The next morning, Lorelai walks Victoria to school, under protest. Victoria insists that she can walk herself. Lorelai is sure that she can get can get through to Victoria. Talking to teenage girls is basically her superpower.

"So, what's going on at school today?" coaxes Lorelai.

"Don't know."

"You going to talk to that boy?" Lorelai teases, raising her eyebrows.

"We're just friends, I told him that."

"I see."

Victoria knows she's being a little rude, and she doesn't mean to be. She likes Lorelai. But strangely enough, despite everything, Victoria is not a good liar and she's not good at hiding stuff. She doesn't like it. And she has no tolerance for other people that do that. So, one lie at a time.

"Guess who came to visit last night?" says Victoria, boldly.

"Santa? No wait that's Christmas."

"Not as exciting. Jess."

"Jess? I didn't hear him come in."

"I met him outside." says Victoria, turning away slightly.

"I didn't even hear you go out. Boy, I am really not on the top of my game. What did he want?"

"To talk to me." says Victoria. "He is really not a fan of my dad, is he?"

"Oh honey," Lorelai sighs. "There's so much history there."

"Want to tell me?"

"It's really not my business."

"But you know right? Rory tells you everything." as she says it, Victoria feels the words catch in her throat.

Lorelai turns to Victoria and presses her hands on her shoulders. "There's so much that happened before you were born, babe. And after you were born. Hearts got broken. But it's not important anymore, it's really not. It all happened so long ago. Ask your mom..."

"Rory." Victoria corrects.

Lorelai sighs again and continues walking. "Ask Rory if you want. But I'd advise you not to. Let the past be the past. Jess shouldn't talk to you about your dad. What did he say exactly?"

"Broadly negative things." says Victoria, waving her off.

"He's probably projecting stuff about his own dad." says Lorelai, as they walk past the dance studio.

"Whose dad?" asks Miss Patty.

"Don't you just love small town charm?" Lorelai says sarcastically.

"Jess's dad." answers Victoria.

"Oh he was bad news. I remember when Liz brought him here first. We all told her it wouldn't last, it would end in tears. But did she listen? No!" Miss Patty takes a drag of her cigar. "And now here we are. If I ever give you relationship advice, darling, you better listen up and hop to it. God knows your mother and grandmother can't be trusted..."

"Thank you, Patty." says Lorelai, placing a hand on Victoria's back and guiding her away.

"She's my favourite person in this town." says Vic, with a smile.

"Seriously honey, did what Jess tell you upset you?"

"Lorelai, I have heard many things about my dad over the years. He's a controversial business man. Believe me, he's not always well liked. I could always charm people enough for the both of us. It doesn't bother me. I'm not made of porcelain, y'know? I'm not going to crack."

"I worry."

"Don't. I'm ok." says Victoria, kissing Lorelai's cheek.

"Have a good day at school" says Lorelai. "Oh, and Vic?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't take relationship advice from Patty."

Victoria laughs and walks into school, forever the queen of the false confident walk.

Rory tentatively presses the buzzer for Jess's apartment building. The loud buzz startles her. Jess opening the door makes her jump again.

"Didn't know I was that scary."

"Jess. Hi."

Jess looks at her, hiding a smile. She's beautiful. Even in her stressed, freaked out mood.

Rory looks back at him, awkwardly trying to come up with some kind of small talk.

"You coming in?" asks Jess, after a pause.

"In. Yes, that's a good idea."

In the apartment, Jess hands Rory a cup of coffee.

"I remember how you like it, strong enough to kill."

"Thank you." says Rory, taking the coffee. Dodger is curled up on the armchair. He sleepily opens an eye.

"How is he?" asks Rory, nodding towards the cat.

"Oh you know... not very chatty." says Jess. "I respect his space, he respects mine."

Rory nods and stirs her coffee.

"What do you want, Rory?"

"I..."

"You called this meeting, remember?"

"I know, I..."

"If this is about Victoria then I'll back off if you say the word but I think I could help you here."

"It's not about..."

"I don't know what to do, Rory!"

"Just, stop a minute..."

"What do you want from me?"

"Jess!" Rory shouts, shutting him up. "I'm pregnant."

"You... with a baby?" says Jess, stunned.

"I'm sorry, I should go."

"Woah stop." Jess catches her hand. "Are you serious?"

"As a funeral."

"This is incredible, and the timing is..."

"I know. I know we didn't plan for this. I know we didn't want kids, that's why we got the cat. Believe me, I'm aware of the irony. But this baby is ours, Jess. And I understand if you don't want me. Hell, nobody wants me. But I need your help with this. I don't want to do it alone."

"Rory, can't you see? This makes me happy."

"It does?"

"I never thought I'd be a father. Never thought anyone would trust me with anything."

"You're responsible, Jess."

"I could give you a list of people who'd strongly disagree."

"Doesn't matter. I'm not on that list. Raspberry baby isn't on that list."

"Raspberry baby?"

"I'll explain later."

Early the next morning, Lorelai is fixing her hair in the hall mirror. She has an early start at the inn today. Michel has already called her multiple times to complain about arrangements with the flower delivery. It's been a long day, and it's only 7am.

"You've got a loose thread." says Rory's voice behind her.

"Literally or metaphorically?"

"Both."

Rory grabs a pair of scissors from the desk and cuts the thread off.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. I was trying to be quiet, tiptoe around, y'know? It's not easy in heels."

"It's ok." says Rory. "I haven't been sleeping much anyway."

"Everything ok, hon?" asks Lorelai, casually, turning back to the mirror. Rory stands behind her, and looks into her mother's eyes, her eyes, in the reflection of the mirror. The hall feels suddenly very small and safe and quiet.

"Mom?"

"Yeah?" says Lorelai, turning round to face Rory.

"I'm pregnant."

Thanks for reading, and for all the reviews on the last chapter. I love hearing your opinions it's so interesting!