (Nods) It sure is.

ANNA: God, I don't remember Stars Hollow having this many residents.

LUKE: It's growing.

APRIL: (Looks up at both her parents) Aren't you two on a date?

Anna and Luke look at each other.

LUKE: (To Anna) How many mothers do you know that bring the kids on their dates?

ANNA: (Thinks and then shakes her head) Not many.

Well, I tried to understand this…Yeah, huh, I thought that they were out of their minds…

APRIL: (Chimes in) I'm telling you… this is not going to work.

ANNA: (Sighs and looks at Luke) What do you think?

LUKE: (Sighs as well) I don't know. Maybe the kid is right.

ANNA: She 'is' in the top of her class. She can't be wrong.

APRIL: Can we please stop talking about me as if I'm not here?

ANNA: (Chuckles, then grabs her daughter's hand) Okay, I'm getting hungry. Luke, do you want anything?

LUKE: (Shakes his head) I'm good. I'll wait here for you.

APRIL: (Half teasingly) Are you sure, because I think the 'salad' stall could use a little help.

LUKE: (Amused at his daughter's wit) I'm good.

Luke once again looks into the crowd, lost in thought — as a new song begins to play.

Dance with me
I want to be your partner
Can't you see
the music is just starting
Night is falling
and I am calling
Dance with me…

Camera on Luke's face as he sees her in the crowd walking towards him.

Lorelai gets closer and genuinely smiles at him.

LORELAI: Hey…

LUKE: (With a similar smile) Hey.

LORELAI: (Lifts her hand to reveal the green army jacket) Thought you might want this back.

LUKE: (Smiles and takes his favorite jacket, and then looks up with concern) How is he?

LORELAI: (Nods) He's fine. He… umm… they're releasing him tomorrow.

LUKE: That's good. Good news. (Music continues to play in the background)

Fantasy could never be so killing
I feel free, I hope that you are willing…

LORELAI: Yeah, the doctors recommended that he officially retire. And he'll probably be using a walking stick for a while… but he is fine.

LUKE: (Looks around) Where's Rory?

LORELAI: Oh… she's … (chuckles) she's at my parents' house. We're both re-arranging things before dad returns. I was actually on my way there… but I wanted to return (points) the infamous jacket. (Luke nods and smiles. There is a pause — Lorelai looks around) Look at this thing. Taylor really made it happen.

Pick the beat up
and kick your feet up
Dance with me…

LUKE: Yeah… he did. Didn't think anyone would care enough to participate… but everyone's here.

LORELAI: Even you…

LUKE: (Nods and looks at Lorelai tentatively) Even me.

Silence.

Let it lift you off the ground
Starry eyes, and love is all around us
I can take you where you want to go

LORELAI: (Breaks the silence) Well, I should go.

LUKE: Okay.

Luke smiles.

LORELAI: (Sincerely) Thanks again, Luke. (She walks a few steps then turns around once more to smile back at him)

Camera on Luke's face as he watches Lorelai leave.

Dance with me, I want to be your partner
Can't you see the music is just starting
Night is falling, and I am calling
Dance with me

Music fades.

CUT to NEXT MORNING

INT. GILMORE MANSION — SATURDAY MORNING

The bell rings and Lorelai and Rory rush to the door (hushing each other to be quiet).

They open the door for Emily and Richard. Richard is carrying a walking stick to support him.

Richard and Emily are startled by the reception.

LORELAI: Welcome home!!

RORY: Welcome back, grandpa! (She rushes to give him a hug)

RICHARD: (Pleasantly surprised) My! What a welcome!

Rory helps Richard in as Lorelai holds the door open.

RORY: We've got lots and lots of presents and food for you in the living room!

EMILY: (As she follows Richard into the house, she notices the insane amounts of balloons and hideous banners made by two amateur artists) WHAT ON EARTH HAVE YOU DONE TO MY HOUSE?!!!

RICHARD: (Turns around) Why Emily I think it looks wonderful!

Camera on Emily's outrage, as Richard, Rory and Lorelai… look on… amused.

Fade Out.

END CREDITS.

Tonight's music was provided by:

Wild Cherry and the Orleans.

Next week on the Gilmore girls…

SOOKIE: You've been what?!

LORELAI: (Confused as to all the fuss) I've been talking to Luke. Instead of avoiding... When we see each other around town, we are civil. We say hi…and stuff…

CUT

RICHARD: (At Friday night dinner) I'm bored Emily… and I need something to do.

EMILY: Collect stamps.

RICHARD: I do!

CUT

LORELAI: … Yeah, I've been talking to Luke.

EMILY: You've been what?

LORELAI: Why is everyone making such a fuss about it?!

CUT

Luke walks up to a table at the diner to take an order. He jumps a bit as he sees who they are. It's Emily and Richard.

LUKE: (Looks around) Ugh…

EMILY: (With a sweet smile) Hello, Luke.

CUT

LORELAI: (To her parents) You did what?!

(Camera fades on an outraged Lorelai).

-----------------------------------
Stay tuned for 7.14.

Reviews appreciated.