THE TALK WITH ELIZABETH
George and Lindsay were standing by the front desk when they spied Elizabeth walking out of the elevator. George noticed the sullen expression on her face. This was definitely not like Elizabeth. She walked up to him and kissed him on the cheek. "Hi daddy" Elizabeth then turned and signed them in at the front desk.
The ride in the elevator was quiet and tense. Lindsay's heart was breaking from being frozen out by her daughter. She was glad George did not make an issue out of it. What she needed was to have her daughter listen to her and understand what happened.
Elizabeth opened the door to the common room and stood back to let them enter. It was a bright cheerful room with a large TV dominating one wall. Couch and some chairs were scattered around the room with a fridge located between the two bedrooms. There was also a desk located under the window. The room was messy, Lindsay figured that would be from the two girls still moving in. Then Lindsay worried if the room mate was a girl. She had heard about co-ed dorms
Elizabeth gestured to the couch and George and Lindsay sat, Elizabeth then sat in a chair facing the couch. The first words out of Lindsay's mouth were "Is your room mate a boy or a girl?"
Both George and Elizabeth looked at her strangely. "A girl mother" Why do you even care?
Weakly Lindsay started to say "I heard about..." and never finished her sentence.
"Elizabeth, There is a reason your mother did what she did, and before you judge anyone you need to know the reason."
"Daddy the reason is obvious. She got pregnant and ran. I am glad she married you I love you daddy, but I should have known who he was."
"You really like Mark's parents don't you?"
"Yes I do, or at least I think I did. I am not to happy about Mr Forester letting me dangle when he knew. You know how I feel daddy? I feel like a bad joke. I feel like he did not want me. Why else would he ignore me?
"Elizabeth listen to me. I am going to tell..."
"No George it is my place to tell her"
George looked over to his ashen wife. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, positive.
Elizabeth's gaze shifted between her parents in anticipation of what was to come next. "Look at me Elizabeth, and listen to what I have to say. Then make your judgement."
"Yes" The word mother could not escape her lips.
"Lindsay I was married to Dean Forester. I married him after graduation. I thought we had a good marriage. I know now that we were to young, but I loved him. Dean dropped out of college so we could meet our bills. I should have gotten a job, but I was to busy learning how to be a wife. I did not have a clue as to running a household, cooking, and all the rest that came with it. Lindsay paused. "Do you have some water or something?"
Elizabeth rose and filled a glass with water and handed it to her mother.
"Thank you, One day I was shopping and Rory was with her friend Lane and basically she was telling Lane what a loser I was, and I was preventing Dean from reaching his full potential.
"What did you do mom?"
"I just turned and walked out."
"Did you tell Dean?"
"No I was afraid to. I did not think he would believe me. Things were already starting to go bad in the marriage. Some time late that spring Rory and Dean started their affair."
"But mom if they started the affair then when was Rory married?"
"Let me finish Elizabeth. The affair started then. Rory left for the summer. I am not quite sure of the sequence of events, but late that summer I find a letter from Rory to Dean talking about their affair and I think Rory had a belated conscience attack and wrote Dean breaking off the affair. I threw Dean out. You have to understand honey how badly I was hurt. My world was crushed. I suspected I was pregnant. So when my father told my mother and I that he was going to take a job in Seattle. I went with them. Once in Seattle I confirmed that I was pregnant. I broke off all ties I had in Stars Hollow, and asked my parents not to talk about me to anyone back there. It is easy sometimes how love can turn to hate. I had you. You were a miracle, a beautiful lovely baby. I was determined that Dean was never going to know about you. He did not deserve to know about you. I made my life anew in Seattle. Four years after you were born I met your father. We were married and he adopted you. Your father also agreed with me that Dean should never know about you." Lindsay stopped speaking drained from the effort.
The three of them sat silently. Elizabeth rose from her chair and walked over to her mother and hugged her. "I know now why you did what you did. I don't know if it was right but I understand it. I am so sorry mom. I acted like a spoiled brat."
"Elizabeth, we understand that you were blindsided We can understand why you were upset. One more thing your father and I dropped in at May Forester's house. She is Dean's mother and your grandmother. She was very kind to me when I was married to Dean. I told her that I would ask you to visit her."
Elizabeth sat back in her chair overwhelmed. "Okay I have two sisters I have never met and a grandmother. Elizabeth paused and looked over to her father. "She is Mark's grandmother also?"
"Yes Elizabeth. Speaking of Mark your mother and I would like to know something about him and we believe your relationship is developing way to fast."
Lindsay folded her hands in her lap and looked down. "Daddy he is nice. I really liked being with him. I miss him and I don't know what to do. I am so angry at his parents for what they did to mom."
"So it is over?" George said hopefully.
"I guess, I don't know."
Lindsay looked over to her husband and put her finger to her lips. George realized that his wife wanted him to drop that line of questioning..
"What do you say we all go out and find a good restaurant and have an early diner?"
"Daddy do you mind if I pass. I am just not hungry I also have to finish unpacking and I have to go to practice and make amends with the coach. And classes start in two days."
George was disappointed he wanted to spend more time with his daughter. He gave it one last shot. "Elizabeth if this Boston University does not work out, You can always come home and go to school."
"No, I want to stay here. I am going to miss you and mom, but this is something I have to do. I will come home for Christmas."
Lindsay walked over to her daughter and gave her a folded piece of paper "Elizabeth this is the phone number of your grand mother in Stars Hollow, I would like it if you did call her. She may be someone to go see if you get lonely."
Elizabeth hugged her mother and then her father. She walked them to the door and kissed them both good bye and closed the door behind them.
Lindsay looked over at George and saw that he had tears in his eyes. She took his arm. "Come on honey lets go home."
They took the elevator to the lobby and walked out into the street. "You know Lindsay, instead of driving all the way back to Hartford lets see if we can change out return tickets and fly out of Boston. I am sure we can turn in our rental at the local Hertz office. That way we will be home tonight."
"You think she is going to be Okay George?"
"I think so. It maybe rough for awhile, but she will be alright, but you know I would really like for her to come home and go to school on the west coast."
"I know George, but she has to spread her wings and fly."
George opened the car door for his wife. After they were both settled in he Turned to Lindsay. "What do you think she is going to do about Mark?"
"I don't know dear. You heard May, She thinks he is a good boy. I know you would like her not to see him again."
"It would make life simpler and then we don't have the Forester's in our life any longer."
"George wait a minute" Lindsay then programmed Logan airport into the GPS. Now lets go find a hot spot for the lap top and change our tickets.
" George I really hope Elizabeth pays May a visit. I am sure May would make sure that Dean or Rory were not around. I also suggest we leave the Mark situation alone. We don't want to drive her into his arms. She is very mad at his parents, she has school and I am sure some other boy will catch her eye."
"I don't know Lindsay. She has always been cautious and choosy about her boyfriends, and this boy Mark; she seem to have really went for. So Lindsay the question is; what do we do if she does decide to continue the relationship.
Keep our fingers crossed honey, hope for the best and deal with it when and if it arises.
LORELAI AND MARK
Lorelai was standing by the reception desk when her grandson walked in. He did not look happy. She pointed toward her office and Mark walked in first and flopped down on the couch and just stared at the wall glumly.
"What's up Mark?"
"Well it was round two at the diner. George and my dad got into it."
"With a worried look on her face Lorelia inquired "What happened?"
"I guess Elizabeth's parents went and paid Grandma May a visit. Dad was not happy and a shouting match was developing between dad, Lindsay and George. So grandpa Luke broke it up. My dad I found out later quit."
"Lorelai thought to herself This is not good "Excuse me Mark " she then dialed her daughters cell phone. Rory answered on the third ring. "Rory do you know Dean quit the diner?"
"Yes I know mom. He is home now. I suggest we leave him alone for the time being, also you and I need to have a talk about the diner. By the way is Mark with you?"
Lorelai glanced over at Mark who was staring out a window "Yes, I'll call you later"
"Okay grandson what can I do for you?"
"I want to stay with you for a few more days I do not want to talk to my parents."
Lorelai sighed. "You are going to have to sooner or later."
"I want to make it much later, when they are at work I am going to get my stuff and go back to Bentley"
"Do you think that will solve the problem? Plus what are you going to drive this time?" Lorelai knew that Dean had a knack for making old cars almost new and he had a small collection of pickups that were driven by various members of his family.
"I don't know probably the truck I have been driving lately the old Ford."
"Well you know that truck is not exactly a chick magnet."
"I am only interested in one girl."
"I see. I don't know if you have noticed, but I am fairly sure Elizabeth's family is quite well off and I don't believe she has ridden in very many 25 year old pick up trucks."
Mark looked up and said with passion. "Grandma I don't think she is the sort of girl who really cares."
"So after five days or so you know all of this?"
"I feel like I have known her all my life. Yes I am sure."
Lorelai leaned back in her chair and swiveled it so she could look out the window. "Mark you should realize that you and Elizabeth had an intense few days, and romances like that tend to burn out quickly."
"No grandma. This one is different. I have dated several girls and I can feel it in my heart. Besides what would you want me to do? Be like my mom and dad? How many marriages have their flings broken up before they settled into their relationship.
"Mark I am not sure what you mean by how many marriages their flings have broken up."
Mark stood up angrily. I know that Elizabeth's mother ran from dad because he was having an affair with mom while married to her. So isn't that the reason Mom and my real dad broke up?
Sharply Lorelai retorted. Your mother is married to your real dad now. And the reasons your mother and her first husband broke up had nothing to do with Dean."
"Then why did they break up? You know don't you?"
"Yes I do, but it is not my place to tell you."
"Why? Is it some big horrible secret?"
"No Mark it is not a horrible secret, but it still isn't my place to say anything to you."
Mark started pacing around the room. "Why is everything such a damn mystery?
"Mark go talk to your parents By the way have you heard from Elizabeth lately?"
"Yesterday, but she has not returned my calls today."
"Well Mark the whole situation may have gotten to her and it may be to complicated for her to deal with. I know she is a beautiful charming girl, but I would not get my hopes up for the future."
"No grandma; She is not like that. I know we can work it out."
"If you say so. Alright you can stay, pick a place, my house, the diner, or if you want I can give you an empty room here at the inn."
Mark thought about it. He did not want to stay at the diner, and he did not really want to be alone at a room in the inn. "Your house if you don't mind"
"Alright then. I will see you for dinner."
Mark leaned over and kissed Lorelai on the cheek. "Thanks grandma." He then left the office.
Lorelai sat there thinking. He gave up way to easy She stood up and was going to see what Sookie was doing in the kitchen. Then she had a thought and turned and went back to her desk. She flipped the pages in her address book and found the listing she wanted.
ELIZABETH'S DILEMMA
Margaret was sipping a coffee when she received a text message informing her that she could return. She returned to the counter and purchased two more coffees and headed back to the dorm. Upon walking in and scanning the room; there was no Elizabeth. Margaret knocked on her bedroom door which was rewarded with "If I told you to go away would you?"
"No I have coffee for you"
Elizabeth sighed. If Margaret was anything she was she had coffee and maybe if she related her dilemma to Margaret it might make more sense, and who knows Margaret may even have an answer. "I didn't think so. Come on in."
Margaret walked in and noticed that Elizabeth was sitting on the edge of her bed. She wordlessly handed her the coffee and then took a seat at the desk. "I like my black, but if you want cream and sugar there is some in the fridge."
"No black is fine. Shit this is hot" And Elizabeth sat the container on the floor.
"Give it a few minutes. So how did it go?"
"I guess good, I got things straightened out with my parents, but my other situation is even more complicated. And I don't know what to do about it."
"So are you going to tell me or keep me wondering why you walk around all mopy?"
"Alright Margaret start off with this. Mark my boyfriend, I guess I can call him my boyfriend and I share the same grandmother and..."
Margret interrupted "So he is your cousin, that is legal in some states."
"Let me finish Margaret. We also share the same father."
Margaret's jaw dropped "umm, Elizabeth you know there are laws against that besides it is icky. You didn't know of course, or I hope you didn't know?"
"No I didn't know, but that isn't really the problem..."
"What do you mean that is not the problem? Oh God don't tell me your pregnant."
Elizabeth looked at Margaret strangely. "What are you thinking. Of course I am not pregnant. I never had sex with Mark. And if I did it would be to soon to tell.. Margaret my natural father is Mark's adopted father. Where does your mind dwell?"
"Come on Elizabeth if I had just told you what you related to me you would have drawn the same conclusion. So your not related by blood. What is the problem?"
"Okay Margaret let finish without interrupting. This is it in a nutshell. My mother and Marks stepfather were married at one time. Marks mother had an affair with my natural father. My mother found out and left. My natural father and Marks mother married."
"So where did Mark come from?
"Well after they had their affair, they broke up. Marks mother got married and had Mark; divorced Marks natural father and then went and married my natural father."
"Huh? Okay, alright, let me see if I have this straight. Both you and Mark have stepfathers. Your mother and Mark's stepfather were once married. And Mark's mother married your natural father after she had Mark."
"Yes"
"So Elizabeth again what is the problem?"
"I hate Marks parents for what they did to my mother."
"That could be a problem, but it is not Mark's fault."
"I know Margaret, but how can we have a relationship if I hate his parents. Then my father got me thinking also. Mark and I met and we just clicked. We spent most of the next five days together. I was never so happy in my life. My father told me that relationships like Mark and I had tend to burn out quickly. So I guess he wants me to be sure and my dad may be right. I guess what I have to decide is to let the relationship go and not see him anymore." It may be best for everyone."
"Do you have any idea how Mark feels? And how do you feel about Mark right now?"
Elizabeth looked dejectedly at the floor. "I miss him Margaret. I want to be with him. I want to always be with him."
"Oh you have it bad girl. I think that is called Love."
"Margaret do you really think I could fall in love with him in five days? Maybe my father is right. I am infatuated. What I need is time away from Mark to assess my feelings and see how I really feel."
"What I think you need to do is call him and stop avoiding him that is not fair to him Elizabeth."
"Your right Margaret. I'll do it now" And Elizabeth glanced at the door.
Margaret rose from her chair and stepped toward the door. "Good luck Elizabeth." and closed the door behind her.
Elizabeth was trembling as she picked up her cellphone. Damn his parents. She thought it was not his fault, but how could she continue knowing and feeling as she did toward Rory and Dean. She found Mark's number and hit send. Two rings "Elizabeth! Where are you? Are you alright?"
Elizabeth took a deep breath. And weakly replied. "I am in school and I am okay."
"I finally got the whole story. Do you know the story also?"
"Yes Mark I do. I..I...am very mad at your parents."
"I am also. I am going to drive to school in a day or so. I will see you then."
"Mark,,,,I have been thinking...I think it may be for the best if we don't see each other.
"Elizabeth no, please no Let's meet and talk"
Elizabeth who was quietly sobbing. I can't Mark I can't please understand. She then clicked end. Elizabeth's heart was breaking. Tears were flowing unchecked down her cheeks. She looked at her cellphone nestled in the palm of her hand. She then stood up paused for a second and hurled the phone against the wall where it shattered into several pieces.
Mark was Pleading into his phone No Elizabeth please no. Then he realized that the phone was dead and he was talking to no one. He took his phone and slammed to the sidewalk where it burst spilling it's battery out. He then stomped on it.
TO BE CONTINUED...
