LORELAI

When I walked outside into my parents' backyard, I did not know what to expect – but it was definitely not Rory spraying the grass with the contents of her clearly liquid only dinner.

"Luke, will you go back in and get us water?" I asked

"What about the apple tarts?"

"You can leave them with us."

"Okay. Just water?"

"Just water. Thanks."

I handed Jess and Paris the two apple tarts and walked over to where Rory was. Every so often she began to puke more. At one point she knelt on the ground. I bent down and rubbed her back. After a while, she stopped.

"Rory, I know you don't feel very good right now... Luke is getting you some water. Let's get you up though so you can sit somewhere that isn't quite as cold."

I went to stand up and made eye contact with Jess whose eyes suggested he was debating if I needed help up. I shook my head no, got up, and walked over to the pool house

"It's locked," Jess said.

"Okay. Looks like the concrete bench it is." I said, bringing Rory over to sit down.

"I suddenly wish Kat had made me wear a jacket or blazer." Jess said.

"When Luke gets back, I'm going to take you home. To Stars Hollow. Okay?" I told Rory, not a suggestion, but a fact.
"Paris." Rory muttered

"What?"
"I drove her here." Paris said, "I've been staying with her for my holiday break. She'd had a drink and wanted to come... so I drove"

"That is one of the few things tonight that has made sense to me. Okay. So how do you feel about staying in Stars Hollow for at least tonight?" I asked

"Do you have space?"

"Kat stole my bedroom." Rory said in a tone that shocked me.
"Rory. Kat's bedroom is in the guest bedroom, you know that." I said, knowing it was likely a futile effort to clear this up.

Suddenly I heard Kat's voice. I hadn't even noticed her walk up. She had all of our coats.

"I ran into my dad inside. He said you were all out here. I got your coats for you. It's freezing out here. Paris can stay in my room by the way, I can stay here the next couple of nights." Kat said while doling out coats from the mound in her arms. When Rory didn't look up to accept her coat, Jess took it and wrapped it around her.

"Alright, I guess I can stay in Stars Hollow." Paris said

Eventually Luke came back outside with water and crackers. I let him take care of Rory while I talked to Kat.

"Are you sure you are okay to stay here?"
"Lorelai. I heard Rory earlier. This is the only place I should stay. For the next couple of nights in facts. You need to talk. You did before and definitely do now... I don't need to be there. I am not upset. Well maybe about the fact I will be stuck in this dress as it's not the most practical thing to be stuck in overnight... but other than that? I am legit fine. Worry about Rory. Again, I am not upset or angry. What's going on is coming from somewhere. She may be saying my name... but I don't think it's really me. Like when I don't eat and it has zero to do with the food. Same thing. So... seriously? Don't worry about it. Let it be one less thing to worry about. Please."
"Okay." I paused, "Thank you."
"Don't thank me. Just don't worry about me in the context of this."

"Hey Lorelai. I think Rory is ready to go" Luke asked from where he was sitting with Rory on the bench.
"Okay. Kat said she's going to stay here tonight. Will you help me get Rory to the car before you take Jess home?"
"I got it." Jess said, helping Rory up from the bench.

"Let's go around the side, there's a path from the pool house to the front."
"Got it." Jess said.

"Hey Paris," Kat said, "Just because I'm going to be trapped in a formal dress to sleep in doesn't mean you should be. So, if you need to borrow anything feel free. My nightgowns are in the top drawer of the dresser with the mirror."
"Thanks Kat!"
"No problem, I'm going to go back inside though. Tell your mom my plans, try to get your dad to loan me a sleep shirt."

"Okay." I went up to hug Kat, "I love you kid and you're right this isn't really about you." I whispered.

"Hey, Lorelai. Do you mind if I stay for a little while longer? It will give you, Luke, and Rory some time to talk alone."

"Do you know how to get to the house?"
"I wish I could forget the directions involving the rooster."

"Oh, Monty fell down about 5 years ago in a storm. The town tried to do a fundraiser to get Monty back on his perch... but saying, 'all proceeds will be donated to Monty's erection fund?' It didn't go well. Maybe had it been now it would have gone viral and Monty would be back serving as the perfect landmark to get on my street once more... but alas, this was before those days. So, I will text you the address and let Google maps guide your way instead of that missed rooster."

I took out my phone and sent Paris the information. When I looked up I realized I hadn't noticed Kat had gone inside and emerged with my father.

"Lorelai, it was nice to see you tonight. Katalina told me you were about to head off since you wanted to be considerate and limit the amount of disturbance at tonight's event. I know your mother will appreciate that just as much as I do. It was nice of you to send Katalina in to tell me you wanted to say goodbye as well. Emily was talking with some of the women from the DAR, but I will be sure to let her know you made an effort to say goodnight despite what happened earlier. Do you need anything?"
"No Dad, I've got it. Is Kat okay here though?"

"Of course Lorelai."

"Are you sure? I am just worried because last time..."
"I can assure you there will not be a repeat of that prior evening. Emily will also be quite pleased the new room is being put to use. Now there is the issue of her lack of attire for the evening."
"Lend her one of your nightshirts – you know, the buttoned ones you always wear. It will be comfortable and like a nightgown. You two like the same fabrics to sleep in anyway. That silk satin."
"Yes, that does sound like it will do the trick. Well goodnight Lorelai."

"Goodnight dad."

Katalina had done it again. Saved me from an argument with my parents about my unannounced departure. One less argument to worry about for the evening.