Authors Note: Thanks Riska, A-Karana and emilygilmore for your (3) reviews. They made me smile and it's good to know that there are still people out there, who are waiting for another chapter so here it is..
Chapter 29: Christmas
It's Christmas Day – finally. I've decided to buy some cigars and a new bow tie for Richard – just in case. I can't wait for the afternoon to come. The whole morning I'm running through the house – making sure everything looks perfect. But it's perfect since yesterday. The presents for the girls are lying under the tree – which looks gorgeous by the way. I'm even on good terms with Lydia – my new maid – she was very happy to receive a Christmas gift. Of course she'll get a gift I mean it's Christmas – I'm no Castro (even if Lorelai thinks I am - somehow I still haven't forgotten her accusation).
The time isn't going very fast today – I decide to call Hope.
"Hello?"
"Joyeux Noel Hope."
"Happy Christmas Emily." Hope says.
I can hear the noise of children in the background.
"How's Maurice?"
"He's recovering so fast – we're really lucky. And Fleur and the children are here, you should've seen their faces, watching little kids on Christmas is the cutest thing."
"Yes it is."
"And Pierre came home, too. It's so good to have everyone together. So – how are you spending Christmas?" she asks a little hesitant and now I don't hear anything in the background anymore. She must've left the room.
"The girls are coming over as usual – and Richard will be here too – we've decided to celebrate together."
"That's wonderful Emily – you shouldn't be alone on Christmas." she says relieved.
"I know – I'm really looking forward to it, but I don't want to disturb you, Hope. Have a nice evening and my greetings to everyone."
"Thank you, and have a nice day. I love you Emily and I really hope that everything will work out fine."
"Yes, I love you too Hope, goodbye."
"Goodbye."
And now I'm waiting again… at least Maurice is getting well soon – perhaps I've put too much thought into all of this. Nothing serious did happen to him. But who am I, that I'm trying to betray myself…
Richard is the first one to come, it's 3:30 pm and I see him coming over. He has no gifts in his hands – so I guess I can as well pack his presents away. I'm opening the door for him.
"Happy Christmas Richard!"
"Happy Christmas Emily!"
"Happy Christmas Emily!" Richard is saying to me.
We just got upstairs again, after giving Lorelai and Rory their presents. Rory's first Christmas – she was so cute. And I had so much fun buying little presents for her. Actually that was one of the rare times in which Lorelai and I got along quite well – buying toys for Rory.
But now I'm looking up at my husband, who's giving me his present.
"For the sweetest grandmother."
"Oh you."
I'm unwrapping it – it's a golden necklace with a heart-shaped medaillon. I open it to see a picture of me holding Rory. She's so cute.
"Thank you Richard – it's beautiful. I love it."
"You're welcome – I'm glad you like it."
I put my arms around his neck and kiss him.
It was always this way – we would wish each other Happy Christmas, exchange presents and then kiss each other – but well not this year.
"You look beautiful Emily."
"Thank you." I say – a little flattered.
„And the place looks gorgeous as well."
„I'm glad you like it."
"Well I do – so when are the girls arriving?"
What kind of a question is this – you know when they'll be here – at 4 pm as every year.
"At four – but knowing Lorelai they'll be here later – she's never on time."
"Oh yes – that's right. – Hey I should've bought her a watch, too bad I hadn't this idea earlier." he says chuckling.
"Yes, too bad." I say smiling at him.
I'm glad that the tension is leaving. We are sitting opposite to each other and I'm filling him in on the latest gossip - of course not the one concerning me – I really hope there is no gossip concerning me, and I'm so grateful that he hasn't found out about it until now. I mean I would know if he'd know, right? He can't be that cool. So I guess I'm safe now.
Surprisingly the door-bell is ringing at 4.05 pm – that's not that late. And since it's Christmas I decide to ignore it. The girls are coming in and we're standing up. Rory is coming towards me.
"Happy Christmas Grandma." she says while hugging me and kissing my cheek.
"Happy Christmas Sweetie." I say to her – hugging her back.
She goes to her grandfather to repeat this ritual.
"Happy Christmas Mom." Lorelai says.
"Happy Christmas Lorelai."
And again I wonder about this wall that prevents us from hugging – really it's not that I wouldn't want this (in fact I have to admit that I even want to hug her more than Rory – maybe because it has become normal with Rory and isn't so special anymore) but it's not what we do.
Richard and Lorelai exchange the same greeting.
"So then let's all get some tea. - Lydia?"
We're sitting around the table drinking tea and eating some snacks. Carols are playing in the background and we even manage to keep the atmosphere nice. I'm complimenting Rory on her dress – which is lovely – and Richard chimes in on this. I'm asking if everything is alright at the Dragonfly – it's her first Christmas after all – and it is. Not that she's telling me much, but well I'm used to it.
After tea we're all retreating to the living-room. I can see Rory sneaking a peek for the presents. I have to smile – somehow she's still the little girl. I look at Richard and he's slightly nodding at me. Then I'm turning to Rory to nod at her – the sign that she can start to unwrap her presents. She's going there immediately.
Richard and I are lying in bed when I hear a baby crying. I'm looking up and Lorelai is standing in the door with Rory in her arms, trying to calm her down – did something happen?
"Lorelai? Is everything alright?" I say sitting up straight.
"Happy Christmas Mom, come on Rory say 'Happy Christmas' Grandma."
"So that's why you're waking us? It's 6:30 am." I say looking at the clock.
"But it's Rory's first Christmas and she's really excited to see all the presents."
"Lorelai – she's too young to know what day it is."
"Lorelai, what are you doing here?" Richard says, just awakening.
"Happy Christmas Dad."
"Huh – Happy Christmas Lorelai. - What time is it Emily?" he says while stifling a yawn.
"6:30 am. – Really Lorelai you should put her back to bed. You can get your presents at 8 am – as every year."
"But Rory wants to get hers now – and since we're all awake." she pouts.
"Because you woke us up – "
"Please Mom, Dad?"
I sigh – I can't sleep anymore anyway. I'm looking at Richard.
"I guess we're standing up then." he says.
"Thank you Daddy. Say 'Thank you Grandpa' Rory."
"But you're getting dressed first young lady. And I tell you, if one present is open before we're getting down there, Santa will take them away."
"I know Mom, you've said that to me as long as I can remember." she says turning around.
But before she's leaving she's looking at me again.
"Thank you Mom."
I nod at her.
"Happy Christmas Lorelai."
I have to smile, I can't believe that she's a mother – she's so much more a child. When we're getting downstairs both of them are sitting under the tree - more or less waiting patiently for the things to come. Lorelai is opening Rory's presents first while I'm holding her, and she's just looking at everything – so cute. Then Lorelai opens her presents.
"Why is she always the first? I mean by now we could change that to me becoming the first." Lorelai says pouting a little and interrupting my thoughts.
"She's younger than you so she's the first." I state.
"Yeah but she's not a toddler anymore so-"
"Lorelai!" I sigh.
"Alright – then go ahead Rory – we all want to see what Grandma got you. – Oh nice dress."
I knew it – she doesn't like it. But Rory is giving Lorelai a look and she's stopping her comments.
"Thank you Grandma."
"Do you like it?" I dare to ask.
„Yes."
Well I don't know whether or not that's true – but I prefer it to the comments Lorelai is giving. The next present is the book Richard got her.
"Oh wow – that's great. I've always wanted to have that. Thank you so much."
I've observed Richard during this rave – no doubt that she likes that and his eyes are sparkling.
"It's from your grandfather."
"Thank you Grandpa – did you know that I've always wanted to read this?"
"I assumed so."
She goes to him to give him a kiss.
"Come on Rory – other people would like to open their presents as well so hurry."
I don't want to get in an argument with Lorelai so I'm not saying anything. Rory goes back to her gifts – some more sweets and perfume and of course the voucher.
"Thank you Grandma and Grandpa – I love my gifts – all of them." she adds while looking at me.
She's an angel. She coming to me to kiss me again.
"You're welcome Sweetie."
"So – may I Mom?"
"Yes you may."
Lorelai of course starts with the dress, too.
"Geez Mom that's – nice." she says – receiving a look from Rory.
I sigh – maybe I shouldn't have bought those dresses after all – but they would look adorable wearing them – I just know it. Then she's getting to the voucher.
"Wow Mom – that's really generous, thank you. Thank you Dad."
„I thought that's better than me buying you other dresses you wouldn't like – this way you can pick what you really want. Faking enthusiasm isn't your strength you know?"
Why did I say this? Lorelai is looking at me – I don't want to fight, but I begin to prepare myself. She's still looking at me.
"The voucher was a great idea Mom – thank you."
I don't believe that she hasn't started a fight, Christmas really has something magical. But well – then I'll just drop it as well.
"I'm glad you like it."
Lorelai is opening the other envelope.
"Uh – what's that Mom?" she says holding up the picture of the antique furniture.
"That's some fine piece of antique furniture I found. I thought it would look great in your Inn – however since I know that we don't have the same taste I thought I'd show you the picture first – you have to decide very fast though – otherwise it will be sold. – So what do you say?"
"It's great."
"Honestly? If you don't like it, you can choose something else – I want you to like it, you know?"
And not getting you something you'll exchange into a monkey lamp anyway.
"I do – I do like it Mom. It will look great at the Dragonfly." she says very sincere.
I can't believe it – I got it – I finally picked something she really likes.
"Well that's great – I admit I'm a bit surprised – well good – I'll have it delivered to your Inn as soon as possible."
"Thanks Mom."
"So I guess that's it – Richard would you mind getting us some drinks?"
"In a moment Emily – first I want you all to have a look at these."
He's reaching into his jacket to pull out three envelopes. He's handing one to each of us. I'm looking at him questioningly but he's not giving away anything. I'm just glad that I haven't thrown out his presents already. Curiously I'm opening mine. It's a ticket for a new Broadway musical plus a voucher for a night in one of the top hotels. I'm looking at the girls to see that they got the same. I can't believe it. I'm just looking at him and I know that he knows what I'm thinking without me saying anything. That's the best present he could've made me. I have enough jewellery - and to spend a night with my girls and going to a Broadway Musical – that's awesome.
Rory is already at his site – thanking him with a kiss (the same thing I'd do, if we weren't so screwed up).
"Wow – thanks Dad – and you really think it's safe to send the three of us away for one night?"
But he's ignoring her. His eyes are on me.
"Thank you Richard. That's awesome – thank you." That's all I can say.
"You're welcome." he says.
Then he gets up to make us some drinks. Suddenly his presents are coming to my mind. Thank God he's occupied with the drinks – I'm getting them from their nearby hiding place and set them in front of his seat. When he's giving me my drink he's spotting them.
"What's that?"
"Well you don't think that you're the only one not getting something today, aren't you?"
"Seeing this I'd guess no."
"That's a safe guess."
"You know what Dad – you open your presents and I'm getting our drinks."
Richard starts to open them.
"My favourite cigars – and a beautiful new bow tie – thank you Emily."
"You're welcome."
I see the girls smiling at each other – if only they were right in assuming that we're on our way to reconciliation – but I'm not fooled again – I know that after Christmas we'll be back to our separated lives – and somehow I hate that. But well I don't have to think about this now.
Dinner is going well, too. Given the circumstances about this years Christmas I surely can't complain. After dessert the girls are preparing to leave.
"I'm sorry Mom, but I really have to look after the Dragonfly – to make sure that everything's okay there."
"I understand." I say – and I do.
And it's not that she's skipped some part of our Christmas – she was here for everything as she was supposed to be. They're both thanking us again for their presents before leaving.
So it's only Richard and me.
"Your present really was the best you could've made me – thank you."
"I'm glad you like it."
"I love it – and you totally surprised me – I wasn't expecting anything like that."
"That was part of the idea."
"Well you were successful."
"But your presents were great either."
"Oh they were nothing special. Just some cigars and a bow tie."
"But my favourite cigars and a very beautiful bow tie."
When I'm looking at him now I can only wonder about what got us into this mess.
"Do you want me to leave now?"
"No you don't have to leave – I mean if you want to you can of course, but you don't have to…"
We're going into the living-room again – Richard is making us another drink while we're talking about the evening. But with time we don't have anything to talk about anymore and I can't but remember other Christmasses.
Normally after the girls left we weren't sitting opposite but next to each other. I would lean my head against his chest and we would just enjoy the presence of the other, while looking at the tree and hearing carols. But that's out of the question now. I wonder if he has to think about this, too.
He's leaving not soon after I had these thoughts.
"It was a nice evening Emily – I'm glad we celebrated together."
"Me too."
"Goodnight Emily."
"Goodnight Richard – and thanks again."
He nods. Then he's leaving. I'm looking at his footsteps in the snow long after he went into the pool-house. Will we ever change?
I know we never get to see an actual Christmas on the show, so here are my thoughts on how it could be – please tell me your opinion about it.
