It's my Party and I'll Cry If Want To
I can't believe how wonderfully enjoyable Friday night dinner was. Even Richard was quite surprised by Lorelai's attitude. She seemed much more relaxed with us. Not one sarcastic remark about us or her upbringing passed through her lips. Perhaps she sensed that while Richard and I were used to her little jabs, Charlie simply wouldn't tolerate it. It seems that Richard and I have our very own "little protector" and while we find it charming, I think Lorelai is less than enthused. Still, she seemed more kindly disposed toward Charlie, wanting to know more about her background and interests and in a subtle way whether Charlie liked living with us.
Rory was a delight a usual; bridging the gaps between us all. She especially had a great time playing charades after dinner. Charlie and Rory were the big winners and they seemed to enjoy each other's company. As the evening wore on, we all chatted endlessly about decorating the houses on the Cape and Primrose Farm. We also chatted about our little sleepover next Friday night at Lorelai's.
Richard is going to be out of town travelling and he won't be back until late Saturday night, so Charlie and I will spend Friday evening and most of Saturday with Lorelai and Rory in Stars Hollow. Frankly, I am a little nervous. I don't know what to expect or how to behave. And, I don't know what Lorelai expects of me. I guess I should play things by ear but I don't know how. I am terrified of saying or doing the wrong thing around Lorelai. Fortunately, I have no such concerns about Charlie or even Rory. They both seem to understand me in ways that Lorelai never did.
While I lay my head back on my pillow thinking about the following weekend a knock at my bedroom door temporarily distracts me.
"Emily, may I come in?"
"Of course, Charlotte" and in she scoots eying my bed. Richard left an hour ago to play golf. I honestly don't understand how anyone can get up that early just to smack a little ball around a course. I'd rather sleep.
"Where's Richard?" she says as she looks around curiously.
"Off to play golf. Want to crawl into bed with me?" I say reaching out for her.
"Yes, please!" she says happily and jumps in grabbing my covers and tucking her head into my shoulder.
"How come you're up so early? Couldn't you sleep?"
"I wanted to show you something really cool and I couldn't wait!" She exclaims.
"Oh? And what's that?"
"My baby hair!"
"Your what!"
"My hair's growing back." At once, she takes my hand and slides it over her fuzzy scalp.
"Oh, Sweetheart, you're right! It is growing back it. My hand tingles from the tiny hairs!" I can see the joy in her eyes at the thought. I kiss the top of her head and pull her close to me.
"Soon, I'll have lots of hair like I did before!"
"I can hardly wait," I say stroking her cheek.
"I can wear berets in my hair and I'll look like a little girl again and no one will stare at me anymore." Poor Charlie, it's been quite an ordeal for her.
"If anyone stares at you now it's because you simply look adorable--with or without hair."
"You're just saying that because you and Richard like me no matter what."
"Yes, we do." Before I can say anything more Charlie interrupts and says in hushed tones, "I like you both no matter what too!" She then reaches up to kiss me and I hold her tightly. What a sweet little girl. She simply brings out the best in me and Richard.
"Now close your eyes Charlie and get some sleep. It's still early and we don't have to get up and eat breakfast for another two hours."
"Okay...Emily? Will you brush my hair when it grows in?"
"I'd love to!" I say, catching the twinkle in her eyes.
"Good." Charlie responds with a slight yawn.
With that we both close our eyes and drift off to sleep.
It's six o'clock in the evening as I pull into Lorelai's driveway. Before I can unbuckle my seatbelt Charlie is already out the door running towards Lorelai and Rory who are sitting on the porch with refreshments. They both stare in amazement, as I haul out a large suitcase from the trunk and wheel it toward the house.
"Mom, you're only spending the night--not a month. What have you got in there, your entire summer wardrobe? Lorelai remarks sternly.
"Well, I didn't know how many outfits to pack for myself and Charlie and because I like to be prepared, I packed a few evening clothes, casual wear and whatnot."
"Evening clothes? Mom, we're not going to eat pheasant for dinner or go to the opera. We're hangin' in Stars Hollow, having sloppy Joes and if we're lucky have a few Twinkies for dessert."
"Oh… I knew that. I just wanted to be prepared." I say trying to hide my disappointment.
"We can still dress up for sloppy Joes if you like Emily. That would be fun!" Charlie adds trying to make me feel better.
"Sure Mom. Why don't you pull out a tiara and get comfortable. Sookie and Jackson are on the way over to grill for all of us.
"I think I'll just take our things inside in the meantime," I say.
"Okay, we'll be waiting for you." Lorelai says pouring fresh lemonade into the glasses on the porch table.
Sensing that I'm a tad too overdressed in my channel pantsuit, I change into a pair of jeans and a rhinestone tee shirt. When I went shopping again this week with Charlie, she insisted I buy a pair of jeans and so I did. This is my very first pair and they are surprisingly comfortable. And, to complete the outfit I found this nifty tee shirt with cowboy patches and emblems surrounded by beautifully coloured rhinestones. It isn't half-bad. As a matter of fact, Charlie told me I looked funky. Won't Lorelai and Rory be surprised! They've never seen me without pearls let alone in jeans and a tee with rhinestones. I can hardly wait.
I tie my hair into a ponytail, check myself out in the mirror and step out onto the porch just as Sookie and Jackson walk over with trays of food.
"Hello Emily!" They both yell out genuinely happy to see me.
"Hello. It's lovely to see you Sookie and you too, Jackson." I wave from the porch. I can barely contain my glee after noticing Lorelai's jaw which has dropped a good two feet at seeing her funky Mom.
Charlie immediately runs toward me grabbing my hand. "Oh, Emily. You look so pretty in your outfit!"
"Thank you Sweetie, I am glad you think so."
Charlie exclaims to Lorelai and Rory who are both speechless, "I have the same outfit, too. Well, almost the same. We match!"
Sookie noticing the commotion joins in, "I love your outfit Emily, it's so cool!"
"Thank you" I smile.
"Is that your little girl--I mean Charlie?" She corrects herself.
"Oh, yes, where are my manners. I would like to introduce you to Charlotte Sargento, she lives with us."
"Well, how do you do? Lorelai's told me all about you!"
"She has!" Charlie shrieks excitedly.
Sookie continues "Yes, she told me what a sweet young lady you are."
"Yes, she certainly is." I add. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Lorelai and Rory just standing there awkwardly watching our interaction.
"Can I help you with the grill?" Charlie remarks offering to help Sookie.
"Well, sure! You can be my assistant chef!"
"Yay"
"Careful, Charlie not too close to the coals and mind Sookie."
"Yes, Emily."
"We've got a real summer spread for you guys--burgers, corn on the cob, cole slaw, curly fries, you name it."
"Don't forget the veggies, Sookie" Jackson pipes in as he preps the grill.
"Never honey!" Sookie coos back.
"So, where are the children Sookie?" I ask.
"My in-laws are in town so they are spending the evening with the kids and good luck to them." Sookie says laughingly.
I smile and sit down in the rocker on the porch facing Lorelai.
"That's quite an outfit Mom."
"Yeah, Grandma. I like it."
"Thank you Rory. What about you Lorelai do you like it?"
"I don't know--I mean I'm not used to it."
"Charlie insisted I buy it."
"Charlie insisted? Since when do you take fashion tips from a nine year old?"
"Really Lorelai, it's just a pair of jeans and a tee. It's not Channel. It's a fun thing." I say somewhat piqued.
"Exactly! Since when are you into fun things?"
"Mom, don't start with Grandma," whines Rory.
I know where this is going but I'm determined not to lose my temper in front of the others.
"Sometimes, it's good to try different things," I say, hoping that will put an end to the conversation.
"Emily, how do you like your burger--with cheese or without?" Charlie races over to me.
"Medium-well, without cheese please and no Sloppy Joe sauce," I say to my little chef as I pat her head.
"Rory, Lorelai what about you guys?"
"Medium-well all around with cheese on mine and Rory's with lots of sauce," Lorelai responds without even looking at me.
That's it. Lorelai is jealous. She has that "I'm so angry I could spit" look she had when was nine. I recall it so vividly. We went on a class trip to the children's museum in town and she refused to hold my hand the entire time but when little Brittany Arnold took my hand, Lorelai went into an awful temper tantrum yelling at the poor child "Don't touch her! That's my Mommy, not yours." Poor Brittany, her mother died only the year before and I found that remark unutterably cruel and unwarranted. I yanked Lorelai over to the corner, gave her a piece of my mind and smacked her on the bottom. She was quiet after that but still seething. She's quiet now but still seething.
Still, the evening turned out to be fun, especially when Sookie and Lorelai did their imitations of Michel being locked in the pantry for an entire day while no one even noticed he was missing. We all chatted about town happenings and I learned a lot about the quirkiness of Stars Hollow residents. Probably more than I needed to know. Charlie sat beside me in rapt attention the whole time, holding my hand.
After, Sookie and Jackson headed home we all sat on the porch awhile longer gazing at the stars until Lorelai suggested we get ready for bed, a movie and a facial. Charlie was over the moon. She had never had a facial and could hardly wait. Why on earth Lorelai and Rory insisted on showing us Pippi Longstockings, I'll never know. What a horrid film! Still I have to admit, I enjoyed Lorelai's running commentary on the bad hair and bad acting. It was amusing.
After the movie, we all sat around in our cucumber facial masks sipping coolers, except for Charlie who drank apple cider. We played games and chatted about everything and nothing--it really was fun. I was relaxed and happy to spend an evening with my girls. I looked over at Charlie who was growing sleepy and leaning into my side.
"Sweetie, I think it's time to wash off our masks and moisturize and then head off to bed."
"Oh, do we have to, Emily?"
"Yeah, Mom do we have to?"
"Oh Grandma!"
"Yes, we have to. It's almost ten o'clock and it is time for bed. It has been a long day. What are our sleeping arrangements, Lorelai?"
"Well Mom, you can sleep in my bed upstairs while the three of us could sleep down here in some sleeping bags."
"Couldn't I sleep with you again, Emily?" Charlie said sleepily.
"Of course, you may. I'm sure there's enough room."
Oops! There's that look again. Lorelai is about to erupt but fortunately, Rory steps in.
"Grandma, Mom and I could sleep upstairs with you guys too!"
"That's wonderful but is there enough room?"
"We can drag our sleeping bags upstairs, that way we can play some more games together until we fall asleep."
"Sounds like a plan," I say as Charlie and I head off to the bathroom to wash up. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Rory scolding her mother while I'm out of earshot. I really am exhausted and in no mood to deal with a truculent Lorelai. I get myself ready for bed.
Ah, nirvana! Lorelai's bed is so large and comfortable and I ease into it so eagerly. Charlie snuggles into my side swiftly. Suddenly, Lorelai hovers over me poking me in my side.
"Move over Mom"
"Lorelai, what? Why!" I say groggily.
"My sleeping bag isn't comfortable. I want to sleep with you."
"My bag is okay," adds Rory.
"Well, mine isn't. Move over Mom."
"Okay, give me a minute." I say as I slide over, moving Charlie with me.
"You're a big baby," says Rory, turning over. Lorelai simply sticks out her tongue to prove it. Suddenly, we hear a crashing sound from downstairs.
"Oh, my God--what was that?"
"I--I don't know. I'll go check."
"No, you won't… there could be a burglar downstairs."
"Mom this is Stars Hollow, there are no burglars around here,it's probablyKirk sleepwalking again."
"Well, I am going with you." I insist, climbing out of bed and getting into my robe.
Just as we open the door and are about to go downstairs--we see it and both of us scream at the top of our lungs and slam the door shut.
"Call the police!"
"Oh, my God Grandma--what is it. What did you see!" Rory bolts upright in her sleeping bag.
"It was horrible. It looked like a great big rat with a tail!"
"It wasn't a rat Mom"
"Then what was it?"
"A great big furry thing with a tail and pointy teeth."
"Well, that makes me feel so much better!"
"Emily, I'm scared." Charlie cries.
"Don't you worry, Sweetheart. Mommy's here, go back to sleep."
"I'm going back downstairs and scare it away."
"Lorelai, just call the police or animal control." I utter growing fearful.
"Well, I would if I had my phone upstairs. I left the extension on the porch. Anyway, let me get this over with." And with that, she exits and in less than five minutes she comes running back in, her face is pale and she is drenched is sweat.
"That thing threw a can of beans at my head. It was vicious!"
"That's great! What are we going to do now without a phone?"
"Mom, couldn't you yell out the window over to Babette?" Rory suggests.
"Great idea!" Lorelai opens the window, leans out and begins screaming at the top of her lungs toward Babette's window, which luckily is open.
Babette peering out of her window, spots Lorelai and screams back, "Sugar, what's wrong?"
"Babette, there's this big furry animal in the house and he's tearing up the place. Can you call the police or animal control. I can't get to my phone."
"Oh my gosh. Sure thing. You sure it isn't Luke?"
"Aw c'mon Babette!"
"Okay…oh, my gosh, Lorelai look behind you, there's the thing on the roof!"
Suddenly, Lorelai comes face-to-face with the creature and slams the window down hard.
"Emily, I'm scared!"
I take Charlie in my arms and comfort her.
"Don't worry. It's just a great big squirrel or something. It'll be gone soon. I'm here don't you worry."
In less than twenty minutes, the whole town is gathered around on the front lawn staring at Lorelai's house, while we're under siege. Suddenly, Kirk's voice is heard outside.
"Lorelai, don't you worry. Animal control is here. I'm coming in with my traps. I'll be rid of your furry friend in no time. Rest assured, Kirk is on the job!"
"Oh swell, Kirk is on the job. That means will be here forever!" Rory says nervously playing with a strand of her hair. After a few minutes, we hear more crashing and cursing sounds from downstairs. Then we hear Kirk.
"Um, Lorelai?"
"Yes, Kirk--have you got it?"
"No, I'm afraid it's got me. It chased me into your hall closet."
"Well, go out and get it!"
"Have you seen the teeth on that thing? No, thank you, I'm staying right here till it goes away."
"Well, this is ridiculous!" I say incredulously.
"Lorelai? Are you all right?" Suddenly, Luke's voice is heard downstairs.
"Yes Luke! Please, please get us and that thing out of here!" Lorelai yells out the door. Suddenly, more crashing and cursing is heard until there is absolute silence.
"Luke? What's happening?"
"I'm in the closet with Kirk! That thing is an absolute beast!"
"Oh no!" we all shriek at the same time. Then suddenly, Richard's voice is heard.
"Emily, girls-- what's happening!"
"Richard, what are you doing here?" I say, shocked that he's here.
"I tried calling all three of youon your cell phones and no one answered so I got worried. I cut my trip short and came here immediately. The whole town is just milling around outside, what's that about?"
"Run and get the police! There's a wild animal in the house."
"Oh, for heaven's sake, a what?" Suddenly, there are sounds of crashing, things breaking, feet running and animal noises. This goes on for what seems an eternity when suddenly, the doorknob turns and we all gasp in horror until…Richard strolls in calm as can be.
"Come here! It's all over now!" he commands.
All four of us rush over to him and settle into his embrace.
"Is it safe yet? A disembodied voice calls out from the closet.
"Yes, Kirk, you and Luke can come out now" Lorelai giggles. "My Daddy saved the day!"
"This is best fun I ever had!" Charlie says while holding Richard's hand.
"Would you like to meet your culprit? I caught in a trap downstairs." Richard laughs.
"What was it--some horrible animal that escaped from the zoo?" I ask.
"It was a baby raccoon."
In shock, I just fall back onto the bed, followed by Charlie, Lorelai, Rory and Richard, who sits on the edge of the bed in hysterics. Finally, we all pelt "our hero" with pillows, hugs and kisses to make him stop.
That was quite a sleepover! No matter how much fun we ended up having, I don't think I'll agree to another one any time soon.