Lori Hayden, had just driven her car from Hartford. It was filled with almost everything she owned. But as she exited her car, she carried just a few things.

Now she stood at the front door of an inn.

The Independence Inn, in Stars Hollow, was a beautiful place. She had been there a few times before. Once with both her parents, other times with just her mother. Most of the time, Christopher was too busy to go on holiday with his family.

The first time, it was just the girls. Lori was eleven. While she was in their room reading, Lorelai had gone out to see if they had any good coffee in town. She returned, boasting that she had found the best place ever.

Lori took a deep breathe and forced herself to go inside.

"Welcome to the Independence Inn, how may I help you?" the snotty Frenchman asked from behind the counter. Whenever they were there, Lorelai loved to tease the man. He got so angry so quickly. It was hilarious.

"Hi, I was wondering if Mia was here?" she said nervously fiddling with a piece of hair.

"She is in her office. I will go get her. Who may I ask is here to see her?"

"Um, Lo- just tell her Lorelai Hayden's daughter is here." He muttered something as he walked away from the desk, and Lori was able to concentrate on what she would say. And think about what she was going to do now that she was here.

Nothing was the way it was supposed to be. Being pregnant at sixteen wasn't exactly a life goal, but it was something Lori had dealt with. Then she was told that was all a lire. Now she had to figure out what she was going to do. Go back to school, or just work with half her education.

"Lori? Oh, sweet heart, you're mother didn't tell me you were coming!" Mia cried out as she crossed the lobby. Lori swallowed and slowly turned around. The older woman froze. She stared at the sixteen year-old, who's face was drenched in tears and then slowly moved to envelope her in a hug.

"Come with me, and I'll get you settled into a nice room. How does that sound?" Lori smiled weakly and nodded. "Ah, Michel, could I have the key to room twelve please?" Michel turned and searched through the keys hanging on the wall. "Derek? Could you take these bags to room twelve?"

"Sure thing Mia."

"Thank you. Come on Lori."

"Actually, Mia, its Rory now."

"Oh, alright. That sounds lovely.

"Mia, I need to ask a favour."

"What is it?"

"Don't tell my mom that I'm here. I ran away. No one in Hartford can understand me anymore. I've recently been going through some things, and I just couldn't stay there. I didn't tell anyone where I was gong, I just left."

"Well, alright. I won't tell her, but I want you to do something for me."

"You're going to say I have to tell her aren't you?"

"Well, yes. I am. Lori- I mean Rory, you're still young I think that you need your mother in your life. But when you contact your family is up to you."

"Ok. Thank you Mia."

By the then had reached room twelve, and Mia unlocked the door. Rory gasped at the sight in front of her. The room was beautiful. It had a four poster bed, a desk, a large window and a bookshelf running along one wall.

Derek entered the room behind them and placed Rory's things on the bed. "Do you have more bags rory?" Mia asked the young girl.

"Yes. They're in the blue BMW." She said, handing the key to the bel boy.

"No problem. Be right back."

"Thank you."

Mia then showed Rory around the room. She had a private bathroom, and in the cupboard across from the bed was a flat screen TV and a DVD player.

"Mia I don't know how to thank you. I mean, I just… I've felt so alone, and now you're being so kind, it finally feels as if someone really cares."

"Oh, Rory, of course people care. I'm sure that you're parents are worried sick about you right now. And you're friends, they'll be sorry they weren't more supportive of you once they realise that you're gone."

"You have met my father right? All he cares about these days is his pregnant girlfriend Sherry. And my friends won't give a damn that I'm gone."

"I'm sure that's not true." They shared a look and then Mia decided to give up on that for now. "Why don't you leave this to me and go and explore the town? I'll make sure all of your things are settled into the room before you get back."

"It's ok. I can wait until it's all done. I mean I'm sure you have work to do and-"

"Nonsense. This place practically runs itself"

"Well, ok. If you're sure."

"I am. Now go."

With that Rory Gilmore set out to explore the fairytale town of Stars Hollow.