Ch 21 As they Are
Rory groaned as she shifted her position in her sleep. Breathing in deeply the smell of a something foreign to the Gilmore home filled her nose. It was the smell of freshly made pancakes and coffee, breakfast. Rory opened one eye to make sure she was still in fact at home. Then, slowly she opened the other one. A smile crossed her face when she saw Jess, still sleeping next to her. Stretching Rory got up and looked down at her mother. If they were both still asleep who could was in the kitchen.
Luke flipped a pancake. He had found all the materials he needed to make pancakes, surprisingly enough. Knowing the Lorelai and Rory it was probably for when Sookie came over to cook. As he turned to check on the sleepers he noticed Rory standing at the entrance of the kitchen rubbing sleep from her eyes. "Good morning," he greeted.
"Luke, what are you doing here?" Rory wondered.
"I came looking for... Jess," Luke explained, "Seeing as you two are now... together I decided to check here."
"He was here," Rory nodded disbelieving, "So you made breakfast?"
"And coffee," Luke motioned to the pot, "help yourself to anything you want." Rory smiled.
"Thanks Luke," Rory poured a cup of the luscious liquid and took a sip. Rory bit her lip looking down at her cup trying to hide her secret smile. Luke wanted to make sure her mom was alright after her outburst the night earlier. Maybe it wouldn't be long for them either. Furrowing her eyebrows in thought Rory came up with the perfect idea.
Back in the living room both Jess and Lorelai began to stir. Smelling the food in the air Lorelai and Jess shared a look and then looked over to the place where Rory had fallen asleep the night before. Confusion was evident in Lorelai's expression as both pulled themselves up and curiously entered the kitchen. Seeing Luke cooking and Rory eating answered all the questions in their head. "Wow!" Lorelai exclaimed pouring the coffee, "It's like waking up in Luke's!"
"Speaking of which I better get back there," Luke said placing a plate in front of Lorelai.
"How about Jess and I open it," Rory offered, "You can make sure mom doesn't become tempted to try cooking and burn down the kitchen."
"HEY!" Lorelai exclaimed mouth open in shock, "I wouldn't do such a thing." All three of the others looked at Lorelai with disbelief. "Okay...I would," Lorelai confessed.
"How about it?" Rory asked eagerly. Lorelai looked at her suspiciously as did Jess. Rory threw Jess a look and Jess immediately understood.
"I'll do it Uncle Luke," Jess smirked.
"It's just Luke," Luke warned pointing a finger at Jess, "Fine! Go!" Jess flung his arm around Rory's shoulder as they exited the house.
"Brilliant plan," Jess smirked once outside, "Yet, now we've got to spend all day at the diner."
"I'll be there though," Rory smiled up to him, "Don't worry I'll make it up to you." Jess raised an eyebrow and Rory hit him lightly.
Lorelai sat sipping her coffee and watching Luke clean up after cooking. She smiled slightly, she could get used to this. "Are you sure sending them was a good idea Luke?" Lorelai asked, "They are after all the spectacle of the town now and all."
"You're right I should go," Luke nodded putting the last pot away. Lorelai looked down at her plate hiding a little disappointment. As Luke lifted his coat off the chair Lorelai stood up to follow him.
"I'll come too," Lorelai piped up.
A few minutes later they walked into the diner to find it packed with half the town, again. Rory and Jess were on opposite sides of the diner taking orders and Caesar was in the back, cooking. The town was watching expectantly for something to happen between the two. Lorelai shook her head. This town was crazy. Nothing could ever be left unknown with them around.
Rory looked up and sighed when her mother and Luke walked in. The plan hadn't turned out as well as she'd thought. Glancing over at Jess her smile brightened a bit. Things seemed right at the moment. Everything was at a good place in her life, except the occurrence with Riz. Rory knew that this wasn't the end of her story, but whether or not she, Lorelai and Jess would be involved in the rest of the story was still unknown. Sadness drifted back to her thinking about Riz and her situation.
Jess served yet another full table. Most of these costumers were just ordering as to not look suspicious but in reality Jess knew why they were there. Shaking his head he approached Ms. Patty's table. "Your order?" Jess asked, keeping it simple.
"So, you're dating Rory huh?" was Ms. Patty's reply. Simple doesn't cut it with Ms. Patty.
"Your order," repeated Jess. Ms. Patty sighed knowing Jess was hopeless and ordered eager to see what would happen next.
Lorelai watched Jess closely as she sat at the counter of the diner. Rory was still taking orders from other customers. Her excuse was that there were too many people for just Jess and Luke to handle. Rory threw the pad down in front of her mother drawing Lorelai's attention away from Jess. Lorelai looked her daughter over. A pen was tucked safely behind her ear, her hair was flying all over out of her pony tail and she wore a diner apron. Smiling back at her daughter Lorelai motioned for her to sit down. "We've got to do something about this," Lorelai said as Rory joined her. Rory nodded in agreement. "Maybe we could leave town," Lorelai suggested thinking of the time they left after breaking her engagement to Max. Rory gave her mother a look and shook her head, but then her expression changed.
"I'll be right back," she told her mother. Sliding of the stool Rory approached Jess at the table her was now serving and motioned for him to follow her. Jess did as he was told. When they arrived at the counter Rory called out for Luke who also joined them. "Alright," Rory was whispering so only they could here, "Does Luke know about Riz?"
"No," Jess shook his head. Luke looked at the three of them puzzled.
"Know what?" he asked.
"She's pregnant," Lorelai explained quickly and as quietly as possible.
"Anyway," Rory continued, "We've got to do something. I mean she's fifteen and I know mom did it on her own and all but Riz is a bit different." Jess nodded in agreement.
"What can we do?" Luke wondered.
"Look for her," Rory explained, "Riz didn't have much money, right? Jess, do you think she went back to New York?"
"Don't know," Jess replied.
"Well we can check New York and Boston for starters," Lorelai suggested, "Then If we don't find her we've narrowed it down to the other 49 states."
"The only two buses leaving from Hartford were going to Boston and New York," Jess mumbled. He knew, he had called the station and checked.
"So, Jess and I will go to New York," Rory offered up, "and Mom and Luke to Boston. Jess knows all the places she would go and I've already been mistaken for a local so we'll do fine on our own. Mom, you've been to Boston so you and Luke should have no problem."
"I don't know," Lorelai was unsure. Did she really trust Jess to be alone with Rory for a night together in New York? She bit her lip in thought. Though, a weekend alone with Luke wasn't a bad idea. Looking over to Luke to see if maybe she could get something from him Lorelai saw both worry and hope at the same time. She could trust Rory to be safe and not sleep with Jess, especially when they were worry about a pregnant Riz.
"If you guys go to New York," Luke broke the silence, "You're staying with Liz." Jess remained indifferent to the news. He knew that was coming anyway and a trip to New York alone with Rory was appealing. Plus, he needed to talk to Riz
"Alright," Lorelai gave in. Then the fact that she was traveling to Boston with Luke hit her. Not only was she going to be alone with Luke at all times but they might also run into Christopher. Lorelai closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"I'll close the diner in an hour," Luke conferred. Rory, Lorelai and Jess all gave a final nod and went back to business as if nothing had just happened. The town watched, confused and curious as to what had just happened.
Rory picked up a full plate to deliver it the table who had ordered it. She figured she might as well continue to work. The diner had more people than usual this morning and Rory knew why. Luke needed help and Rory was glad to give it. As she placed the plate down on the table her cell phone rang. Rolling her eyes Rory exited the diner respecting Luke's no cell phone policy. Looking at the called idea Rory managed to let out a groan. "Paris," Rory responded slowly.
"We need to have a meeting!" Paris exclaimed.
"Well, hello to you too," Rory laughed.
"Did you here me?" Paris sounded irritated.
"I heard," Rory assured her, "As much as I'd love to though I have to go to New York this afternoon?"
"Why?"
"Well, it's a long story," Rory affirmed, "Riz ran off and she's kind of pregnant and now we're going to find her, me and Jess."
"Okay, well don't leave until I get there," Paris stated.
"Wait, what, why?"
"Well, we need to have that meeting together and you need to go to New York," Paris explained, "You'll just have to do both."
"Can't the meeting wait?" Rory felt disappointment rush through. This was her chance to be alone with Jess, "I mean we're going for the weekend and staying with Jess' mother."
"Don't worry I won't interfere with your search," Paris sighed, "We'll just have our meeting and go our own ways for the day."
"What about Jamie?" Rory wondered, "Aren't you supposed to see him this weekend?"
"Right." Paris paused to think and Rory could guess what was coming.
"Alright, we'll wait," Rory gave in, "but you two better not be late for the bus!" Rory pushed the off button on her phone and re-entered the diner.
"Paris?" Lorelai enquired. At Rory's nod Lorelai rolled her eyes.
"She and Jamie are joining us in New York," Rory informed her mother. Lorelai gave Rory a confused look. She had thought Rory would want to be alone with Jess, but realized Paris had probably wormed herself into it to get more presidency stuff or something done. Lorelai looked up at Jess who was listening in from behind the counter.
"Oh joy," he smirked. Lane burst through the diner then and bounced over to them.
"So, what happened with Riz?" she requested. The three looked to each other once again wondering how to put it into words once again.
Lane knew something was wrong by the look on their face. She crossed her fingers and hoped that nothing terrible had happened. She and Rory locked eyes and being friends for as long as they were a slight understanding passes between the two. Something had happened and they were going to try and fix things. "She's pregnant," Lorelai was the one to finally whisper the response. "Luke and I are going to Boston to find her and they," she motioned to Jess and Rory, "Are going to New York with Paris and Jamie."
"Wow," was the only thing Lane could muster up to say. She hid any sign of sadness or jealousy that she wouldn't be able to go. Lane knew that Paris had weaseled her way into it because of school and Rory was becoming better friends with her but she wanted to go as well. Rory and Jess probably wanted to be alone, she knew that and anyway she had Dave.
"I wish you could come," Rory smiled faltered a little as if she had read Lane's mind. Looking over to her mom for some sort of guidance or answer to their problem. She really did wish Lane could come.
"Your mother wouldn't by any chance buy that you're going to New York with Rory and me to visit the Cathedral there and pray for guidance or something?" Lorelai solicited joking slightly.
"Maybe." Lane sounded distant. Was it possible to trick her mother into letting her go to New York? If it was, was there anyway she could convince Dave to join them. If they did with all six of them looking for Riz in one big city they could probably cover more ground and not only would she get to spend time with Dave without having to sneak around she could also prove to herself that her friendship with Rory wouldn't be affected. "I'll go ask," Lane smiled brightly hoping it would work before bouncing right out again.
There was still a half hour until they had to leave. Rory and Jess sat out by the bridge hoping to get a little break from the crazy townspeople of Stars Hollow and the diner. Lying in Jess' arms silently Rory looked up at him and wondered if it was alright that all these people were joining them now. This trip was about finding Riz though and maybe getting her mother and Luke together by shipping them off to Boston together, alone. Rory knew Riz probably returned to New York, but maybe she figured they would look for her and she didn't want to be found. So, Boston was the only other place to go. It worked out fine though. "We'll cover more ground now," Rory worded, "Paris and Jamie will chip in and if Lane come so will she and Dave."
"It all works out," Jess said for her, "I know. We don't have to stay with Liz now."
Later they stood at the bus stop waiting with their tickets to get on the bus. Her mother and Luke after much argument decided it would be easier to just take a bus. Paris and Jamie were waiting in Hartford for them. Lane and Dave came running towards them, out of breath. Apparently it had taken a lot of convincing for Mrs. Kim to let Lane go. Her mother and Luke waited, not saying a word to each other. Their bus to Hartford pulled in and they all got on each taking their own place. When they arrived in Hartford the bus to Boston was there waiting to leave. Rory hugged her mom and waved to Luke as they got on their bus. "BYE!" Lorelai called out as the bus pulled away.
Rory hugged herself tight and pulled her coat tighter around her as they waited for their bus. Jess wrapped his arms around her which sent confused looks from Paris and Jamie. Lane eagerly explained all the events that had led up to their search for Riz for the benefit of not only Lane and Jamie but for Dave also. Finally, their bus arrived and they got on each couple taking their seats. About halfway there Jess offered to switch with Paris so they could discuss their work, but Paris declined. With the understanding of what was going on for once Paris decided that the school stuff could wait their mission was more important.
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A/N: So, will they find Riz or not? Will Luke and Lorelai get together or are there too many obstacles to overcome? The answers to these questions and more are coming up. This story is longer than I expected it to be, but there is a lot to be said. Please review and send feedback. Thanks.
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Rory groaned as she shifted her position in her sleep. Breathing in deeply the smell of a something foreign to the Gilmore home filled her nose. It was the smell of freshly made pancakes and coffee, breakfast. Rory opened one eye to make sure she was still in fact at home. Then, slowly she opened the other one. A smile crossed her face when she saw Jess, still sleeping next to her. Stretching Rory got up and looked down at her mother. If they were both still asleep who could was in the kitchen.
Luke flipped a pancake. He had found all the materials he needed to make pancakes, surprisingly enough. Knowing the Lorelai and Rory it was probably for when Sookie came over to cook. As he turned to check on the sleepers he noticed Rory standing at the entrance of the kitchen rubbing sleep from her eyes. "Good morning," he greeted.
"Luke, what are you doing here?" Rory wondered.
"I came looking for... Jess," Luke explained, "Seeing as you two are now... together I decided to check here."
"He was here," Rory nodded disbelieving, "So you made breakfast?"
"And coffee," Luke motioned to the pot, "help yourself to anything you want." Rory smiled.
"Thanks Luke," Rory poured a cup of the luscious liquid and took a sip. Rory bit her lip looking down at her cup trying to hide her secret smile. Luke wanted to make sure her mom was alright after her outburst the night earlier. Maybe it wouldn't be long for them either. Furrowing her eyebrows in thought Rory came up with the perfect idea.
Back in the living room both Jess and Lorelai began to stir. Smelling the food in the air Lorelai and Jess shared a look and then looked over to the place where Rory had fallen asleep the night before. Confusion was evident in Lorelai's expression as both pulled themselves up and curiously entered the kitchen. Seeing Luke cooking and Rory eating answered all the questions in their head. "Wow!" Lorelai exclaimed pouring the coffee, "It's like waking up in Luke's!"
"Speaking of which I better get back there," Luke said placing a plate in front of Lorelai.
"How about Jess and I open it," Rory offered, "You can make sure mom doesn't become tempted to try cooking and burn down the kitchen."
"HEY!" Lorelai exclaimed mouth open in shock, "I wouldn't do such a thing." All three of the others looked at Lorelai with disbelief. "Okay...I would," Lorelai confessed.
"How about it?" Rory asked eagerly. Lorelai looked at her suspiciously as did Jess. Rory threw Jess a look and Jess immediately understood.
"I'll do it Uncle Luke," Jess smirked.
"It's just Luke," Luke warned pointing a finger at Jess, "Fine! Go!" Jess flung his arm around Rory's shoulder as they exited the house.
"Brilliant plan," Jess smirked once outside, "Yet, now we've got to spend all day at the diner."
"I'll be there though," Rory smiled up to him, "Don't worry I'll make it up to you." Jess raised an eyebrow and Rory hit him lightly.
Lorelai sat sipping her coffee and watching Luke clean up after cooking. She smiled slightly, she could get used to this. "Are you sure sending them was a good idea Luke?" Lorelai asked, "They are after all the spectacle of the town now and all."
"You're right I should go," Luke nodded putting the last pot away. Lorelai looked down at her plate hiding a little disappointment. As Luke lifted his coat off the chair Lorelai stood up to follow him.
"I'll come too," Lorelai piped up.
A few minutes later they walked into the diner to find it packed with half the town, again. Rory and Jess were on opposite sides of the diner taking orders and Caesar was in the back, cooking. The town was watching expectantly for something to happen between the two. Lorelai shook her head. This town was crazy. Nothing could ever be left unknown with them around.
Rory looked up and sighed when her mother and Luke walked in. The plan hadn't turned out as well as she'd thought. Glancing over at Jess her smile brightened a bit. Things seemed right at the moment. Everything was at a good place in her life, except the occurrence with Riz. Rory knew that this wasn't the end of her story, but whether or not she, Lorelai and Jess would be involved in the rest of the story was still unknown. Sadness drifted back to her thinking about Riz and her situation.
Jess served yet another full table. Most of these costumers were just ordering as to not look suspicious but in reality Jess knew why they were there. Shaking his head he approached Ms. Patty's table. "Your order?" Jess asked, keeping it simple.
"So, you're dating Rory huh?" was Ms. Patty's reply. Simple doesn't cut it with Ms. Patty.
"Your order," repeated Jess. Ms. Patty sighed knowing Jess was hopeless and ordered eager to see what would happen next.
Lorelai watched Jess closely as she sat at the counter of the diner. Rory was still taking orders from other customers. Her excuse was that there were too many people for just Jess and Luke to handle. Rory threw the pad down in front of her mother drawing Lorelai's attention away from Jess. Lorelai looked her daughter over. A pen was tucked safely behind her ear, her hair was flying all over out of her pony tail and she wore a diner apron. Smiling back at her daughter Lorelai motioned for her to sit down. "We've got to do something about this," Lorelai said as Rory joined her. Rory nodded in agreement. "Maybe we could leave town," Lorelai suggested thinking of the time they left after breaking her engagement to Max. Rory gave her mother a look and shook her head, but then her expression changed.
"I'll be right back," she told her mother. Sliding of the stool Rory approached Jess at the table her was now serving and motioned for him to follow her. Jess did as he was told. When they arrived at the counter Rory called out for Luke who also joined them. "Alright," Rory was whispering so only they could here, "Does Luke know about Riz?"
"No," Jess shook his head. Luke looked at the three of them puzzled.
"Know what?" he asked.
"She's pregnant," Lorelai explained quickly and as quietly as possible.
"Anyway," Rory continued, "We've got to do something. I mean she's fifteen and I know mom did it on her own and all but Riz is a bit different." Jess nodded in agreement.
"What can we do?" Luke wondered.
"Look for her," Rory explained, "Riz didn't have much money, right? Jess, do you think she went back to New York?"
"Don't know," Jess replied.
"Well we can check New York and Boston for starters," Lorelai suggested, "Then If we don't find her we've narrowed it down to the other 49 states."
"The only two buses leaving from Hartford were going to Boston and New York," Jess mumbled. He knew, he had called the station and checked.
"So, Jess and I will go to New York," Rory offered up, "and Mom and Luke to Boston. Jess knows all the places she would go and I've already been mistaken for a local so we'll do fine on our own. Mom, you've been to Boston so you and Luke should have no problem."
"I don't know," Lorelai was unsure. Did she really trust Jess to be alone with Rory for a night together in New York? She bit her lip in thought. Though, a weekend alone with Luke wasn't a bad idea. Looking over to Luke to see if maybe she could get something from him Lorelai saw both worry and hope at the same time. She could trust Rory to be safe and not sleep with Jess, especially when they were worry about a pregnant Riz.
"If you guys go to New York," Luke broke the silence, "You're staying with Liz." Jess remained indifferent to the news. He knew that was coming anyway and a trip to New York alone with Rory was appealing. Plus, he needed to talk to Riz
"Alright," Lorelai gave in. Then the fact that she was traveling to Boston with Luke hit her. Not only was she going to be alone with Luke at all times but they might also run into Christopher. Lorelai closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"I'll close the diner in an hour," Luke conferred. Rory, Lorelai and Jess all gave a final nod and went back to business as if nothing had just happened. The town watched, confused and curious as to what had just happened.
Rory picked up a full plate to deliver it the table who had ordered it. She figured she might as well continue to work. The diner had more people than usual this morning and Rory knew why. Luke needed help and Rory was glad to give it. As she placed the plate down on the table her cell phone rang. Rolling her eyes Rory exited the diner respecting Luke's no cell phone policy. Looking at the called idea Rory managed to let out a groan. "Paris," Rory responded slowly.
"We need to have a meeting!" Paris exclaimed.
"Well, hello to you too," Rory laughed.
"Did you here me?" Paris sounded irritated.
"I heard," Rory assured her, "As much as I'd love to though I have to go to New York this afternoon?"
"Why?"
"Well, it's a long story," Rory affirmed, "Riz ran off and she's kind of pregnant and now we're going to find her, me and Jess."
"Okay, well don't leave until I get there," Paris stated.
"Wait, what, why?"
"Well, we need to have that meeting together and you need to go to New York," Paris explained, "You'll just have to do both."
"Can't the meeting wait?" Rory felt disappointment rush through. This was her chance to be alone with Jess, "I mean we're going for the weekend and staying with Jess' mother."
"Don't worry I won't interfere with your search," Paris sighed, "We'll just have our meeting and go our own ways for the day."
"What about Jamie?" Rory wondered, "Aren't you supposed to see him this weekend?"
"Right." Paris paused to think and Rory could guess what was coming.
"Alright, we'll wait," Rory gave in, "but you two better not be late for the bus!" Rory pushed the off button on her phone and re-entered the diner.
"Paris?" Lorelai enquired. At Rory's nod Lorelai rolled her eyes.
"She and Jamie are joining us in New York," Rory informed her mother. Lorelai gave Rory a confused look. She had thought Rory would want to be alone with Jess, but realized Paris had probably wormed herself into it to get more presidency stuff or something done. Lorelai looked up at Jess who was listening in from behind the counter.
"Oh joy," he smirked. Lane burst through the diner then and bounced over to them.
"So, what happened with Riz?" she requested. The three looked to each other once again wondering how to put it into words once again.
Lane knew something was wrong by the look on their face. She crossed her fingers and hoped that nothing terrible had happened. She and Rory locked eyes and being friends for as long as they were a slight understanding passes between the two. Something had happened and they were going to try and fix things. "She's pregnant," Lorelai was the one to finally whisper the response. "Luke and I are going to Boston to find her and they," she motioned to Jess and Rory, "Are going to New York with Paris and Jamie."
"Wow," was the only thing Lane could muster up to say. She hid any sign of sadness or jealousy that she wouldn't be able to go. Lane knew that Paris had weaseled her way into it because of school and Rory was becoming better friends with her but she wanted to go as well. Rory and Jess probably wanted to be alone, she knew that and anyway she had Dave.
"I wish you could come," Rory smiled faltered a little as if she had read Lane's mind. Looking over to her mom for some sort of guidance or answer to their problem. She really did wish Lane could come.
"Your mother wouldn't by any chance buy that you're going to New York with Rory and me to visit the Cathedral there and pray for guidance or something?" Lorelai solicited joking slightly.
"Maybe." Lane sounded distant. Was it possible to trick her mother into letting her go to New York? If it was, was there anyway she could convince Dave to join them. If they did with all six of them looking for Riz in one big city they could probably cover more ground and not only would she get to spend time with Dave without having to sneak around she could also prove to herself that her friendship with Rory wouldn't be affected. "I'll go ask," Lane smiled brightly hoping it would work before bouncing right out again.
There was still a half hour until they had to leave. Rory and Jess sat out by the bridge hoping to get a little break from the crazy townspeople of Stars Hollow and the diner. Lying in Jess' arms silently Rory looked up at him and wondered if it was alright that all these people were joining them now. This trip was about finding Riz though and maybe getting her mother and Luke together by shipping them off to Boston together, alone. Rory knew Riz probably returned to New York, but maybe she figured they would look for her and she didn't want to be found. So, Boston was the only other place to go. It worked out fine though. "We'll cover more ground now," Rory worded, "Paris and Jamie will chip in and if Lane come so will she and Dave."
"It all works out," Jess said for her, "I know. We don't have to stay with Liz now."
Later they stood at the bus stop waiting with their tickets to get on the bus. Her mother and Luke after much argument decided it would be easier to just take a bus. Paris and Jamie were waiting in Hartford for them. Lane and Dave came running towards them, out of breath. Apparently it had taken a lot of convincing for Mrs. Kim to let Lane go. Her mother and Luke waited, not saying a word to each other. Their bus to Hartford pulled in and they all got on each taking their own place. When they arrived in Hartford the bus to Boston was there waiting to leave. Rory hugged her mom and waved to Luke as they got on their bus. "BYE!" Lorelai called out as the bus pulled away.
Rory hugged herself tight and pulled her coat tighter around her as they waited for their bus. Jess wrapped his arms around her which sent confused looks from Paris and Jamie. Lane eagerly explained all the events that had led up to their search for Riz for the benefit of not only Lane and Jamie but for Dave also. Finally, their bus arrived and they got on each couple taking their seats. About halfway there Jess offered to switch with Paris so they could discuss their work, but Paris declined. With the understanding of what was going on for once Paris decided that the school stuff could wait their mission was more important.
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A/N: So, will they find Riz or not? Will Luke and Lorelai get together or are there too many obstacles to overcome? The answers to these questions and more are coming up. This story is longer than I expected it to be, but there is a lot to be said. Please review and send feedback. Thanks.
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