"Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown"
Chapter Seven: The Flower of my Secret
Author: Gluglug
Spoiler Warning/Timing: Late-Third Season
Rating: PG -13
Disclaimer: Gilmore Girls and all characters are property of The Dubba Dubba Dubba WB, Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions and Amy Sherman- Palladino. They don't belong to me, just borrowing.
Summary: Lorelai goes to the diner for the first time all week. ==================================================================
The following morning, Lorelai woke up at nine, refreshed for the first time in a week. She had been able to sleep through most of the night, although she was still having weird dreams. The most disturbing one was where Rory called her from Yale, told her she was pregnant with twins and didn't know who the father was.
She had taken the medication Dr. Lieberman had prescribed the night before and boy did she need it. Dinner with Emily took its usual toll and Lorelai went right to bed when she got home. Of course she was not about to tell her mother that she was starting therapy or that she had decided to let Rory become a woman.
Lorelai also neglected to tell Rory that she had seen a therapist, too. She has mentioned going to the doctor to get a prescription for her sleep problem, but Lorelai felt weird sharing this news with her daughter. She didn't want Rory to worry about her.
Lorelai got up and went downstairs into the kitchen. Rory was already dressed and drinking her morning coffee.
"My, we are up bright and early on a Saturday."
"Well, I have an appointment with Dr. Lieberman at ten, don't you remember?"
Lorelai turned white. "Dr. Lieberman?"
"Mom, are you okay? It was your idea that I see your gynecologist!"
Oh that Dr. Lieberman. "Oh honey, I forgot all about it. Do you want me to take you?"
"Well, I thought about it, but since I'm about to become a woman, ahem, I thought I should go on my own. It's just a consultation, anyway. I'm not putting my feet in anything that resembles stirrups."
"Well, eventually you will have to face those evil contraptions. So you'll be okay on your own?"
"Sure, Mom. Anyway, I have to get going, they told me to get there early to fill out some paperwork, and yes, I have my insurance card."
"Yeah, that damn paperwork. Make sure you remember the date of your last period. They always want to know that, but in your case I think it's relevant."
"Hey, did you sleep okay?'
"Oh, yes, those pills I got yesterday worked wonders."
"Well just don't get addicted; I don't want to have to visit you in rehab." Rory kissed her mother, grabbed the car keys and walked out the kitchen door.
Lorelai sighed and reached for a coffee mug. She remembered Dr. Lieberman's directive, only one cup or switch to decaf. As much as she hated this advice, she didn't want to stray from her therapy. Well, if she was only allowed one cup, she'd rather it be Luke's coffee than her own.
Lorelai went upstairs to take a shower, got dressed and was about to head out the door. She noticed the blinking light on her answering machine and played the message.
"Hey Sweets, it's Alex. Haven't heard from you all week and I was getting a little concerned. I know it's short notice, but do you want to come by the coffee house tonight? I'm working but I'd really like to see you and hey, the coffee's on the house. Miss you and call me."
Lorelai smiled. Alex. She had barely thought of him all week with everything going on. But there was that 'c' word again and the other 'c' word - coffee. How could she go hang out with him and not order several cups of caffeinated heaven, on the house, no less?
As she headed towards the diner, Lorelai realized that she hadn't been to Luke's all week. Not since the night he gave her the back rub, which she was convinced had fueled her weird, dirty dreams. Before entering the diner, Lorelai physically shook herself of those images; she had to face Luke without blushing.
Lorelai walked in the diner. The place was buzzing with Saturday brunch customers and all of the tables were filled. Lorelai headed to the counter and took a seat where Jess was pouring coffee.
She eyed him a little warily. "Hi Jess, how are you?"
Jess returned her look. "I'm okay. Hey, is Rory coming?"
Lorelai shook her head. "Oh, she had a doctor's appointment today. She'll be home this afternoon."
Jess looked concerned. "Is she okay?"
"Oh, she's fine. Just a little preventive medicine."
"Well you know what they say - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, right?"
Lorelai nodded, glad that Jess understood their veiled conversation.
"So what can I get you?"
"Oh, French toast and coffee would be great. Um, is Luke around?"
"Yeah, he got a call upstairs; he's probably having phone sex with Ally McBeal as we speak."
Before Lorelai could respond to Jess' inappropriate remark, he disappeared into the kitchen.
As Lorelai sipped her coffee ration for the day, she tried to shake yet another sexual image of Luke from her head. She wished she could've smacked Jess for his snide remark. Just when she was starting to like him, he'd say something obnoxious to ruin the mood. Just then Luke appeared from the back.
"Oh, Lorelai, hey."
Lorelai looked up from her cup. "Oh hey, Luke."
He stood in front of her. "You haven't been sick have you?"
"Oh, no. I'm fine. Why would you think I'm sick?"
"Well, I didn't see you all week for your usual caffeine drip. If you didn't show up today I would've sent out a search party."
"No, I just overslept a few mornings, it's been a crazy week."
Jess appeared with Lorelai's plate. "Here you go. Oh hey, Luke I didn't think you'd 'get off' the phone so soon. But now that you're off, can I go on break?"
Lorelai started to giggle.
"Well, it seems to be slowing down. But be back by noon, it'll pick up around then."
Luke looked confused as he watched Jess go into the back. "What the hell is so funny?"
Lorelai put down her cup and tried not to laugh. "Oh, Jess made an inappropriate remark about you in your absence."
"What did he say? Oh, forget it. I really don't want to know."
Lorelai dug into her French toast. Luke noticed that her coffee cup was almost empty so he picked up the pot and started to pour.
Lorelai put up her hand. "Oh, Luke, no refills today."
He stared at her, incredulous. "You don't want a refill? Lorelai, you sure you're not sick?"
"Well, I'm trying not to be. I'm under doctor's orders."
"You're serious?"
"Yes, I went to see a doctor yesterday and she told me to cut back on caffeine."
"Lorelai, I'm sure numerous medical professionals have given you that warning before, what made you actually listen this time?"
Lorelai decided to tell him, he was after all, the one who had given her the referral.
"It wasn't just any doctor. I went to see Dr. Lieberman."
Luke looked surprised. "Really? What made you take the plunge?"
Lorelai swallowed a piece of toast. "Um, well I've been having problems sleeping from all the stress I've been under, so I thought maybe she could help me."
"And did she?"
"Well, kind of. She gave me some medicine to help me sleep and I'm going to start seeing her regularly."
Luke crossed his arms in front of him. "Wow, you're really going to a therapist."
Lorelai noticed his smug expression. "Luke, please don't make any snide comments, okay?"
He regarded her seriously. "Why would I do that? Lorelai, I think this is great. I'm really proud of you. And hey, anyone who could get you to cut back caffeine deserves my undying respect."
"That was a semi-snide comment."
"Sorry, couldn't resist."
"Luke, could you do me a favor? Please don't tell anyone about this? I haven't even told Rory yet, so I would appreciate it if you didn't say anything. Not even Nicole. I know she's a friend of Dr. Lieberman's and all but...."
"I'll take it to the grave." He made a little "cross my heart" gesture.
Lorelai gave him a grateful look. "Thank you."
"So does this mean I'm free to serve you decaf?"
"Well, I'd like some more coffee, so yeah. I might as well get used to the stuff."
Luke poured her a cup of decaf and then headed to a table to take an order, while Lorelai finished up her French toast. She tried to enjoy her cup of decaf. It really didn't taste too bad, but the strong aroma was missing.
Luke returned to his spot across the counter. "Oh, Lorelai. There's something else I want to talk to you about. I had my little talk with Jess the other night."
Lorelai nodded. "Oh, how did it go?"
"Well, Jess is due back in a minute, so I don't really feel comfortable talking about it here."
"Well, I'm about done. When he gets back, could you take a break? We could go upstairs or maybe take a walk, it's a gorgeous day."
Luke nodded. "I'll meet you outside in five minutes?"
"I've got to pick up something at Doose's, meet me outside there?"
"Sure."
Lorelai walked out of the diner and into Doose's to pick up some decaf. She was relieved not to run into Miss Patty or any other nosy townie. She did run into Dean and they had a friendly chat while he was stocking some shelves. He seemed to be doing pretty well, he had a new girlfriend and was planning to attend the University of Chicago in the fall.
Lorelai left Doose's just as she saw Luke exiting the diner. He waved at her and they took a walk towards the gazebo.
"How long do you have?"
"Oh, I should probably be back by 12:15, Jess and Caesar can handle it."
"You really hate leaving that place for more than fifteen minutes, don't you?"
"Well, the sign's got my name on it."
They approached the gazebo and sat on the steps.
"So how did your birds and bees chat go? Was it all After School Special or more Dr. Drew?"
"Um, somewhere in the middle, I think. Lorelai, I'm concerned about Jess."
"Why? What did he say?"
"Well, I gave him the whole 'sex is a big responsibility' speech and to be careful with Rory. He looked at me like I was an idiot, telling me that he already knew this stuff, which I guess didn't surprise me so much."
Lorelai nodded. "But something surprised you."
"He told me that the reason he hasn't been aggressive with Rory isn't because of the rules I imposed on him. He said he hasn't tried anything because he doesn't want to be the guy who screws up her life. He seems to think the whole town is waiting for him to ruin Rory."
"Well, he's not off base there. If you took a poll at the next town meeting, I'm sure most of the hands would be 'yay' if that particular subject was raised."
Luke sighed. "Is that what you think?"
"It doesn't matter what I think or what Taylor or Miss Patty or even Kirk's cat thinks. The only two people who matter here are Rory and Jess." She paused. "Luke, I have a question for you."
"Yeah?"
"Is Jess a virgin?"
Luke looked embarrassed. "You know, I don't know. I didn't ask. I assume not, since he was constantly sucking face with that Shane girl."
"But you don't know for sure."
"Lorelai, you're not suggesting that I ask him that point blank, are you? Knowing Jess, I'd never get a straight answer out of him."
"No, I'm not suggesting that. I'm just wondering if Jess might be scared because this might be his first time, too. If he were more experienced, he might've not reacted this way."
"Yeah, well he did kind of clam up after the 'screw up Rory's future' part."
"Well, then I think my theory has some weight."
"You're very perceptive. I wonder if Dr. Lieberman is rubbing off on you?"
"Oh, I've always been perceptive about other people's problems, it's my own that I can't solve. Hence, the therapy."
"Isn't that always how it is?" He chuckled. "So what should I do about Jess, Dr. Gilmore?"
"Oh, give him some space. I think he'll come to you for some advice when he's ready to talk. In the meantime, I'll talk to Rory. I'm sure if anyone can get through to Jess, she can."
"I'll bet. Lorelai, are we really rooting for them to do this?"
"Well, I haven't reserved them the honeymoon suite at the Inn just yet, but I just want those two kids to be happy, you know?"
"Yeah. me too." Luke looked at his watch. "Oh, I'd better get back to the diner."
"Yeah, the sign was starting to lose the "L."
Luke got off the step and started to walk away. He turned around to see her still sitting on the step.
"Thanks, Lorelai."
"You're welcome, Luke."
A/N: The whole Jess virginity thing has been inspired by a lively discussion going on at the TWOP boards. Even though this isn't a Literati, the R/J sex issue will be resolved at some point here, and yes they might even have a few scenes together!
This is turning into a long and complicated story but I'm having fun writing this, so it might go on for a while. I'm considering ending this story's timeline in June 2003, with Rory's graduation from Chilton. I might skip ahead a few weeks at some point otherwise this will be 30 chapters long, and frankly I never want my stories to go beyond 15 chapters.
Next up, Lorelai goes to see Alex, struggles with her caffeine addiction and has another therapy session. Rory and Lorelai will chat about her trip to the gyn and of course, Jess. Oh, and there will be more L/L at some point, of course. Nicole and Alex will quietly disappear at some point, but I'm not ready to dispose of them yet.
Chapter Seven: The Flower of my Secret
Author: Gluglug
Spoiler Warning/Timing: Late-Third Season
Rating: PG -13
Disclaimer: Gilmore Girls and all characters are property of The Dubba Dubba Dubba WB, Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions and Amy Sherman- Palladino. They don't belong to me, just borrowing.
Summary: Lorelai goes to the diner for the first time all week. ==================================================================
The following morning, Lorelai woke up at nine, refreshed for the first time in a week. She had been able to sleep through most of the night, although she was still having weird dreams. The most disturbing one was where Rory called her from Yale, told her she was pregnant with twins and didn't know who the father was.
She had taken the medication Dr. Lieberman had prescribed the night before and boy did she need it. Dinner with Emily took its usual toll and Lorelai went right to bed when she got home. Of course she was not about to tell her mother that she was starting therapy or that she had decided to let Rory become a woman.
Lorelai also neglected to tell Rory that she had seen a therapist, too. She has mentioned going to the doctor to get a prescription for her sleep problem, but Lorelai felt weird sharing this news with her daughter. She didn't want Rory to worry about her.
Lorelai got up and went downstairs into the kitchen. Rory was already dressed and drinking her morning coffee.
"My, we are up bright and early on a Saturday."
"Well, I have an appointment with Dr. Lieberman at ten, don't you remember?"
Lorelai turned white. "Dr. Lieberman?"
"Mom, are you okay? It was your idea that I see your gynecologist!"
Oh that Dr. Lieberman. "Oh honey, I forgot all about it. Do you want me to take you?"
"Well, I thought about it, but since I'm about to become a woman, ahem, I thought I should go on my own. It's just a consultation, anyway. I'm not putting my feet in anything that resembles stirrups."
"Well, eventually you will have to face those evil contraptions. So you'll be okay on your own?"
"Sure, Mom. Anyway, I have to get going, they told me to get there early to fill out some paperwork, and yes, I have my insurance card."
"Yeah, that damn paperwork. Make sure you remember the date of your last period. They always want to know that, but in your case I think it's relevant."
"Hey, did you sleep okay?'
"Oh, yes, those pills I got yesterday worked wonders."
"Well just don't get addicted; I don't want to have to visit you in rehab." Rory kissed her mother, grabbed the car keys and walked out the kitchen door.
Lorelai sighed and reached for a coffee mug. She remembered Dr. Lieberman's directive, only one cup or switch to decaf. As much as she hated this advice, she didn't want to stray from her therapy. Well, if she was only allowed one cup, she'd rather it be Luke's coffee than her own.
Lorelai went upstairs to take a shower, got dressed and was about to head out the door. She noticed the blinking light on her answering machine and played the message.
"Hey Sweets, it's Alex. Haven't heard from you all week and I was getting a little concerned. I know it's short notice, but do you want to come by the coffee house tonight? I'm working but I'd really like to see you and hey, the coffee's on the house. Miss you and call me."
Lorelai smiled. Alex. She had barely thought of him all week with everything going on. But there was that 'c' word again and the other 'c' word - coffee. How could she go hang out with him and not order several cups of caffeinated heaven, on the house, no less?
As she headed towards the diner, Lorelai realized that she hadn't been to Luke's all week. Not since the night he gave her the back rub, which she was convinced had fueled her weird, dirty dreams. Before entering the diner, Lorelai physically shook herself of those images; she had to face Luke without blushing.
Lorelai walked in the diner. The place was buzzing with Saturday brunch customers and all of the tables were filled. Lorelai headed to the counter and took a seat where Jess was pouring coffee.
She eyed him a little warily. "Hi Jess, how are you?"
Jess returned her look. "I'm okay. Hey, is Rory coming?"
Lorelai shook her head. "Oh, she had a doctor's appointment today. She'll be home this afternoon."
Jess looked concerned. "Is she okay?"
"Oh, she's fine. Just a little preventive medicine."
"Well you know what they say - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, right?"
Lorelai nodded, glad that Jess understood their veiled conversation.
"So what can I get you?"
"Oh, French toast and coffee would be great. Um, is Luke around?"
"Yeah, he got a call upstairs; he's probably having phone sex with Ally McBeal as we speak."
Before Lorelai could respond to Jess' inappropriate remark, he disappeared into the kitchen.
As Lorelai sipped her coffee ration for the day, she tried to shake yet another sexual image of Luke from her head. She wished she could've smacked Jess for his snide remark. Just when she was starting to like him, he'd say something obnoxious to ruin the mood. Just then Luke appeared from the back.
"Oh, Lorelai, hey."
Lorelai looked up from her cup. "Oh hey, Luke."
He stood in front of her. "You haven't been sick have you?"
"Oh, no. I'm fine. Why would you think I'm sick?"
"Well, I didn't see you all week for your usual caffeine drip. If you didn't show up today I would've sent out a search party."
"No, I just overslept a few mornings, it's been a crazy week."
Jess appeared with Lorelai's plate. "Here you go. Oh hey, Luke I didn't think you'd 'get off' the phone so soon. But now that you're off, can I go on break?"
Lorelai started to giggle.
"Well, it seems to be slowing down. But be back by noon, it'll pick up around then."
Luke looked confused as he watched Jess go into the back. "What the hell is so funny?"
Lorelai put down her cup and tried not to laugh. "Oh, Jess made an inappropriate remark about you in your absence."
"What did he say? Oh, forget it. I really don't want to know."
Lorelai dug into her French toast. Luke noticed that her coffee cup was almost empty so he picked up the pot and started to pour.
Lorelai put up her hand. "Oh, Luke, no refills today."
He stared at her, incredulous. "You don't want a refill? Lorelai, you sure you're not sick?"
"Well, I'm trying not to be. I'm under doctor's orders."
"You're serious?"
"Yes, I went to see a doctor yesterday and she told me to cut back on caffeine."
"Lorelai, I'm sure numerous medical professionals have given you that warning before, what made you actually listen this time?"
Lorelai decided to tell him, he was after all, the one who had given her the referral.
"It wasn't just any doctor. I went to see Dr. Lieberman."
Luke looked surprised. "Really? What made you take the plunge?"
Lorelai swallowed a piece of toast. "Um, well I've been having problems sleeping from all the stress I've been under, so I thought maybe she could help me."
"And did she?"
"Well, kind of. She gave me some medicine to help me sleep and I'm going to start seeing her regularly."
Luke crossed his arms in front of him. "Wow, you're really going to a therapist."
Lorelai noticed his smug expression. "Luke, please don't make any snide comments, okay?"
He regarded her seriously. "Why would I do that? Lorelai, I think this is great. I'm really proud of you. And hey, anyone who could get you to cut back caffeine deserves my undying respect."
"That was a semi-snide comment."
"Sorry, couldn't resist."
"Luke, could you do me a favor? Please don't tell anyone about this? I haven't even told Rory yet, so I would appreciate it if you didn't say anything. Not even Nicole. I know she's a friend of Dr. Lieberman's and all but...."
"I'll take it to the grave." He made a little "cross my heart" gesture.
Lorelai gave him a grateful look. "Thank you."
"So does this mean I'm free to serve you decaf?"
"Well, I'd like some more coffee, so yeah. I might as well get used to the stuff."
Luke poured her a cup of decaf and then headed to a table to take an order, while Lorelai finished up her French toast. She tried to enjoy her cup of decaf. It really didn't taste too bad, but the strong aroma was missing.
Luke returned to his spot across the counter. "Oh, Lorelai. There's something else I want to talk to you about. I had my little talk with Jess the other night."
Lorelai nodded. "Oh, how did it go?"
"Well, Jess is due back in a minute, so I don't really feel comfortable talking about it here."
"Well, I'm about done. When he gets back, could you take a break? We could go upstairs or maybe take a walk, it's a gorgeous day."
Luke nodded. "I'll meet you outside in five minutes?"
"I've got to pick up something at Doose's, meet me outside there?"
"Sure."
Lorelai walked out of the diner and into Doose's to pick up some decaf. She was relieved not to run into Miss Patty or any other nosy townie. She did run into Dean and they had a friendly chat while he was stocking some shelves. He seemed to be doing pretty well, he had a new girlfriend and was planning to attend the University of Chicago in the fall.
Lorelai left Doose's just as she saw Luke exiting the diner. He waved at her and they took a walk towards the gazebo.
"How long do you have?"
"Oh, I should probably be back by 12:15, Jess and Caesar can handle it."
"You really hate leaving that place for more than fifteen minutes, don't you?"
"Well, the sign's got my name on it."
They approached the gazebo and sat on the steps.
"So how did your birds and bees chat go? Was it all After School Special or more Dr. Drew?"
"Um, somewhere in the middle, I think. Lorelai, I'm concerned about Jess."
"Why? What did he say?"
"Well, I gave him the whole 'sex is a big responsibility' speech and to be careful with Rory. He looked at me like I was an idiot, telling me that he already knew this stuff, which I guess didn't surprise me so much."
Lorelai nodded. "But something surprised you."
"He told me that the reason he hasn't been aggressive with Rory isn't because of the rules I imposed on him. He said he hasn't tried anything because he doesn't want to be the guy who screws up her life. He seems to think the whole town is waiting for him to ruin Rory."
"Well, he's not off base there. If you took a poll at the next town meeting, I'm sure most of the hands would be 'yay' if that particular subject was raised."
Luke sighed. "Is that what you think?"
"It doesn't matter what I think or what Taylor or Miss Patty or even Kirk's cat thinks. The only two people who matter here are Rory and Jess." She paused. "Luke, I have a question for you."
"Yeah?"
"Is Jess a virgin?"
Luke looked embarrassed. "You know, I don't know. I didn't ask. I assume not, since he was constantly sucking face with that Shane girl."
"But you don't know for sure."
"Lorelai, you're not suggesting that I ask him that point blank, are you? Knowing Jess, I'd never get a straight answer out of him."
"No, I'm not suggesting that. I'm just wondering if Jess might be scared because this might be his first time, too. If he were more experienced, he might've not reacted this way."
"Yeah, well he did kind of clam up after the 'screw up Rory's future' part."
"Well, then I think my theory has some weight."
"You're very perceptive. I wonder if Dr. Lieberman is rubbing off on you?"
"Oh, I've always been perceptive about other people's problems, it's my own that I can't solve. Hence, the therapy."
"Isn't that always how it is?" He chuckled. "So what should I do about Jess, Dr. Gilmore?"
"Oh, give him some space. I think he'll come to you for some advice when he's ready to talk. In the meantime, I'll talk to Rory. I'm sure if anyone can get through to Jess, she can."
"I'll bet. Lorelai, are we really rooting for them to do this?"
"Well, I haven't reserved them the honeymoon suite at the Inn just yet, but I just want those two kids to be happy, you know?"
"Yeah. me too." Luke looked at his watch. "Oh, I'd better get back to the diner."
"Yeah, the sign was starting to lose the "L."
Luke got off the step and started to walk away. He turned around to see her still sitting on the step.
"Thanks, Lorelai."
"You're welcome, Luke."
A/N: The whole Jess virginity thing has been inspired by a lively discussion going on at the TWOP boards. Even though this isn't a Literati, the R/J sex issue will be resolved at some point here, and yes they might even have a few scenes together!
This is turning into a long and complicated story but I'm having fun writing this, so it might go on for a while. I'm considering ending this story's timeline in June 2003, with Rory's graduation from Chilton. I might skip ahead a few weeks at some point otherwise this will be 30 chapters long, and frankly I never want my stories to go beyond 15 chapters.
Next up, Lorelai goes to see Alex, struggles with her caffeine addiction and has another therapy session. Rory and Lorelai will chat about her trip to the gyn and of course, Jess. Oh, and there will be more L/L at some point, of course. Nicole and Alex will quietly disappear at some point, but I'm not ready to dispose of them yet.