A/N: I know it's really short, but I needed to split this up in order to update within a reasonable amount of time. The next chapter is going to require better writing than I think I am capable of tonight, so I'm gonna wait and do it really well. I'm anticipating one to two more chapters. I promise the L/L will be VERY soon. I'm not holding out to extend the story so much as to make sure it has all the parts I think it needs.
Javamaniac - Although I loved the way ASP made Luke and Lorelai more than just the world's greatest 'It' couple by holding out for so long, I'm not waiting to do the L/L to keep you guys in suspense. It's just part of the crazy map for this story I have in my head.
justawritier - Yes, the Dr. Phil comment seems to be very popular. I've gotten several responses to it.
xogilmoregirlsox10 - I don't think you've reviewed before, but if you have, good reviews are always appreciated!
hope-everlasting - The caffeinated/uncaffeinated thing just came to me in a rare cosmic burst while I was writing that chapter. I think it's a sign from the Gilmore God.
bianca89 and Jo O'Meara fan - Thanks for the reviews!
----------------------
Friday night dinners at the Gilmore house were never fun, but this one was insane. Lorelai and Emily hadn't been on the best of terms since Lorelai had given up on Christopher for good. Rory, as always was acting as peacemaker.
"Loretta Hanson's daughter got married last week." Emily remarked a little aggressively.
"Alert the media." Lorelai responded, picking at the mass on her plate with a wary eye.
"There's no need to be so nasty about it, Lorelai."
"I've never even met Loretta Hanson, mom, let alone her daughter. I don't understand why it's so important that I learn of her wedding."
"She's a part of my life, Lorelai. It's considered good manners to at least pretend you're interested in my life."
"Yeah, your life. The life of some random person I've never met is not included in that."
"Well, at least Loretta Hanson's daughter can make a commitment."
"What?"
"You know what I'm talking about. Christopher was there, ready to make things right this time, and you ran away from him, the way you always do. You ran from that Max man when you were engaged to him."
"That's none of your business."
"It is my business. You have Rory to think of, Lorelai. You're being selfish. Rory could have a chance to know her father and finally have a real family, and you threw that all away." Lorelai got up and left the table. She was halfway through the foyer before when the door opened.
"Christopher?!"
"Lorelai...I made a mistake. I know I shouldn't have yelled or gotten mad. I should have given you time to think, but I promise I won't walk away this time. Give me a chance, Lor." She looked at him the way she would a cup of decaf.
"Get out." Her voice shook with anger. "You had your chance. You left me. You left your own daughter."
"Lorelai, I..." Rory appeared behind Lorelai with their coats.
"Let's go home, mom." She suggested. Lorelai nodded, taking her coat. Rory grabbed her hand, and they walked out the door.
"Rory..." Christopher called. Rory didn't even turn around. She squeezed her mother's hand a little tighter.
"I'll drive." She offered.
----------------------
Both Gilmore girls were silent for the entire car ride. Rory was the first to speak, as they let themselves in to the comfort of their home.
"Grandma was wrong, mom. All those things she said about you throwing away a chance for me to have a real family." Lorelai nodded to her daughter. "I do have a real family, mom. I have you and I have this town, and I have Luke. This is more of a family than he could ever be."
"Thank you, babe."
"You're welcome." Rory smiled. "Mom?"
"Sorry, babe." Lorelai replied, looking distant. "I need to go do something."
"Okay." Rory understood.
----------------------
The sign was flipped to 'closed' when Lorelai finally got to Luke's. Not that the sign had ever stopped her. Plopping herself down on a stool, she watched Luke wipe the end of the counter before he grabbed her favorite coffee mug and poured her a cup.
"Hey." He said softly, reading her mood.
"Hey." She replied.
----------------------
A/N continued - I know, short. Put down your weapons, I promise the next chapter will be long and very fulfilling. It just happens to be very late here, and I'm to tired to write good stuff right now. Plus, I just watched "The Way We Were" which always reminds me of "Say Something" and puts me in a very weird mood. I've rambled long enough.
