Ch 11 Reactions
They arrived at the Gilmore residence a little while later and Jess was still distraught he was hiding it well though. Riz knocked on the door and Lorelai came to answer it. When she saw Jess standing there her cheerfulness faded. "Riz come in," she said not taking her eye off Jess, "Rory's in her room it's easy to find just go into the kitchen and it's on the right."
"Thanks," Riz nodded and locked eyes with Jess. There was a mutual understanding between the two and Riz went off in search of Rory. Lorelai was still glaring at Jess and he knew that she knew it was his fault of Rory's sudden setback in her mood.
"You can stop by to see Riz whenever you want," Lorelai told him sternly.
"Gee Miss Gilmore thanks," Jess said sarcastically.
"Just stay away from my daughter," Lorelai continued, "I think she's had enough hurt already." Jess back out of the doorway and Lorelai shut the door. Sighing inwardly Jess went on his way to return to the diner.
Rory sat in her room trying to read, but she couldn't concentrate on the words. Try as she may she just couldn't focus. She heaved a sigh and dropped the book on her bureau. When she turned around she noticed Riz standing in the doorway leaning against its frame. Rory smiled slightly, "Come on in." Riz remained quiet but entered the room. Lorelai joined them a few seconds later back in cheerful mode with a cup of coffee in her hands.
"Alright, here's the plan," she began, "Rory's going to bunk up with me and Riz you can stay here. Riz shrugged and Rory sighed. "The air in here is so depressing! Come girls lighten up." Rory stood up.
"I'm going to see Lane," she announced and then turned to Riz, "You can borrow a book or something if you want. They're all either on the shelf, in a drawer or under my bed." Riz nodded affirmative and watched Rory go.
She walked over to Lane's slowly taking the long way around to avoid the market, Luke's and Dean's house. Finally she got to the antique store and pulled open the door. "Lane!" she called out.
"Rory!" Lane exclaimed and tumbled down the stairs, "I've been waiting to see you!"
"It's been too long," the two girls embraced. Mrs. Kim poked her head into the room.
"Lane," she yelled, "What is all that racket. You're scaring away the customers."
"Sorry Mama," Lane apologized and turned back to Rory, "Let's go up to my room." Rory nodded and followed Lane up the stairs. The two entered the closet and sat down.
"How's everything?" Rory asked sitting down in the highly decorated closet.
"Good," Lane replied, "I spoke to Dean yesterday."
"Oh."
"Yeah and I'm just wondering if you hit your head," Lane went on, "Because if I remember correctly Dean was the perfect boyfriend."
"Yeah," Rory nodded, "its just things happened to change all that. I don't love him like he deserves."
"Right," Lane nodded, "Does this have anything to do with Jess?"
"Well, kind of," Rory confessed, "I kissed him at the wedding and since them I've been questioning my relationship with Dean. Something in Washington happened to help come to my decision to break up."
"You kissed Jess at Sookie's wedding!" Lane exclaimed in surprise. Rory nodded. "Oh my god!"
"I know," Rory sighed, "And now I find out Jess is in love with this girl named Sarah."
"She's blonde right?" Lane wondered.
"Yeah."
"Alright," Lane nodded slowly, "How do you feel about all that?"
"Not so good," Rory admitted, "I hate seeing him with her."
"You know," Lane, said, "I really liked Dean a lot and I don't know Jess well but I'm totally going to support your decision. I'll even hate Dean if you want."
"Thanks," Rory smiled at her best friends, "What's new with you?"
"Well," Lane began in a hushed tone, "I've been practicing my drums a lot lately and I think I'm getting good at it."
"Well, I'm going to have to come hear you play," Rory nodded her head in approval.
"It gets a lot better though," Lane went on, "There's this really cute guy in a band I'm thinking about joining."
"Really," Rory said slyly, "Well I think it's about time you've found someone."
"He's really nice and sweet and he plays the guitar," Lane spoke excitedly.
"Well, good for you," suddenly Rory began feeling a little depressed again, "I better get back home, bye!" Lane waved and Rory left the shop.
Lorelai sat at home. Rory had returned a few minutes ago and was now in the kitchen discussing some book with Riz. She was flicking through the channels when the telephone rang. "Hello?" she said answering it.
"Lorelai," Emily Gilmore's voice filled the other end.
"Mom," Lorelai said deflated, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Well, Rory returned home Monday am I correct?" Emily asked.
"Yes, I believe you are," Lorelai replied.
"Well, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind joining us tomorrow for dinner," Emily went on, "I mean we haven't seen Rory in six weeks."
"But tomorrow isn't Friday," Lorelai objected.
"We know," Emily stated, "But it's been so long since we've seen either of you."
"Couldn't you wait for Friday?" Lorelai wondered.
"No."
"But."
"No buts Lorelai we'll see you at 6:00 tomorrow," and with that she hung up. Lorelai stared at the phone in shock. She couldn't believe her mother sometimes.
"Rory!" she shouted. Rory and Riz both appeared at the door wondering what was going on.
"Mom, what's wrong?"
"Well," Lorelai began, "That was you grandmother on the phone and just that alone is a bad sign."
"What did she want?" Rory asked.
"Well, she demanded that we be there tomorrow for supper," Lorelai explained.
"But it's not Friday," Rory pointed out.
"I know!" Lorelai exclaimed, "And now we have to. Oh! I have an idea!"
"What?" Rory was on guard right away.
"Riz can come with us!" Lorelai smiled, "She could keep me entertained and keep my parents away from the topic of your dad."
"No, Riz does not want to go to dinner," Rory shook her head.
"Why not?" Lorelai whined, "It could be fun! We could make up a whole story like 'Hi mom, this is my other daughter who I had with Harley man and have hid from you all these years.' Doesn't it sound like fun?"
"You're crazy," Rory rolled her eyes.
"I know, but please?" Lorelai begged, "I mean what else is she going to do? This town is small and closes at six anyway and Jess is going to be stuck to." Lorelai stopped her self.
"You'd really bring someone outside of the family to grandma and grandpa's house and put them through that 'torture' as you call it?" Rory wondered ignoring her mother's comment about Jess.
"Hey, she's tough," Lorelai, said, "She can handle the wrath of Emily Gilmore." Riz watched them talk amused. These two were crazy all right. She rather enjoyed their small talk and bantering. Riz snuck a look at Rory who looked pretty normal. She was pretty good at hiding her hurt. These infamous dinners sounded like a laugh and it was true she had nothing better to do.
"I'll go," she cut them off.
"Are you crazy?" Lorelai suddenly said, "You're stepping into a death trap!" Riz looked at Lorelai confused.
The next night they were ready to leave. Lorelai and Rory had dressed Riz up so she looked decent for dinner with Emily and Richard Gilmore. She was wearing jeans and a white sleeveless button down shirt borrowed from Lorelai, her hair was down and they were all ready. Riz looked herself up and down in the mirror. This was something she never would normally wear, but for one night she could pretend.
They stopped for coffee at Luke's and Lorelai was forced to go in and dragged Riz with her. Luke was at the counted and Jess was cleaning off tables. He looked up when they entered and coughed when he saw Riz. Riz glanced over at him. They established eye contact and what was silently said between the two was unknown to anyone but them. When she arrived at the counter Luke and Lorelai were in the middle of a fight over coffee, Luke stopped when Riz approached. "Wait a second," he said, "Where are you guys going."
"To hell," Lorelai replied. Luke looked at her questionably. "Emily and Richard's"
"It's not Friday," he grunted, "and why is she going?"
"Hey, she's staying with us so it's only fair I drag her along," Lorelai explained.
"Good luck," Luke said to Riz.
"Are you insinuating that my parents are that bad?" Lorelai asked.
"You say so yourself," Luke pointed out handing her the coffee. Lorelai took it and handed Riz a two of the cups.
"That's right," she said as if she just remembered, "In that case I wish you good luck too kid because with my parent's you'll need it." Riz stayed behind a second to talk to Jess.
"You're crazy," he muttered.
"So they tell me," She said, "What'd you do about Blondie?"
"Nothing." Riz looked at him as he walked away and left to join Rory and Lorelai wondering if maybe she'd made the right decision even coming here to find Jess.
They knocked on the door and the same maid that had been there six weeks ago answered. "Mrs. Gilmore is waiting for you in the dining room," she said, "She asked me to give you the message that Mr. Gilmore is sorry he couldn't make it he got called away on business."
"Thank you," Lorelai said a bit shocked. They entered the dining room to find Emily sitting in her usual place. She welcomed Rory back and replayed the maid's message to them about Richard not being able to make it.
"Who's this?" Emily finally acknowledged Riz's presence.
"Charisma Loraino," Lorelai introduced her, "A friend of Rory's whose staying with us for a little while."
"Florence please set another place at the table," Emily said. The maid nodded and went right to it and Emily turned back to Riz. "Well, Charisma you said. That's a very unique name. How did you and Rory meet?"
"Through Jess Mariano," Riz replied not knowing what she was getting herself into.
"The Jess that broke Rory's arm that Jess?" Emily wanted to know. Lorelai nodded. "How could you allow Rory to remain friends with him after what happened and then house one of his friends?"
"Riz was in trouble and she came to Jess for help," Lorelai defended, "Luke had no room for her so I offered that she could stay here. I, also do not tell Rory who and who she cannot associate with. I admit I don't like him, but Rory sees something there."
"Don't you see that you're endangering her by letting her be around him?" Emily shouted.
"Hey, grandma I see Florence is still around," Rory changed the topic quickly.
"Well, your grandfather accused me of not being able to keep a maid," Emily said calmer.
"Have you ever really liked any of them?" Lorelai wondered.
"One, when you about five," Emily admitted.
"Which one?" Lorelai pressured.
"Anita."
"Then why'd you fire her mom?" Lorelai's voice was softer now.
"You were getting too attached," Emily, said, "I didn't think it was healthy for you." Lorelai bit her lip. She remembered Anita. She had been the only person Lorelai ever really liked before Christopher came along. She had been very picky with whom she chose to be friends with. Emily saw that Lorelai was touchy about this conversation so she turned to Riz.
"How long have you known Jess?" she asked.
"Forever," Riz replied.
"Don't you think he's a bad influence?" Emily continued.
"Oh yeah," Riz was being sarcastic now; "He's a real bad apple."
"How old are you?" Emily continued to interrogate.
"15," Riz answered.
"And your parents allow you to run around with that dangerous boy?" Lorelai and Rory shared a look. This was really going to be a long night.
"Well, gee I didn't think they'd care," Riz replied, "I should probably ask them about that." Emily was baffled by this girl's attitude. Lorelai was instantly amused. After Emily had asked all questions she had wanted and gotten all of Riz's witty remarks she changed the subject.
"So, Rory how's that wonderful boyfriend of yours?" Riz took another bit of her meal, Lorelai cleared her throat and Rory stared down at her plate. Finally Lorelai spoke up.
"Well, look at the time we better get going." All three of them quickly got out of their chairs and hurriedly left the mansion.
Later that night they returned home. Lorelai was worshipping Riz for being able to hold her own against Emily Gilmore and was making plans to take her over to the Inn and see what happened when she put her against Michel. Rory just shook her head. Riz's attitude reminded her so much of Jess.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Okay, the stuff about the maid is just based on spoilers that I wasn't supposed to read but hey it's an addiction and it was too good not to use (and spoilers aren't always true). Also, the maid I mentioned, Anita, was from my other story 'Before it All'. Anyway that's about it. Next chapter I'm going to just skip until two days before school starts just for the hell of it. Bye and thanks for reading.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They arrived at the Gilmore residence a little while later and Jess was still distraught he was hiding it well though. Riz knocked on the door and Lorelai came to answer it. When she saw Jess standing there her cheerfulness faded. "Riz come in," she said not taking her eye off Jess, "Rory's in her room it's easy to find just go into the kitchen and it's on the right."
"Thanks," Riz nodded and locked eyes with Jess. There was a mutual understanding between the two and Riz went off in search of Rory. Lorelai was still glaring at Jess and he knew that she knew it was his fault of Rory's sudden setback in her mood.
"You can stop by to see Riz whenever you want," Lorelai told him sternly.
"Gee Miss Gilmore thanks," Jess said sarcastically.
"Just stay away from my daughter," Lorelai continued, "I think she's had enough hurt already." Jess back out of the doorway and Lorelai shut the door. Sighing inwardly Jess went on his way to return to the diner.
Rory sat in her room trying to read, but she couldn't concentrate on the words. Try as she may she just couldn't focus. She heaved a sigh and dropped the book on her bureau. When she turned around she noticed Riz standing in the doorway leaning against its frame. Rory smiled slightly, "Come on in." Riz remained quiet but entered the room. Lorelai joined them a few seconds later back in cheerful mode with a cup of coffee in her hands.
"Alright, here's the plan," she began, "Rory's going to bunk up with me and Riz you can stay here. Riz shrugged and Rory sighed. "The air in here is so depressing! Come girls lighten up." Rory stood up.
"I'm going to see Lane," she announced and then turned to Riz, "You can borrow a book or something if you want. They're all either on the shelf, in a drawer or under my bed." Riz nodded affirmative and watched Rory go.
She walked over to Lane's slowly taking the long way around to avoid the market, Luke's and Dean's house. Finally she got to the antique store and pulled open the door. "Lane!" she called out.
"Rory!" Lane exclaimed and tumbled down the stairs, "I've been waiting to see you!"
"It's been too long," the two girls embraced. Mrs. Kim poked her head into the room.
"Lane," she yelled, "What is all that racket. You're scaring away the customers."
"Sorry Mama," Lane apologized and turned back to Rory, "Let's go up to my room." Rory nodded and followed Lane up the stairs. The two entered the closet and sat down.
"How's everything?" Rory asked sitting down in the highly decorated closet.
"Good," Lane replied, "I spoke to Dean yesterday."
"Oh."
"Yeah and I'm just wondering if you hit your head," Lane went on, "Because if I remember correctly Dean was the perfect boyfriend."
"Yeah," Rory nodded, "its just things happened to change all that. I don't love him like he deserves."
"Right," Lane nodded, "Does this have anything to do with Jess?"
"Well, kind of," Rory confessed, "I kissed him at the wedding and since them I've been questioning my relationship with Dean. Something in Washington happened to help come to my decision to break up."
"You kissed Jess at Sookie's wedding!" Lane exclaimed in surprise. Rory nodded. "Oh my god!"
"I know," Rory sighed, "And now I find out Jess is in love with this girl named Sarah."
"She's blonde right?" Lane wondered.
"Yeah."
"Alright," Lane nodded slowly, "How do you feel about all that?"
"Not so good," Rory admitted, "I hate seeing him with her."
"You know," Lane, said, "I really liked Dean a lot and I don't know Jess well but I'm totally going to support your decision. I'll even hate Dean if you want."
"Thanks," Rory smiled at her best friends, "What's new with you?"
"Well," Lane began in a hushed tone, "I've been practicing my drums a lot lately and I think I'm getting good at it."
"Well, I'm going to have to come hear you play," Rory nodded her head in approval.
"It gets a lot better though," Lane went on, "There's this really cute guy in a band I'm thinking about joining."
"Really," Rory said slyly, "Well I think it's about time you've found someone."
"He's really nice and sweet and he plays the guitar," Lane spoke excitedly.
"Well, good for you," suddenly Rory began feeling a little depressed again, "I better get back home, bye!" Lane waved and Rory left the shop.
Lorelai sat at home. Rory had returned a few minutes ago and was now in the kitchen discussing some book with Riz. She was flicking through the channels when the telephone rang. "Hello?" she said answering it.
"Lorelai," Emily Gilmore's voice filled the other end.
"Mom," Lorelai said deflated, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Well, Rory returned home Monday am I correct?" Emily asked.
"Yes, I believe you are," Lorelai replied.
"Well, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind joining us tomorrow for dinner," Emily went on, "I mean we haven't seen Rory in six weeks."
"But tomorrow isn't Friday," Lorelai objected.
"We know," Emily stated, "But it's been so long since we've seen either of you."
"Couldn't you wait for Friday?" Lorelai wondered.
"No."
"But."
"No buts Lorelai we'll see you at 6:00 tomorrow," and with that she hung up. Lorelai stared at the phone in shock. She couldn't believe her mother sometimes.
"Rory!" she shouted. Rory and Riz both appeared at the door wondering what was going on.
"Mom, what's wrong?"
"Well," Lorelai began, "That was you grandmother on the phone and just that alone is a bad sign."
"What did she want?" Rory asked.
"Well, she demanded that we be there tomorrow for supper," Lorelai explained.
"But it's not Friday," Rory pointed out.
"I know!" Lorelai exclaimed, "And now we have to. Oh! I have an idea!"
"What?" Rory was on guard right away.
"Riz can come with us!" Lorelai smiled, "She could keep me entertained and keep my parents away from the topic of your dad."
"No, Riz does not want to go to dinner," Rory shook her head.
"Why not?" Lorelai whined, "It could be fun! We could make up a whole story like 'Hi mom, this is my other daughter who I had with Harley man and have hid from you all these years.' Doesn't it sound like fun?"
"You're crazy," Rory rolled her eyes.
"I know, but please?" Lorelai begged, "I mean what else is she going to do? This town is small and closes at six anyway and Jess is going to be stuck to." Lorelai stopped her self.
"You'd really bring someone outside of the family to grandma and grandpa's house and put them through that 'torture' as you call it?" Rory wondered ignoring her mother's comment about Jess.
"Hey, she's tough," Lorelai, said, "She can handle the wrath of Emily Gilmore." Riz watched them talk amused. These two were crazy all right. She rather enjoyed their small talk and bantering. Riz snuck a look at Rory who looked pretty normal. She was pretty good at hiding her hurt. These infamous dinners sounded like a laugh and it was true she had nothing better to do.
"I'll go," she cut them off.
"Are you crazy?" Lorelai suddenly said, "You're stepping into a death trap!" Riz looked at Lorelai confused.
The next night they were ready to leave. Lorelai and Rory had dressed Riz up so she looked decent for dinner with Emily and Richard Gilmore. She was wearing jeans and a white sleeveless button down shirt borrowed from Lorelai, her hair was down and they were all ready. Riz looked herself up and down in the mirror. This was something she never would normally wear, but for one night she could pretend.
They stopped for coffee at Luke's and Lorelai was forced to go in and dragged Riz with her. Luke was at the counted and Jess was cleaning off tables. He looked up when they entered and coughed when he saw Riz. Riz glanced over at him. They established eye contact and what was silently said between the two was unknown to anyone but them. When she arrived at the counter Luke and Lorelai were in the middle of a fight over coffee, Luke stopped when Riz approached. "Wait a second," he said, "Where are you guys going."
"To hell," Lorelai replied. Luke looked at her questionably. "Emily and Richard's"
"It's not Friday," he grunted, "and why is she going?"
"Hey, she's staying with us so it's only fair I drag her along," Lorelai explained.
"Good luck," Luke said to Riz.
"Are you insinuating that my parents are that bad?" Lorelai asked.
"You say so yourself," Luke pointed out handing her the coffee. Lorelai took it and handed Riz a two of the cups.
"That's right," she said as if she just remembered, "In that case I wish you good luck too kid because with my parent's you'll need it." Riz stayed behind a second to talk to Jess.
"You're crazy," he muttered.
"So they tell me," She said, "What'd you do about Blondie?"
"Nothing." Riz looked at him as he walked away and left to join Rory and Lorelai wondering if maybe she'd made the right decision even coming here to find Jess.
They knocked on the door and the same maid that had been there six weeks ago answered. "Mrs. Gilmore is waiting for you in the dining room," she said, "She asked me to give you the message that Mr. Gilmore is sorry he couldn't make it he got called away on business."
"Thank you," Lorelai said a bit shocked. They entered the dining room to find Emily sitting in her usual place. She welcomed Rory back and replayed the maid's message to them about Richard not being able to make it.
"Who's this?" Emily finally acknowledged Riz's presence.
"Charisma Loraino," Lorelai introduced her, "A friend of Rory's whose staying with us for a little while."
"Florence please set another place at the table," Emily said. The maid nodded and went right to it and Emily turned back to Riz. "Well, Charisma you said. That's a very unique name. How did you and Rory meet?"
"Through Jess Mariano," Riz replied not knowing what she was getting herself into.
"The Jess that broke Rory's arm that Jess?" Emily wanted to know. Lorelai nodded. "How could you allow Rory to remain friends with him after what happened and then house one of his friends?"
"Riz was in trouble and she came to Jess for help," Lorelai defended, "Luke had no room for her so I offered that she could stay here. I, also do not tell Rory who and who she cannot associate with. I admit I don't like him, but Rory sees something there."
"Don't you see that you're endangering her by letting her be around him?" Emily shouted.
"Hey, grandma I see Florence is still around," Rory changed the topic quickly.
"Well, your grandfather accused me of not being able to keep a maid," Emily said calmer.
"Have you ever really liked any of them?" Lorelai wondered.
"One, when you about five," Emily admitted.
"Which one?" Lorelai pressured.
"Anita."
"Then why'd you fire her mom?" Lorelai's voice was softer now.
"You were getting too attached," Emily, said, "I didn't think it was healthy for you." Lorelai bit her lip. She remembered Anita. She had been the only person Lorelai ever really liked before Christopher came along. She had been very picky with whom she chose to be friends with. Emily saw that Lorelai was touchy about this conversation so she turned to Riz.
"How long have you known Jess?" she asked.
"Forever," Riz replied.
"Don't you think he's a bad influence?" Emily continued.
"Oh yeah," Riz was being sarcastic now; "He's a real bad apple."
"How old are you?" Emily continued to interrogate.
"15," Riz answered.
"And your parents allow you to run around with that dangerous boy?" Lorelai and Rory shared a look. This was really going to be a long night.
"Well, gee I didn't think they'd care," Riz replied, "I should probably ask them about that." Emily was baffled by this girl's attitude. Lorelai was instantly amused. After Emily had asked all questions she had wanted and gotten all of Riz's witty remarks she changed the subject.
"So, Rory how's that wonderful boyfriend of yours?" Riz took another bit of her meal, Lorelai cleared her throat and Rory stared down at her plate. Finally Lorelai spoke up.
"Well, look at the time we better get going." All three of them quickly got out of their chairs and hurriedly left the mansion.
Later that night they returned home. Lorelai was worshipping Riz for being able to hold her own against Emily Gilmore and was making plans to take her over to the Inn and see what happened when she put her against Michel. Rory just shook her head. Riz's attitude reminded her so much of Jess.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Okay, the stuff about the maid is just based on spoilers that I wasn't supposed to read but hey it's an addiction and it was too good not to use (and spoilers aren't always true). Also, the maid I mentioned, Anita, was from my other story 'Before it All'. Anyway that's about it. Next chapter I'm going to just skip until two days before school starts just for the hell of it. Bye and thanks for reading.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~