Thank you, wonderful people. Things are, well, pretty crazy at my house at the moment, so I'm apologising in advance for any delays that may or may-not happen in the near future. If you want details, let me know. I'm not shy with the info, I just wanna let you read the story.

Enjoy, Jess.

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Chapter 7

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The following morning Lorelai and Rory rode to the Inn with Mia. It had been long time since Lorelai had been up that early, but she realised that it wasn't so bad. Stars Hollow was beautiful at that time of day.

Lorelai was given her maid's uniform and a quick tour. The uniform was a bit tight, but Mia explained that Lorelai would lose weight as she worked, and eventually it would fit her nicely.

As soon as Lorelai was changed, she was introduced to Marcia, the head maid. She was told to follow Marcia around and ask as many questions as she thought she needed. That day, Lorelai would be mostly observing.

Lorelai nodded and kissed Rory's forehead twice, before following Marcia up the stairs and into the first room.

For a while, Lorelai watched in silence, taking everything in. Marcia explained some aspects, and stopped every once in a while to ask Lorelai if she had any questions, but Lorelai shook her head no and went on quietly watching.

Once Marcia had finished the first room, Lorelai had a fairly decent idea of what she would be doing. As she watched Marcia in the second room, she realised that it could all be done a lot quicker, but she didn't say anything. She knew it wasn't her place.

When she was half way through the second room, Marcia stopped and turned to look at Lorelai, who was standing in a far corner, fiddling with the books.

"What are you doing?"

Lorelai shrugged. "Just looking at the titles. Dusting a bit of dust off."

Marcia nodded slowly. "You're bored, aren't you?"

Lorelai shrugged again. "A bit. I've kinda got the gist of what I'm supposed to be doing."

"Do you wanna help?"

Lorelai shrugged for the third time. "I don't wanna get in your way."

Marcia smiled softly. "You wouldn't. I offered. Here." She held up the corner of the sheet she was straightening and moved to the other side of the bed.

They started working together in near silence. The only sound came from Marcia as she explained different things.

But Lorelai, being Lorelai, couldn't handle it any longer. "Do you live in Stars Hollow, Marcia?"

The older woman shook her head. "No. I live over in Woodbridge. Its not too far away."

Lorelai nodded. "So, you wouldn't know much about Stars Hollow, would you?"

Marcia smiled. "Oh, I wouldn't say that. I used to live here, before I got married. Then, Bob, that's my husband, got a job over in 'Bridge and it was just easier to live there. He drives a truck." She added.

Lorelai nodded slowly. "But you work here now?"

"Yeah. Mia's an old friend of mine. We went to school together. One day when we were having coffee she was complaining about her staff not being up to scratch, and she knew I was bored, so she asked if I wanted to come down for a few weeks. Three years later, here I am. Mia keeps offering me a promotion, but I keep knocking her back. I don't mind this work. Keeps me moving and out of the house."

Lorelai nodded.

They worked in silence for a few minutes, when Marcia suddenly spoke again. "You're not very old, are you?"

Lorelai looked up, stunned.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound rude. I just meant that I have a niece who would be about your age."

Lorelai smiled. "No, that's okay. I'm used to it. At least you're not telling me I've screwed up my life."

Marcia raised an eyebrow. "Who told you that?"

Lorelai sighed. "My mother. Well, she didn't actually tell me that I've screwed up my life, but it's been implied. By both my parents and… and the father's parents."

Marcia shook her head. "They didn't support you?"

Lorelai shrugged. "I guess they did in their own way. It's just… their way wasn't what I needed. I mean, I'm grateful for all they've done. They brought Rory everything she's ever needed. They could've just… seen it from my point of view, I guess."

Marcia nodded slowly. "They didn't kick you out, did they?"

Lorelai laughed. "No. God no! That'd be even more controversial than me getting pregnant in the first place. My parents live in a very affluent area of Hartford. They didn't tell anyone I was pregnant until they couldn't get away with the 'she's just putting on weight' line anymore."

"How old is… Rory?"

Lorelai smiled. "She'll be one in a week."

Marcia nodded. While they had been talking they had moved on to the next room. Lorelai noticed that when they were talking, time seemed to go quicker, and the rooms didn't take as long.

"Do you normally have a partner?"

"Only when I'm training someone new. You'll notice it takes longer with me then on your own, because I'm showing you what to do."

"You can do it at your normal place if you want. I've had plenty of coffee; I'll be able to keep up. And if I'm lost, I'll ask."

Marcia raised an eyebrow. "You sure?"

Lorelai nodded. "Sure I'm sure."

Marcia shrugged. "Fine." She paused, as she looked Lorelai over. "The patrons of this room…"

Lorelai grinned and moved to help Marcia as she started on the bed.