Chapter 10: Spring Break '06

Rory is gathering her bags in the common room. She caught her laundry up the week before, in preparation for the trip. Paris has already left, rambling on about meeting Doyle's parents.

Rory (to the empty room): What have I got myself into?

She finds herself saying this a lot since she met Logan, yet she always manages to enjoy herself. Logan and his friends, who have become hers over time, never cease to amaze her. Lorelai is still concerned that Rory is spending so much time with them but she has come to accept it.

Rory is gathering the last of her things when she hears a knock on the door.

Rory: You're early.

Logan: Judging from the mountain over there, I think you're already ready.

Rory: Yes, but . . . (changing the subject) You know, Finn being in control of the "festivities" concerns me.

Logan: Me too, but it is his turn. You ready for the testosterone overload?

Rory: You know, I'm actually starting to get used to it. Besides, Stephanie's going to be there.

Logan: Let me know when you do get used to it, so you can clue me in. (He picks up a couple of her bags.) Is that your book bag?

Rory: What? I have assignments.

Logan (shakes his head): You're something else, Ace.

Logan helps Rory load her things in his car. The two of them drive to the airport, where they meet Colin, Finn, and Stephanie.

Rory: I don't suppose anybody's going to tell me where we're going.

Stephanie: No such luck. Finn won't say a word to any of us.

Finn: Ah, come on, love. What would the fun be in that?

Logan: Well, the tickets say Sydney, so I guess we'll have to leave it at that.

Rory: For now.

Stephanie: I'm beginning to think we shouldn't have let Finn plan this without us.

Finn (looking a little hurt): It's my turn.

Colin: Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Once on the airplane, the friends look for their seats. Stephanie has the window seat next to Rory. Logan is on the aisle. Finn and Colin are behind them. In flight, Rory and Stephanie begin whispering to each other.

Logan: You girls are making me nervous.

Rory (smiles): I like making you nervous.

Colin: Oh, god. (they laugh)

Stephanie (suggestively): So, Finn. Is there anything we (looking at Rory) can do to convince you to tell us where we're going?

Finn perks up.

Logan: Hey!

Finn: No can do. Sorry, loves.

The limo is waiting for them at the airport in Sydney. Stephanie tries unsuccessfully to milk some information out of the driver. Although, she thinks she may have a date . . . Finn is really good. She just hopes the destination is as good as his efforts to cover it up.

Rory: This is not at all what I expected.

Finn smiles. The rest are equally as shocked. The sign ahead of them says "Glenworth Valley Horse Riding".

Colin: Where did you find this place?

Finn: Right here . . . Camp.

Rory: At least he told us to dress comfortably.

Finn, Colin, and Logan are all dressed in jeans and t-shirts. Rory and Stephanie are wearing baby tees and jeans. Stephanie hadn't thought to bring anything but sandals. The rest are in sneakers. The limo take their luggage to the hotel, which they have yet to see.

They spend the afternoon riding over gorgeous rainforest trails. Somebody spots a group of wallabies. Rory sees a Kookaburra and suddenly remembers a song from her childhood.

Rory: Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree. Merry, merry king of the bushes, he.

Rory and Stephanie: Laugh, Kookaburra. Laugh, Kookaburra. Gay your life may be.

The guys look at each other and laugh. No other response seems appropriate. This is the exact moment that both the bird and Stephanie spot the snake in front of them. The kookaburra prepares for attack as Stephanie's discomfort leads to the same response from her horse. The horse rears. Her sandaled foot can't hold onto the stirrup and she falls to the ground. The horse doesn't go far. It had been trained well. Once the others are assured that their friend is okay, Finn goes after the horse.

Seeing that she is obviously shaken, Colin helps Stephanie onto his own horse and leads her along the path Finn pointed out, followed by Rory and Logan. Several minutes later, the group has in view the group of not yet set up tents. Finn must have arranged this too. When they get closer, they see that there are only two tents, one marked "Ladies" and the other "Gentlemen". Yes, Finn definitely set this up.

It's almost dark and Rory and Stephanie are sitting in their tent having a heart-to-heart.

Rory: I'm glad you're okay.

Stephanie: Thanks, but getting hurt is a risk you take when you hang out with these guys.

Rory: That's what I'm afraid of.

Stephanie: He really does love you. Don't you see it?

Rory: He says it, but . . .

Stephanie: Rory, you're the only one he's ever said it to. That should count for something. Besides, I'm in much more danger of being hurt emotionally by these guys than you are. At least they take you seriously.

Rory: You didn't see the look on Colin's face when you fell.

Stephanie's expression disappears as Colin approaches the tent.

Rory: I'm going to go see how Logan's doing with the boys' tent.

Colin: You scared the hell out of me back there.

Stephanie looks confused. Colin sits next to her and gently puts his arm around her. Stephanie is surprised by the way it makes her feel, but not as surprised as when he kisses her and she finds herself kissing him back.

Rory: I guess I'm staying with you guys.

Logan looks at Finn.

Finn (feigning hurt) : Sure, I'll sleep outside. No problem.