Ch 15 The Birthday Girl
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you," Lorelai sang, "Happy Birthday mycoffeeobsessedsleepingdaughter, happy birthday to you!"
"Real original mom," Rory groaned waking up.
"Honey, it's your birthday!" Lorelai exclaimed, "Get up!"
"I need coffee," Rory muttered.
"You're getting more and more like me every year," Lorelai smiled proudly.
"Poor Luke," Rory laughed, "Both of us haggling him for coffee. Except one of us has a crush on him."
"EW! Rory!" Lorelai pretended to look disgusted.
"I'm not talking about me!"
"Okay, how many times do I have to tell you?" Lorelai scolded.
"Right, it's not a crush you're in love," Rory laughed and raced to the bathroom before Lorelai could say anything.
"I am not in love with Luke!" Lorelai protested entering the hall.
"Good to know," a voice behind Lorelai said. Spinning around Lorelai nearly fell but Chris steadied her.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Lorelai asked, still shocked.
"Well, it is Rory's birthday and I haven't been able to get a hold of either of you in eight days," Christopher explained.
"What about Sherry?" Lorelai asked, "And who let you in?"
"Sherry is at home," Chris replied, "and some girl let me in. I have no clue who she was but I think I woke her up. She was a bit grumpy."
"Well, who wouldn't be at five thirty in the morning?" Riz said coming up.
"You let him in without knowing who he was?"
"It's Star's Hollow, the only delinquent we got is Jess," Riz pointed out, "And even I know that Jess wouldn't knock on the door he'd actually break in. He did it numerous times in New York. Besides, the key is in the turtle anyway."
"Right," Lorelai shrugged, "Well, I guess I should introduce you guys. Riz this is Rory's father Christopher. Chris this is Rory and Jess' friend Charisma who's staying with us."
"Nice to meet you," Chris said holding out his hand, "Charisma, that's a strange name."
"Chris, that's a common name," Riz said brushing past, "I'm going to Luke's."
"Delightful isn't she?" Lorelai grinned.
"Highly," Chris watched her go, "So, where's the birthday girl?"
"Getting dressed," Lorelai replied descending the stairs and entering the kitchen, "Damn coffee machine." Lorelai was pressing all the buttons but nothing was happening.
"Mom, you better not break Charley again," Rory entered all dressed in her Chilton uniform. Rory stopped short when she saw Chris standing there.
"Happy Birthday," Chris greeted.
"Dad." Rory said slowly eyeing him closely, "What are you doing here."
"I came to wish you happy birthday," Chris responded.
"A telephone call would've done fine," Rory said coldly, "I'm going to get breakfast." With that Rory left.
"And more and more like me," Lorelai sighed.
Rory entered the diner in a huff and sat next to Riz who was already eating her pancakes. Both Jess and Riz stopped their conversation to look over at Rory. "Quit looking and get me coffee," Rory snapped.
"Alright," Jess held up his hands and went to work. As he was pouring her coffee he leaned in and whispered, "Happy Birthday." A small smile appeared on Rory face as she watched Jess walk back to put the pot down. Luke appeared from the back and set down a tray of pancakes and French toast in front of Rory.
"Happy Birthday," he said uncomfortably.
"Thanks Luke," Rory's smile broadened but the sadness remained in her eyes.
"What's wrong?" Luke asked. Rory knew that Luke had seen the sadness he was trying to desperately to hide, they all had.
"My dad's in town," Rory replied, "When we woke up this morning he was there."
Riz murmured to Jess, "I knew this would come back to bite me in the ass."
"What do you mean?" Jess asked.
"I kind of let him in the house," Riz confessed, "It's was five-thirty and I only fell asleep at three. Seriously who knocks on a door at that time of day?"
"Understandable," Jess said refilling her cup, "I've seen you at five thirty in the morning after you get two hours of sleep. It isn't pretty." Riz just glared at Jess.
The four of them said a few words while Jess and Luke scurried around now and then serving the other customers. Rory seemed to have brightened up a bit with the pancakes and coffee. Finishing up her second cup Rory got a third to go and picked up her bag. "I'm going to get a head start to the bus stop," Rory informed them, "I can read a little before it arrives."
"Breakfast is on the house," Luke told her.
"Thanks Luke," Rory smiled appreciatively and began off. She ran into Lorelai and Chris walking into the diner. Her mother didn't look all too happy but perked up when she saw Rory.
"My saviour!" she whispered.
"Sorry mom, school." Lorelai scowled as her daughter walked off. Chris had decided that he would join her for breakfast so that they could have a chance to discuss what was on his mind. They entered the diner and sat down at the usual table. Lorelai called for some coffee and Luke delivered it to her and took down their order not forgetting to give Chris an angry look.
"I'm not too popular around here am I?" Chris wondered.
"Depends on who you're talking about," Lorelai replied taking a gulp of the wonderful cup of Luke's coffee.
"Well," Chris began, "There's Luke and that other guy behind the counter."
"Jess?" Lorelai asked, "That little punk doesn't like anyone."
"Wait a second," a light bulb went off in Chris' head at the name Jess, "That's the little punk that hurt our daughter's arm? Why I ought to."
"Whoa there soldier," Lorelai grabbed Chris' arm without thinking, "As much as I'd like to see you rough Jess up a little Rory would never forgive you. She really likes that guy."
"What about Dean."
"You've been away too long," Lorelai shook her head; "Dean and Rory broke up. Now, back to business because I really don't want you to be here when you've clearly made you choice and I've got things to do. So, just tell me why you came all the way out here on a work day when you could've called."
"I don't know if I'm making the right choice," Chris confided.
"Don't do this," Lorelai warned, "I gave you the option of working a long distance relationship and you refused. So, don't come here telling me you've reconsidered after not long ago you said you were getting married. I can't handle this and neither can Rory."
"Lor, I don't love Sherry, I love you."
"Chris, please, please leave before this gets any worse," Lorelai begged, "We gave this a shot and now Sherry is pregnant. Rory was disappointed enough after you first left I can't go and do this to her again." Chris nodded and kissed her goodbye before walking out of the diner and out of Star's Hollow for a long, long time. Lorelai watched him go. The sadness hung in her heart but she knew she had done the right thing. She had hoped all her life for the chance of her and Chris but now it was time to move on and go on to other possibilities. Lorelai glanced at Luke and wondered if there ever might be a chance for the two of them to work out once she got over Chris.
Madeline and Louis wished Rory happy birthday the minute they saw her. Other students wondered whether she was having another birthday party. That day at lunch though Paris came up and sat at her table and wished her happy birthday. "Thanks," Rory responded. Paris, having obviously accomplished what she was out to do began to leave. "Paris!" Rory called after her and Paris turned around, "My mom's having this party tonight and I was wondering if maybe you'd like to come."
"It's a school night," Paris remarked.
"Yeah but knowing my mother's parties Taylor will probably shut it down around eleven," Rory explained, "And if you felt like it you could stay over. Although, you'd have to sleep on the couch because Riz is in my room and I'm staying with my mother but it should be fun."
"I don't know," Paris said slowly, "I'll have to call home and check."
"Alright," Rory nodded, "Let me know tonight before I leave."
Things were settled and Paris confirmed that she would be allowed to stay. Rory called her mother to let her know that tonight they would have Paris and her mother groaned, "Haven't you had enough of Paris?"
"Mom," Rory told the phone, "Be nice. I even told Paris to call Jamie and invite him so they could have some time together. He agreed to drive down so Paris is going to be happy Paris and besides don't you want to see the guy who's crazy enough to date her."
"Alright," Lorelai sighed into the receiver, "For you my birthday girl I'll do anything."
"Bye mom," Rory hung up the phone and wondered what her mother had done with her father and whether he would still be around. The drive to Stars Hollow was a quiet one and Paris didn't even bring up anything about what they were going to do for Chilton next. They arrived at the Gilmore residence to find Riz outside on the porch swing.
"Thank god!" Riz sprung off the swing, "You've got a key right?"
"What about the one under the turtle?" Rory asked.
"I used it this morning at lunch and forgot to put it back," Riz confessed.
"I've got a key," Rory said unlocking the door, "By the way Riz, this is Paris and vice versa." Riz nodded in acknowledgement and followed them into the house. Grabbing a book and the key off the coffee table she headed back out.
"I just needed to bring this to Jess," Riz held up the book to show Rory, "I borrowed it from him the other day and should bring it back." Rory shrugged and watched her go while she and Paris moved into the kitchen to start their homework.
"I need to go to Luke's," Rory groaned halfway through, "I need coffee."
"You've got a coffee-maker right there," Paris pointed out.
"My coffee isn't as good as Luke's," Rory explained, "Come on we'll go and take the coffee out."
"Fine," Paris gave in, "But we better finish out work before the party starts and Jamie comes." Rory smiled. Jamie and Paris had been together for quite some time and Paris seemed to glow ever time anyone mentioned his name.
They returned to the house from Luke's with just enough time to finish their work before everyone started to arrive for the party. Both girls shoved their bags into Rory's room or now known as Riz's quarters for as long as she stayed. Jamie was the first one to arrive. "Happy Birthday Rory," he greeted and then turned to Paris giving her a kiss. Paris blushed and Rory smiled. Blushing was something that you usually didn't see Paris Gellar doing. Her mother was in the kitchen and Sookie and Jackson arrived that very second and hurried there.
Emily and Richard were the last ones to arrive. Rory had called them at the beginning of the week to invite them without discussing with her mother beforehand. At first Lorelai had been a little upset when she found out but eventually calmed down and agreed that it was alright seeing as Rory wanted them there. Rory looked around the room at all the guests. Ms. Patty and Babette were in one corner gossiping. Kirk was talking with Taylor and Riz and Jess were nearby plotting something or other. Lane rushed up to Rory just then. "Hey," she greeted.
"Rory, I want you to meet Dave," Lane gushed, "Dave this is my very best friend Rory."
"Nice to meet you," she smiled. Dave was tall and had light brown hair and brown eyes. He smiled at Rory and shook her hand. Then he whispered something to Lane and walked off.
"So?"
"He's really cute," Rory told her friend, "Are you planning on introducing him to your mother?"
"Are you kidding?" Lane asked, "What would my mother think of him. He's not Korean and he plays in a band."
"You play in a band too," Rory pointed out.
"My mother doesn't know that."
"Remember what happened with Henry?"
"That's true," Lane nodded thoughtful, "But my mother will not only ground me but lock me up in the house and maybe even kill him in the process. I like Dave too much to do that to him." Rory nodded and watched Lane rush off to find Dave and began looking around the room again. Paris was talking with her grandfather and then she spotted Luke. Her grandmother was there talking to him and he looked rather uncomfortable. Rory approached the two.
"Hey Luke," Rory said, "I think my mom's looking for you in the kitchen." Luke caught on quickly and nodded.
"Well, I'll go see what she needs," he said getting up, "Nice talking to you Mrs. Gilmore."
"Do you think that was wise?" Emily inquired.
"What?"
"Sending Luke off to you mother like that."
"Grandma I don't think anything's going to happen," Rory proclaimed, "Luke's one of my mom's friends and besides mom is just getting over dad."
"What do you mean?" Emily enquired. Rory hit herself for letting that spill.
"Dad's getting married to Sherry," Rory informed, "She's pregnant and Dad's trying to do the right thing."
"Well then," her grandmother looked a little agitated, "I don't understand why I haven't heard of this before."
"Mom was a bit depressed about it and didn't want to talk," Rory asserted.
"Well, how's that young man you were dating?" Emily quickly changed the subject, "I don't see him any where around."
"We broke up," Rory sighed quietly, "I, um, I'll be right back." Rory moved towards the front door and sat outside on the porch and sighed. This whole day seemed quite long. A minute or so later Jess came and joined her.
"Great party you've got going on."
"Yeah," Rory murmured, "Where'd Riz go?"
"When I left her she was talking to your grandmother," Jess replied.
"You should go back in there," Rory advised, "Riz has a tendency of shocking Emily Gilmore with her witty remarks."
"Well, she learnt from the best."
"I'll bet." Lorelai then appeared in the doorway.
"Rory, honey can you come in Sookie wants to bring out the cake," Lorelai grinned, "It's filled with coffee goodness and for those who don't like coffee the other half is chocolate." Rory jumped off the swing and turned to Jess. He nodded and followed her in. Mostly everyone around sang and Rory blew out her eighteen candles and cut the cake. Almost immediately after the cake and gifts her grandparents decided to go. "We'll see you on Friday," Emily demanded as they were going out the door, "Happy Birthday Rory."
"Well, that was a record," Lorelai sighed, "They stayed longer than last time but still left upset."
"Well I kind of let slip about dad," Rory informed.
"You didn't." Rory told her mother that indeed she did. The party last a little longer and soon everyone had left except Paris, Jamie, Lane and Dave.
"Well, I better get Lane home," Dave said getting off the couch, "Nice meeting you Rory and happy birthday."
"I'll see you tomorrow," Lane assured her.
"Bye!" Rory waved.
"I better go too," Jamie articulated, "It'll take me a while to get back to Hartford. Paris you sure you don't want a lift home?"
"I probably should," Paris got up, "I have some things I need for tomorrow. Bye Rory." Then they were all gone and Lorelai, Rory and Riz looked at each other. They were still wired and there was no way they were getting any sleep for another hour or so.
"I'm going to read," Riz declared leaving the room and the two Gilmore girls.
"What happened to dad?" Rory asked once Riz was gone.
"He went home this morning," Lorelai explained, "He told me he didn't know if he was making the right choice and I told him I couldn't do this and told him to leave."
"Wow."
"Yeah, I also stopped him from roughing Jess up. He would've done it too I'm sure."
"I'm surprised you didn't let him."
"Would you have forgiven me if I hadn't?"
"Not for a while."
"I figured and I really want you to talk to me so I stopped him."
"Thanks."
"No problem. Now, if I'm not mistaken you have Chilton to go to tomorrow. So force yourself to sleep if you have to."
"What about you?" Rory solicited.
"Me?" Lorelai shrugged, "I've got things to think about."
"Well don't think to hard," Rory warned, "And don't stay up tonight."
"Yes mother," Lorelai laughed, "Good night angel."
"Good night mom."
"And then there was one," Lorelai whispered to herself when Rory left. She smiled to herself and thought back to eighteen years ago when she was sixteen holding her new born baby girl Lorelai Leigh Gilmore the third, Rory, her little angel.
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A/N: Well, this is officially my longest chapter. I had a really hard time writing this chapter so I hope the final outcome is good and I won't hate myself for posting this. The chapter did run a little longer than I expected it too when I first set out to write about Rory's eighteenth birthday. So, please review if you liked it and review if you didn't and tell me what you didn't like so I can edit it and fix it up to make it better because I'm looking to please you guys. So, in order for you to be happy you need to tell me what you want. Review! Please!
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"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you," Lorelai sang, "Happy Birthday mycoffeeobsessedsleepingdaughter, happy birthday to you!"
"Real original mom," Rory groaned waking up.
"Honey, it's your birthday!" Lorelai exclaimed, "Get up!"
"I need coffee," Rory muttered.
"You're getting more and more like me every year," Lorelai smiled proudly.
"Poor Luke," Rory laughed, "Both of us haggling him for coffee. Except one of us has a crush on him."
"EW! Rory!" Lorelai pretended to look disgusted.
"I'm not talking about me!"
"Okay, how many times do I have to tell you?" Lorelai scolded.
"Right, it's not a crush you're in love," Rory laughed and raced to the bathroom before Lorelai could say anything.
"I am not in love with Luke!" Lorelai protested entering the hall.
"Good to know," a voice behind Lorelai said. Spinning around Lorelai nearly fell but Chris steadied her.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Lorelai asked, still shocked.
"Well, it is Rory's birthday and I haven't been able to get a hold of either of you in eight days," Christopher explained.
"What about Sherry?" Lorelai asked, "And who let you in?"
"Sherry is at home," Chris replied, "and some girl let me in. I have no clue who she was but I think I woke her up. She was a bit grumpy."
"Well, who wouldn't be at five thirty in the morning?" Riz said coming up.
"You let him in without knowing who he was?"
"It's Star's Hollow, the only delinquent we got is Jess," Riz pointed out, "And even I know that Jess wouldn't knock on the door he'd actually break in. He did it numerous times in New York. Besides, the key is in the turtle anyway."
"Right," Lorelai shrugged, "Well, I guess I should introduce you guys. Riz this is Rory's father Christopher. Chris this is Rory and Jess' friend Charisma who's staying with us."
"Nice to meet you," Chris said holding out his hand, "Charisma, that's a strange name."
"Chris, that's a common name," Riz said brushing past, "I'm going to Luke's."
"Delightful isn't she?" Lorelai grinned.
"Highly," Chris watched her go, "So, where's the birthday girl?"
"Getting dressed," Lorelai replied descending the stairs and entering the kitchen, "Damn coffee machine." Lorelai was pressing all the buttons but nothing was happening.
"Mom, you better not break Charley again," Rory entered all dressed in her Chilton uniform. Rory stopped short when she saw Chris standing there.
"Happy Birthday," Chris greeted.
"Dad." Rory said slowly eyeing him closely, "What are you doing here."
"I came to wish you happy birthday," Chris responded.
"A telephone call would've done fine," Rory said coldly, "I'm going to get breakfast." With that Rory left.
"And more and more like me," Lorelai sighed.
Rory entered the diner in a huff and sat next to Riz who was already eating her pancakes. Both Jess and Riz stopped their conversation to look over at Rory. "Quit looking and get me coffee," Rory snapped.
"Alright," Jess held up his hands and went to work. As he was pouring her coffee he leaned in and whispered, "Happy Birthday." A small smile appeared on Rory face as she watched Jess walk back to put the pot down. Luke appeared from the back and set down a tray of pancakes and French toast in front of Rory.
"Happy Birthday," he said uncomfortably.
"Thanks Luke," Rory's smile broadened but the sadness remained in her eyes.
"What's wrong?" Luke asked. Rory knew that Luke had seen the sadness he was trying to desperately to hide, they all had.
"My dad's in town," Rory replied, "When we woke up this morning he was there."
Riz murmured to Jess, "I knew this would come back to bite me in the ass."
"What do you mean?" Jess asked.
"I kind of let him in the house," Riz confessed, "It's was five-thirty and I only fell asleep at three. Seriously who knocks on a door at that time of day?"
"Understandable," Jess said refilling her cup, "I've seen you at five thirty in the morning after you get two hours of sleep. It isn't pretty." Riz just glared at Jess.
The four of them said a few words while Jess and Luke scurried around now and then serving the other customers. Rory seemed to have brightened up a bit with the pancakes and coffee. Finishing up her second cup Rory got a third to go and picked up her bag. "I'm going to get a head start to the bus stop," Rory informed them, "I can read a little before it arrives."
"Breakfast is on the house," Luke told her.
"Thanks Luke," Rory smiled appreciatively and began off. She ran into Lorelai and Chris walking into the diner. Her mother didn't look all too happy but perked up when she saw Rory.
"My saviour!" she whispered.
"Sorry mom, school." Lorelai scowled as her daughter walked off. Chris had decided that he would join her for breakfast so that they could have a chance to discuss what was on his mind. They entered the diner and sat down at the usual table. Lorelai called for some coffee and Luke delivered it to her and took down their order not forgetting to give Chris an angry look.
"I'm not too popular around here am I?" Chris wondered.
"Depends on who you're talking about," Lorelai replied taking a gulp of the wonderful cup of Luke's coffee.
"Well," Chris began, "There's Luke and that other guy behind the counter."
"Jess?" Lorelai asked, "That little punk doesn't like anyone."
"Wait a second," a light bulb went off in Chris' head at the name Jess, "That's the little punk that hurt our daughter's arm? Why I ought to."
"Whoa there soldier," Lorelai grabbed Chris' arm without thinking, "As much as I'd like to see you rough Jess up a little Rory would never forgive you. She really likes that guy."
"What about Dean."
"You've been away too long," Lorelai shook her head; "Dean and Rory broke up. Now, back to business because I really don't want you to be here when you've clearly made you choice and I've got things to do. So, just tell me why you came all the way out here on a work day when you could've called."
"I don't know if I'm making the right choice," Chris confided.
"Don't do this," Lorelai warned, "I gave you the option of working a long distance relationship and you refused. So, don't come here telling me you've reconsidered after not long ago you said you were getting married. I can't handle this and neither can Rory."
"Lor, I don't love Sherry, I love you."
"Chris, please, please leave before this gets any worse," Lorelai begged, "We gave this a shot and now Sherry is pregnant. Rory was disappointed enough after you first left I can't go and do this to her again." Chris nodded and kissed her goodbye before walking out of the diner and out of Star's Hollow for a long, long time. Lorelai watched him go. The sadness hung in her heart but she knew she had done the right thing. She had hoped all her life for the chance of her and Chris but now it was time to move on and go on to other possibilities. Lorelai glanced at Luke and wondered if there ever might be a chance for the two of them to work out once she got over Chris.
Madeline and Louis wished Rory happy birthday the minute they saw her. Other students wondered whether she was having another birthday party. That day at lunch though Paris came up and sat at her table and wished her happy birthday. "Thanks," Rory responded. Paris, having obviously accomplished what she was out to do began to leave. "Paris!" Rory called after her and Paris turned around, "My mom's having this party tonight and I was wondering if maybe you'd like to come."
"It's a school night," Paris remarked.
"Yeah but knowing my mother's parties Taylor will probably shut it down around eleven," Rory explained, "And if you felt like it you could stay over. Although, you'd have to sleep on the couch because Riz is in my room and I'm staying with my mother but it should be fun."
"I don't know," Paris said slowly, "I'll have to call home and check."
"Alright," Rory nodded, "Let me know tonight before I leave."
Things were settled and Paris confirmed that she would be allowed to stay. Rory called her mother to let her know that tonight they would have Paris and her mother groaned, "Haven't you had enough of Paris?"
"Mom," Rory told the phone, "Be nice. I even told Paris to call Jamie and invite him so they could have some time together. He agreed to drive down so Paris is going to be happy Paris and besides don't you want to see the guy who's crazy enough to date her."
"Alright," Lorelai sighed into the receiver, "For you my birthday girl I'll do anything."
"Bye mom," Rory hung up the phone and wondered what her mother had done with her father and whether he would still be around. The drive to Stars Hollow was a quiet one and Paris didn't even bring up anything about what they were going to do for Chilton next. They arrived at the Gilmore residence to find Riz outside on the porch swing.
"Thank god!" Riz sprung off the swing, "You've got a key right?"
"What about the one under the turtle?" Rory asked.
"I used it this morning at lunch and forgot to put it back," Riz confessed.
"I've got a key," Rory said unlocking the door, "By the way Riz, this is Paris and vice versa." Riz nodded in acknowledgement and followed them into the house. Grabbing a book and the key off the coffee table she headed back out.
"I just needed to bring this to Jess," Riz held up the book to show Rory, "I borrowed it from him the other day and should bring it back." Rory shrugged and watched her go while she and Paris moved into the kitchen to start their homework.
"I need to go to Luke's," Rory groaned halfway through, "I need coffee."
"You've got a coffee-maker right there," Paris pointed out.
"My coffee isn't as good as Luke's," Rory explained, "Come on we'll go and take the coffee out."
"Fine," Paris gave in, "But we better finish out work before the party starts and Jamie comes." Rory smiled. Jamie and Paris had been together for quite some time and Paris seemed to glow ever time anyone mentioned his name.
They returned to the house from Luke's with just enough time to finish their work before everyone started to arrive for the party. Both girls shoved their bags into Rory's room or now known as Riz's quarters for as long as she stayed. Jamie was the first one to arrive. "Happy Birthday Rory," he greeted and then turned to Paris giving her a kiss. Paris blushed and Rory smiled. Blushing was something that you usually didn't see Paris Gellar doing. Her mother was in the kitchen and Sookie and Jackson arrived that very second and hurried there.
Emily and Richard were the last ones to arrive. Rory had called them at the beginning of the week to invite them without discussing with her mother beforehand. At first Lorelai had been a little upset when she found out but eventually calmed down and agreed that it was alright seeing as Rory wanted them there. Rory looked around the room at all the guests. Ms. Patty and Babette were in one corner gossiping. Kirk was talking with Taylor and Riz and Jess were nearby plotting something or other. Lane rushed up to Rory just then. "Hey," she greeted.
"Rory, I want you to meet Dave," Lane gushed, "Dave this is my very best friend Rory."
"Nice to meet you," she smiled. Dave was tall and had light brown hair and brown eyes. He smiled at Rory and shook her hand. Then he whispered something to Lane and walked off.
"So?"
"He's really cute," Rory told her friend, "Are you planning on introducing him to your mother?"
"Are you kidding?" Lane asked, "What would my mother think of him. He's not Korean and he plays in a band."
"You play in a band too," Rory pointed out.
"My mother doesn't know that."
"Remember what happened with Henry?"
"That's true," Lane nodded thoughtful, "But my mother will not only ground me but lock me up in the house and maybe even kill him in the process. I like Dave too much to do that to him." Rory nodded and watched Lane rush off to find Dave and began looking around the room again. Paris was talking with her grandfather and then she spotted Luke. Her grandmother was there talking to him and he looked rather uncomfortable. Rory approached the two.
"Hey Luke," Rory said, "I think my mom's looking for you in the kitchen." Luke caught on quickly and nodded.
"Well, I'll go see what she needs," he said getting up, "Nice talking to you Mrs. Gilmore."
"Do you think that was wise?" Emily inquired.
"What?"
"Sending Luke off to you mother like that."
"Grandma I don't think anything's going to happen," Rory proclaimed, "Luke's one of my mom's friends and besides mom is just getting over dad."
"What do you mean?" Emily enquired. Rory hit herself for letting that spill.
"Dad's getting married to Sherry," Rory informed, "She's pregnant and Dad's trying to do the right thing."
"Well then," her grandmother looked a little agitated, "I don't understand why I haven't heard of this before."
"Mom was a bit depressed about it and didn't want to talk," Rory asserted.
"Well, how's that young man you were dating?" Emily quickly changed the subject, "I don't see him any where around."
"We broke up," Rory sighed quietly, "I, um, I'll be right back." Rory moved towards the front door and sat outside on the porch and sighed. This whole day seemed quite long. A minute or so later Jess came and joined her.
"Great party you've got going on."
"Yeah," Rory murmured, "Where'd Riz go?"
"When I left her she was talking to your grandmother," Jess replied.
"You should go back in there," Rory advised, "Riz has a tendency of shocking Emily Gilmore with her witty remarks."
"Well, she learnt from the best."
"I'll bet." Lorelai then appeared in the doorway.
"Rory, honey can you come in Sookie wants to bring out the cake," Lorelai grinned, "It's filled with coffee goodness and for those who don't like coffee the other half is chocolate." Rory jumped off the swing and turned to Jess. He nodded and followed her in. Mostly everyone around sang and Rory blew out her eighteen candles and cut the cake. Almost immediately after the cake and gifts her grandparents decided to go. "We'll see you on Friday," Emily demanded as they were going out the door, "Happy Birthday Rory."
"Well, that was a record," Lorelai sighed, "They stayed longer than last time but still left upset."
"Well I kind of let slip about dad," Rory informed.
"You didn't." Rory told her mother that indeed she did. The party last a little longer and soon everyone had left except Paris, Jamie, Lane and Dave.
"Well, I better get Lane home," Dave said getting off the couch, "Nice meeting you Rory and happy birthday."
"I'll see you tomorrow," Lane assured her.
"Bye!" Rory waved.
"I better go too," Jamie articulated, "It'll take me a while to get back to Hartford. Paris you sure you don't want a lift home?"
"I probably should," Paris got up, "I have some things I need for tomorrow. Bye Rory." Then they were all gone and Lorelai, Rory and Riz looked at each other. They were still wired and there was no way they were getting any sleep for another hour or so.
"I'm going to read," Riz declared leaving the room and the two Gilmore girls.
"What happened to dad?" Rory asked once Riz was gone.
"He went home this morning," Lorelai explained, "He told me he didn't know if he was making the right choice and I told him I couldn't do this and told him to leave."
"Wow."
"Yeah, I also stopped him from roughing Jess up. He would've done it too I'm sure."
"I'm surprised you didn't let him."
"Would you have forgiven me if I hadn't?"
"Not for a while."
"I figured and I really want you to talk to me so I stopped him."
"Thanks."
"No problem. Now, if I'm not mistaken you have Chilton to go to tomorrow. So force yourself to sleep if you have to."
"What about you?" Rory solicited.
"Me?" Lorelai shrugged, "I've got things to think about."
"Well don't think to hard," Rory warned, "And don't stay up tonight."
"Yes mother," Lorelai laughed, "Good night angel."
"Good night mom."
"And then there was one," Lorelai whispered to herself when Rory left. She smiled to herself and thought back to eighteen years ago when she was sixteen holding her new born baby girl Lorelai Leigh Gilmore the third, Rory, her little angel.
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A/N: Well, this is officially my longest chapter. I had a really hard time writing this chapter so I hope the final outcome is good and I won't hate myself for posting this. The chapter did run a little longer than I expected it too when I first set out to write about Rory's eighteenth birthday. So, please review if you liked it and review if you didn't and tell me what you didn't like so I can edit it and fix it up to make it better because I'm looking to please you guys. So, in order for you to be happy you need to tell me what you want. Review! Please!
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