"You want me to what?!" Lorelai screams in Luke's face.
"It'll only be for like an hour." Luke barks.
"No, an hour's to long....I can't do it....I won't....you can't make me!!" Lorelai replies storming out of the kitchen.
Luke grabs her by the arm, "I know seeing Chris is not on your top list of ways to kill a Friday, but come on do you really want Rory to go alone?"
Lorelai's eyes soften, "Luke I'm sorry, I just can't. It's too hard."
Luke nods solemnly.
"But she won't be going alone Jess will go with her."
Luke rolls his eyes, "I'm not too sure about that...."
"What?" Lorelai asks.
Luke begins to speak but is cut off by Jess entering the kitchen, Rory quick on his heels.
"Come on Jess, we'll drive up it'll be ten minutes top."
"I don't believe you lied to me." Jess says flatly leaning against the counter, his back turned to Rory.
Rory takes a step back and sighs; looking at her mother's abashed expression Rory becomes annoyed, "So you're not coming either?"
"Sweets I'm sor-"
"No, don't worry about it." Rory replies tears emanating in her eyes. "I'll just go alone." Rory says trembling, turning to leave.
Jess is gripping the counter now, his muscles tightening.
Rory turns around again, "I love you two I really do....you're allowed to be moody and not talk to me for hours at a time and yet you throw a fit over this? And you!" Rory says turning to her mother, "I guess all that 'I'll be right behind you no matter what' stuff was all crap."
Jess and Lorelai remain silent as Luke looks on uncomfortably.
"Some support system." Rory replies before walking out.
Jess groans in fustration.
"Rory!" Luke calls after her.
Rory's at the front door now, "Luke thanks a lot, I really appreciate what you tried to do..." Rory shakes her head in disgust, "They're just too old to be acting like this, you know."
Luke nods.
"I-I need some air." Rory replies before opening the door and leaving.
Luke watches her stagger down the driveway, mumbling to herself.
*The kitchen.
Luke reenters, his face is expressionless, his eyes cold.
"I can't believe the two of you, you're ridiculous."
"Luke..."
"Don't." Luke says holding is hand up to stop Lorelai from approaching him. "I can't believe the two of you are actually still standing here."
"Luke what am I supposed to do, you know what they're like they're going to gang up on me." Lorelai whines. "And then Sherri will parade "princess sha sha" around throwing it in my face."
Luke groans, "Don't you get it, this is not about you....or you!" Luke says turning to Jess.
"This is about Rory, you know Rory.....your daughter, the love of your life, Rory who never asks for anything, didn't it say anything to you that she was practically begging at your feet for you to go with her?"
Jess' severe gaze, softens as Luke's words take effect.
"This is Rory, Rory who loves everybody....everybody including her father. Do you to even realize what she's given up for you. You know no matter what that guy did to her in past Rory always forgave him, always worked things out with him, yet here it is 6 months since she talked to him.....that's not Rory."
"Luke, we did not force Rory to stop communicating with Chris."
"You made it pretty damn hard for her to. You know Rory stopped visiting Chris because she couldn't take Sherri insulting you.....and she stopped talking to him because she couldn't take Chris' feelings towards you. She knew how it made you feel her spending time with them, Lorelai that's why it stopped, and Jess she knew how you got when you were around Chris, that's why she stopped going up there....God you two make me sick, you can't get over something that happened 8 years ago and you're taking it out on Rory, and you," Luke scoffs, "You're upset that she didn't tell you the truth, Damnit what do you want from her, she's cut off all communication with her father for you, and you're mad because she didn't have the strength to tell him that she was pregnant over the phone after not speaking with him for 6 months."
Luke sends them a brutal look before walking out the back door.
Silence fills the kitchen. Lorelai shift from foot to foot as jess remains motionless his head in his hands.
"We're assholes." Jess mumbles.
"We're scum."
"Lower than scum."
"What are we going to do?"
"I don't know about you, but I'm going up to Boston."
"Oh...." Lorelai says sadly.
"Don't tell me you're not going to go."
"I-I just don't trust myself, that woman turns me into, into somebody else."
"Come on you'll have Luke with you, she'll won't saying anything while Luke's there."
"But she'll be thinking it." Lorelai says gritting her teeth.
"Who cares, she's, she's an idiot to think she compares to you.....so she has Chris." Jess says his voice changing as he says the name, "He doesn't love her, not like Luke loves you."
Lorelai smiles faintly, "That's true isn't it?"
"Look we both screwed up majorly....in two departments, I think we better track them down before they disown us, if they haven't already."
"Right." Lorelai replies turning to the back door.
Jess walks towards the living room.
"Hey Jess?"
"Yeah?"
"You know, all that stuff Chris's said about you, he was wrong, I was wrong too....you make Rory happy."
Jess scoffs.
"Well most of the time, she lights up when you're around and nothing Chris has said or will say is going to change that."
Jess nods, sending Lorelai a smile.
*10 minutes later.
Jess is walking towards the bridge when he spots Rory, who left without her coat shivering in the Gazebo.
'God' Jess thinks to himself, 'She must be pissed...she didn't go to 'our' place.'
Rory spots Jess staring at her, but doesn't move.
"Rory." Jess says breathlessly.
Rory looks up, her face is pale, or eyes red from crying.
"I'm sorry, really I am."
Rory shakes her head.
"I'm asshole, I don't know what else to say....I shouldn't have let my issues with your Dad stop you from having a relationship with him, and I definitely should not have blown up over this, I'm so sorry Rory."
"You know I love you right Jess?" Rory sobs.
Jess nods.
".....but I don't want to be like you, I don't want to go 10 years without talking to my parents, I want this 'kid'" Rory smiles at the use of Luke's sentiment. "I want them to know their grandfather."
"I know, and you're right, they should know him....and their step- grandmother."
"Oh no! Our children will never, ever refer to her as Grandma." Rory replies waving her hands around.
Jess laughs, "Ok."
Rory sighs, "Jess, I tried I really did I called their house like ten times I just couldn't tell him, not like that."
"You're right." Jess replies climbing the steps of the gazebo.
"And I didn't want to drag you into it, I didn't want another fight between you and my dad......but I should have told you the truth."
Jess looks down at his feet and then back at Rory, taking her hand in his he says. "Forget about it, you had a reason not to tell me.....I mean look at this morning."
"I just don't know how they fit into my life anymore." Rory replies, letting her head fall back.
Jess raises his hand, placing it behind her head.
Rory moves in closer, "I try and I try to get him to be civil to you and it never fails every time I talk to him he asks me if I'm still with the punk."
"Ror, he has his reasons to hate me, true they may not be verifiable but they're understandable."
"I don't care." Rory replies kicking a nonexistent rock. "You're not him."
Jess smiles, looking down at Rory, "I never will be either."
"I know....that's why I get so upset when you act like you did today, you're nothing like him, nothing he says about you is true you should be the bigger person and let it go. When you get riled up, he knows he's got you...that's what he wants he wants you to get mad and hit him, then it'd prove his point."
Jess nods, "I'm sorry......I'll try harder next time."
Rory looks up at Jess, "Yeah? When will that be?"
"Tomorrow."
"Really?"
"If you still want to go."
"I do."
"Ok then."
"Good." Rory replies, her teeth chattering.
Jess struggles to get his jacket off, "Here."
Rory beams at him, taking the jacket and pulling herself into it.
"Come on let's go in." Jess says standing up.
"Ok."
*Elsewhere: Gilmore Home
Lorelai found Luke at the diner and dragged his butt home, after much groveling and apologizing.
"Do you really think that's going to make Rory forgive you?" Luke says with amusement.
"Of course, she's been deprived for weeks....and seemingly will be for many more this is the closes thing to the real stuff." Lorelai replies waving a half-gallon of Friendly's coffee ice cream in front of Luke. "Besides there's a very drippy apology to go with it."
Luke laughs.
Lorelai's expression turns seriously, "Do you think she's ok?"
"Yeah....I'm sure Jess worked his magic.....he always does."
"Just like some other people we know." Lorelai replies winking at Luke.
"Shut up." He barks back.
Lorelai giggles as the front door opens. Lorelai runs towards the living room.
"Rory!"
"Mom!" Rory replies running towards her mothers arms.
The two women embrace.
*5 minutes later.
"I'm so sorry babe, of course I'll go with you tomorrow...we'll all go."
"Thanks mom."
"And on our way back we can go to Quincy Market and get the candy vegetables..I'll show Luke I can eat healthy."
"That won't work......again." Luke replies sheepishly.
Rory and Lorelai giggle.
"Oh hey sweets! Come get you're "you're mother's an insensitive jerk" make up present"
"The best kind of present!" Rory replies with a grin.
"It's in the freezer."
Rory makes a mad dash for the freezer, swinging the door open carelessly. "Oh my God!"
"I figured if you couldn't have the hard stuff....."
"It's great, thanks mom!" Rory replies wrapping her arms around the box of ice cream.
"Ok, gentlemen lets go." Lorelai replies hooking arms with both Luke and Jess.
"What?" Jess asks.
"Where are we going?"
"A girl needs her privacy when she's been deprived for more than 24 hours." Lorelai replies with a grin.
Luke and Jess give Lorelai bewildered looks.
"Have fun sweets"
"Thanks mom!" Rory replies, dunking her spoon into the carton. "Oh God...mmmm this is good."
*Friday morning 10am
"Everyone ready?" Luke asks holding the front door open.
"As ready as we'll ever be" Jess says unenthusiastically.
"Watch that face." Luke says gruffly.
Jess plasters on a smile.
Rory slips her arm through his, "Ready."
"Hat." Jess says handing her coat and hat.
Rory rolls her eyes, "Overprotective."
"Hey, you were outside for like an hour with no jacket on yesterday."
"Jess is a mush," Lorelai sings, pulling on her coat.
"Yeah yeah yeah." Jess replies, "Let's get this over with."
*20 minutes later: In the car
"So what'd you tell your dad on the phone?"
"That we had the weekend free so we figured we'd drive up."
"Does he know your mom's coming?" Jess raises an eyebrow at Rory.
"Of course not, it wouldn't be half the fun if Sherri was caught unprepared." Rory smirks at Jess.
Stop that." He replies.
"It intimidates you, doesn't it?"
Jess leans in and kisses her softly.
Rory pulls back, "See, you didn't have an answer intimidated."
*Front seat
"You ok?" Luke asks looking away from the road.
"Yeah, it won't be so bad, you'll be there."
Luke smiles, "Good."
*Chris's house.
Luke pulls the car up to the driveway, where Georgia is seated on the stoop waiting for her "sister" to come.
"Rory!" She shrieks.
The 8 year old runs towards her half sister.
"Gigi." Rory says with a genuine smile, despite the fact that she hated her mother; Georgia had grown up to be a pretty cool little girl.
"Thank you for the video game!" Georgia exclaims referring to Rory's Christmas present to her.
"George!" Jess says with a smirk.
The girl loosens her grip on Rory and runs to Jess, who oddly enough has turned out to be the object of her first crush.
"Jess!" She squeals.
"Here" Jess says picking her up in his arms, handing her a small box.
"What is it?"
"Some of my old cds"
"Cool!" Georgia exclaims blushing slightly.
"Rory!" Chris exclaims from the doorway.
"Dad." Rory replies with a smile.
Chris looks around, noticing Gigi in Jess arms. "Jess."
"Sir." Jess replied, not out of respect merely to piss Chris off.
"Christopher." Lorelai says finally.
Chris's eyes go wide, "Lor."
"Chris are you just going to stand out there all day, it's freezing invite Rory---- ." Sherri calls approaching the front door. "Oh, you brought the whole gang." Sherri states uncomfortably.
"That's not a problem is it?" Rory replies coldly.
"Of course not, the more the merrier." Sherri replies oddly. "Why don't you all come in it's freezing out here."
Everyone files in behind Sherri.
"Hey George, ever heard of Metallica?" Jess asks gigi.
"No.." The little girls says.
*10 minutes later *Everyone is seated around the living room coffee table.
Sherri enters with a pot of coffee.
"Coffee anyone.....well besides Rory and Lorelai I know you two will be having a pot a piece.
Rory grimaces.
"Actually, thanks to Luke," Lorelai cuts in patting Luke's knee, "We've cut back...one cup in the morning one before bed." Lorelai grins.
"Oh, well good for you." Sherri replies. "Gigi, come on why don't you go sit by daddy leave Jess alone."
"It's fine." Jess says honestly.
"Oh alright then."
"So, Rory we saw your piece on tv the other night." Chris beams.
"Oh yea?"
"You were amazing...you made tax raises sound interesting."
"That's right, you're dad watched the whole report, Gi and I weren't allowed to speak for the duration."
"It was only a 3 minute piece." Rory replies.
"Still it was great, I'm so proud of you baby."
"Thanks."
"So Luke, still working at the diner?" Sherri asks with a smile.
"Yeah." Luke nods.
"Well, see Luke doesn't work at the diner....he owns the diner." Lorelai replies.
"And he runs it, he practically feeds the whole town." Rory interjects.
"Well good for you." Sherri remarks.
*Hour later: Lorelai is in the kitchen with Sherri, who insisted Lorelai help with lunch. Georgia has taken Jess to see her room. Luke, Rory and Chris are in the living room.
*Kitchen:
"Thanks for your help Lorelai."
"Not a problem." Lorelai replies through her teeth.
"So how are things with you, still no ring I see."
"Well you know, Luke and I are taking our time...we'll tie the know someday, when we're both ready, I mean I'd hate to just get married for the hell of it.....or because I was pregnant." Lorelai mumbles the last part.
"What was that?"
"oh nothing, to be honest I'm a little hoarse today, got a bit of a cold, must have caught it from Rory."
"Oh well then please take a step back."
"What?"
"Well you know, it's not really good for me to get sick."
"Wh-" Lorelai cuts herself off as Sherri turns to face her. Lorelai's face drops open as she notices the small bulge in Sherri's stomach. "Oh my God, oh yeah right, you know maybe I should go into the living room, germs and all you know." Lorelai replies backing out of the kitchen.
Luke looks back as Lorelai stumbles into the living room, her face stripped of all it's color.
"Lorelai?"
"I-I forgot something in the car I'll be right back." Lorelai replies rushing to the front door.
Rory gives Luke a concerned look.
"Probably forgot, her purse, I'll go help her..." Luke says heading for the door.
Chris watches him leave, "So your mom's happy?"
"Yeah, she really is. Luke is good for her." Rory replies quietly.
Chris nods, "I'm glad you came up."
"Me too."
"So, uh you and jess seem pretty...together."
"Yep, three years in February."
"Right, the 14th"
"You remembered."
"You don't forget your daughters wedding."
"Oh yeah."
*Outside:
"Lorelai what's going on?"
"He never stops." Lorelai replies on the verge of tears.
Luke groans, walking towards her, "What's he do now?"
"He, she she's pregnant."
"What?"
"You know this whole settling down thing I was sure it was a sham, but this, it wasn't a mistake this time, I know it."
Luke pulls her into his arms, "Come here."
*Living room:
Jess returns, holding Georgia's hand.
"Hey there kiddo." Chris smiles at his youngest daughter. "Lunch'll be ready soon go wash up."
Georgia looks up at Jess who gives her a nod, and then slowly makes her way to the bathroom.
"Lunch!" Sherri calls happily.
Rory and Chris stand up, Jess walks over, putting his arm around Rory's waste, "Where are the two love birds?" He asks, attempting to mess with Chris.
He succeeds.
"They went outside to look for her purse." Rory whispers.
*Lunch begins, 2 minutes later Luke Lorelai reappear.
Rory gives her mother a sideward glance, but Lorelai remains silent.
Sherri stands up, "I'd like to make a quick toast, to today, and having everyone here together."
Lorelai glares murderously at Sherri.
Lorelai takes a deep breath and stands up, "May I?"
"Please." Sherri grins falsely.
"To Chris and Sherri....and Georgia, for having us here.....Congratulations on the new arrival."
Sherri grins rubbing her stomach.
Jess and Rory's mouths fall open simultaneously.
"Y-you're pregnant?" Jess asks, flabbergasted.
"Almost 3 months." Sherri beams.
Rory's face goes white, she grips Jess arm, "I'm going to be sick." She says as she runs room the table.
"Rory!" Chris calls after her.
Jess holds his hand up to Chris to stop him from stepping forward. Jess sends Lorelai a sympathetic glance and then exits the kitchen after Rory.
"I see what you mean Lorelai, it's a good thing Rory kept her distance....she's obviously not over her "bug" yet."
This time Luke sends Sherri the death stare.
*The bathroom:
Jess knocks on the door, "It's me." He says hoarsely.
The sound of the door unlocking is heard and Rory pushes the door open slightly.
Jess slips in.
Rory looks at him, tears streaming down her face.
"That's it isn't it?"
"Ror-"
"He's given us up, this family is real now, this wasn't a mistake."
"He'll never have what any of us have, Rory feel sorry for him, not for you or your mom. He wishes he could have what you have."
"She made mom cry."
Jess nods.
"I hate when she does that, I think she does it out of spite."
"Maybe, but you can't let her get the best of you......you still have to tell your dad, once you do we can leave."
"Promise?"
"I think we'll all agree to that." Jess smirks. Placing his arm over Rory, "Come on let's get this over with."
*2 minutes later: Jess and Rory return to the kitchen.
"Sorry..." Rory trails off, sitting down next to Chris.
Chris puts his hand over Rory's, "You ok?"
"Fine." Rory smiles sheepishly.
Jess squeezes her other hand under the table.
"I'm sorry it was such a shock and everything, we've just been so busy we've hardy had time to make any calls." Sherri says with a smile.
Chris gives her an odd look; "I didn't want to tell you over the phone." He states.
"I understand." Rory replies.
"So Rory, you're going to have another little sister."
"Just what I need." Rory mumbles.
"Oh so you already know what it's going to be." Lorelai chimes in.
"Yep, we found out last week....we're thinking of naming her Savannah, get it Savannah Georgia." Sherri giggles.
Jess cringes at her shrill laugh.
"Yeah, so the due date is June 21st, we'll probably due the baby shower sometime in February....you should come. It'll be so exciting, oh and you have to come in June and stay the week.I'd love you two to be here when little vannah is born, just like you were with Gigi." Sherri continues.
"Well, I think we may actually be busy.." Lorelai starts.
"Lorelai be serious, this is the miracle of life we're talking about here, you have to be there; I mean lets be honest you've been living vicariously through me for years and I'm ok with that, I encourage you to come really."
"Sher-" Chris says.
"Christopher, I think it's a polite gesture, don't you Lorelai."
Lorelai sputters.
"Well we all know how much Lorelai's loved being involved in all of your er special moments," Luke interjects", "and I'm sure Lorelai is very moved by your offer, but I don't really think I'd say she was living vicariously through you.."
"That's right! If I'm living vicariously through anyone its Rory, at least she has the decency to include me in her life without mentioning how unfulfilling mine is...which it's not!" Lorelai screams.
Sherri's eyes go wide as Lorelai stands up.
"Mom,"
"My life is just as good as yours."
"I never said it wasn't"
"You're right you never did, you've told everybody but me that my life is crap, you say you want us to be a part of yours and and Chris but that's bologna."
"Gigi, I think you should finish your lunch in your room."
"Y-you stand here all polite and nice and then the second we're out of ear shot you cut us all down, I'm no good because I'm not married, Luke is just a guy who works in a diner, not like Chris who, oh what do you do again? Insurance? And worst of all is how you treat Rory."
"What?" Sherri shrieks, "I love Rory, as if she were my own daughter."
Jess makes a sound.
"Care to join in, Rebel with out a cause?" Lorelai turns to Jess.
"Tag me." Jess says hollowly.
Lorelai slaps Jess' hand and then takes a seat.
"You think I'm dirt, and you never let Rory forget that....if you loved her, you'd support every decision she makes, but you don't you , you nag her all the time about me you bad mouth her mother right in front of her you dismiss Luke, Luke who has been more of a father to Rory than her own father, you love Rory so much that you play games with her, Rory is the kindest most amazing person probably any of us will ever meet in our lifetimes and you treat her like crap."
"Well I....."
Tears roll down Rory's cheeks, Jess sits down again, "I'm sorry."
"Don't be this was a mistake, I should have just done it over the phone....."
"Done what?" Chris asks with concern.
"I've been waiting all afternoon for the perfect way to tell you this, but I guess there is no perfect way."
"What are you saying Rory?"
Rory shakes her head, "I'm....you're going to be a grandfather."
"What?"
"In august."
"Oh my God."
"Can we go now?" Rory asks turning to jess.
"Yeah." Jess says taking Rory's hand as they exit.
"Bye Georgia!" Rory calls.
"Bye George!" Jess adds.
Luke and Lorelai follow them out.
"Wait, Rory." Chris says.
Rory turns around.
"All I can say is I'm sorry."
Rory nods.
"Please tell me I can still be a part of this."
"I don't know..." Rory sobs.
"Rory this baby's going to need a grandfather." Chris states.
"You're right..." Rory smiles looking at Luke, "And he'll have one, in Luke."
Luke smiles at Rory.
"I know I've screwed everything up, I don't want to lose you Rory."
"You're going have to work really hard to fix this, and I know that once I walk out this door I'm going need a break from all this.....I'm tired of being put in the middle of this, if you want me to be a part of your life you're going to have to except the people who are in mine, so if you can't do that don't bother." Rory replies turning back towards the door."
"I'll try."
Rory hugs her father, "Goodbye Dad."
With out another word Rory, Jess Lorelai and Luke leave.
"Daddy?"
"Hey babe," Chris says putting an arm around his daughter.
"Rory went home?"
"yeah."
"When's she coming back?"
"I don't know, we'll call her next week.
A/n Bad ending abrupt I know but seriously I've been sitting her for two hours writing this and I'm tired-for clarification the last bit of dialogue is saying that Chris is going to make a point to work on his relationship w/ Rory---figure it will make for some interesting stuff once he tries to bond with jess. Hehe. R&R please.
"It'll only be for like an hour." Luke barks.
"No, an hour's to long....I can't do it....I won't....you can't make me!!" Lorelai replies storming out of the kitchen.
Luke grabs her by the arm, "I know seeing Chris is not on your top list of ways to kill a Friday, but come on do you really want Rory to go alone?"
Lorelai's eyes soften, "Luke I'm sorry, I just can't. It's too hard."
Luke nods solemnly.
"But she won't be going alone Jess will go with her."
Luke rolls his eyes, "I'm not too sure about that...."
"What?" Lorelai asks.
Luke begins to speak but is cut off by Jess entering the kitchen, Rory quick on his heels.
"Come on Jess, we'll drive up it'll be ten minutes top."
"I don't believe you lied to me." Jess says flatly leaning against the counter, his back turned to Rory.
Rory takes a step back and sighs; looking at her mother's abashed expression Rory becomes annoyed, "So you're not coming either?"
"Sweets I'm sor-"
"No, don't worry about it." Rory replies tears emanating in her eyes. "I'll just go alone." Rory says trembling, turning to leave.
Jess is gripping the counter now, his muscles tightening.
Rory turns around again, "I love you two I really do....you're allowed to be moody and not talk to me for hours at a time and yet you throw a fit over this? And you!" Rory says turning to her mother, "I guess all that 'I'll be right behind you no matter what' stuff was all crap."
Jess and Lorelai remain silent as Luke looks on uncomfortably.
"Some support system." Rory replies before walking out.
Jess groans in fustration.
"Rory!" Luke calls after her.
Rory's at the front door now, "Luke thanks a lot, I really appreciate what you tried to do..." Rory shakes her head in disgust, "They're just too old to be acting like this, you know."
Luke nods.
"I-I need some air." Rory replies before opening the door and leaving.
Luke watches her stagger down the driveway, mumbling to herself.
*The kitchen.
Luke reenters, his face is expressionless, his eyes cold.
"I can't believe the two of you, you're ridiculous."
"Luke..."
"Don't." Luke says holding is hand up to stop Lorelai from approaching him. "I can't believe the two of you are actually still standing here."
"Luke what am I supposed to do, you know what they're like they're going to gang up on me." Lorelai whines. "And then Sherri will parade "princess sha sha" around throwing it in my face."
Luke groans, "Don't you get it, this is not about you....or you!" Luke says turning to Jess.
"This is about Rory, you know Rory.....your daughter, the love of your life, Rory who never asks for anything, didn't it say anything to you that she was practically begging at your feet for you to go with her?"
Jess' severe gaze, softens as Luke's words take effect.
"This is Rory, Rory who loves everybody....everybody including her father. Do you to even realize what she's given up for you. You know no matter what that guy did to her in past Rory always forgave him, always worked things out with him, yet here it is 6 months since she talked to him.....that's not Rory."
"Luke, we did not force Rory to stop communicating with Chris."
"You made it pretty damn hard for her to. You know Rory stopped visiting Chris because she couldn't take Sherri insulting you.....and she stopped talking to him because she couldn't take Chris' feelings towards you. She knew how it made you feel her spending time with them, Lorelai that's why it stopped, and Jess she knew how you got when you were around Chris, that's why she stopped going up there....God you two make me sick, you can't get over something that happened 8 years ago and you're taking it out on Rory, and you," Luke scoffs, "You're upset that she didn't tell you the truth, Damnit what do you want from her, she's cut off all communication with her father for you, and you're mad because she didn't have the strength to tell him that she was pregnant over the phone after not speaking with him for 6 months."
Luke sends them a brutal look before walking out the back door.
Silence fills the kitchen. Lorelai shift from foot to foot as jess remains motionless his head in his hands.
"We're assholes." Jess mumbles.
"We're scum."
"Lower than scum."
"What are we going to do?"
"I don't know about you, but I'm going up to Boston."
"Oh...." Lorelai says sadly.
"Don't tell me you're not going to go."
"I-I just don't trust myself, that woman turns me into, into somebody else."
"Come on you'll have Luke with you, she'll won't saying anything while Luke's there."
"But she'll be thinking it." Lorelai says gritting her teeth.
"Who cares, she's, she's an idiot to think she compares to you.....so she has Chris." Jess says his voice changing as he says the name, "He doesn't love her, not like Luke loves you."
Lorelai smiles faintly, "That's true isn't it?"
"Look we both screwed up majorly....in two departments, I think we better track them down before they disown us, if they haven't already."
"Right." Lorelai replies turning to the back door.
Jess walks towards the living room.
"Hey Jess?"
"Yeah?"
"You know, all that stuff Chris's said about you, he was wrong, I was wrong too....you make Rory happy."
Jess scoffs.
"Well most of the time, she lights up when you're around and nothing Chris has said or will say is going to change that."
Jess nods, sending Lorelai a smile.
*10 minutes later.
Jess is walking towards the bridge when he spots Rory, who left without her coat shivering in the Gazebo.
'God' Jess thinks to himself, 'She must be pissed...she didn't go to 'our' place.'
Rory spots Jess staring at her, but doesn't move.
"Rory." Jess says breathlessly.
Rory looks up, her face is pale, or eyes red from crying.
"I'm sorry, really I am."
Rory shakes her head.
"I'm asshole, I don't know what else to say....I shouldn't have let my issues with your Dad stop you from having a relationship with him, and I definitely should not have blown up over this, I'm so sorry Rory."
"You know I love you right Jess?" Rory sobs.
Jess nods.
".....but I don't want to be like you, I don't want to go 10 years without talking to my parents, I want this 'kid'" Rory smiles at the use of Luke's sentiment. "I want them to know their grandfather."
"I know, and you're right, they should know him....and their step- grandmother."
"Oh no! Our children will never, ever refer to her as Grandma." Rory replies waving her hands around.
Jess laughs, "Ok."
Rory sighs, "Jess, I tried I really did I called their house like ten times I just couldn't tell him, not like that."
"You're right." Jess replies climbing the steps of the gazebo.
"And I didn't want to drag you into it, I didn't want another fight between you and my dad......but I should have told you the truth."
Jess looks down at his feet and then back at Rory, taking her hand in his he says. "Forget about it, you had a reason not to tell me.....I mean look at this morning."
"I just don't know how they fit into my life anymore." Rory replies, letting her head fall back.
Jess raises his hand, placing it behind her head.
Rory moves in closer, "I try and I try to get him to be civil to you and it never fails every time I talk to him he asks me if I'm still with the punk."
"Ror, he has his reasons to hate me, true they may not be verifiable but they're understandable."
"I don't care." Rory replies kicking a nonexistent rock. "You're not him."
Jess smiles, looking down at Rory, "I never will be either."
"I know....that's why I get so upset when you act like you did today, you're nothing like him, nothing he says about you is true you should be the bigger person and let it go. When you get riled up, he knows he's got you...that's what he wants he wants you to get mad and hit him, then it'd prove his point."
Jess nods, "I'm sorry......I'll try harder next time."
Rory looks up at Jess, "Yeah? When will that be?"
"Tomorrow."
"Really?"
"If you still want to go."
"I do."
"Ok then."
"Good." Rory replies, her teeth chattering.
Jess struggles to get his jacket off, "Here."
Rory beams at him, taking the jacket and pulling herself into it.
"Come on let's go in." Jess says standing up.
"Ok."
*Elsewhere: Gilmore Home
Lorelai found Luke at the diner and dragged his butt home, after much groveling and apologizing.
"Do you really think that's going to make Rory forgive you?" Luke says with amusement.
"Of course, she's been deprived for weeks....and seemingly will be for many more this is the closes thing to the real stuff." Lorelai replies waving a half-gallon of Friendly's coffee ice cream in front of Luke. "Besides there's a very drippy apology to go with it."
Luke laughs.
Lorelai's expression turns seriously, "Do you think she's ok?"
"Yeah....I'm sure Jess worked his magic.....he always does."
"Just like some other people we know." Lorelai replies winking at Luke.
"Shut up." He barks back.
Lorelai giggles as the front door opens. Lorelai runs towards the living room.
"Rory!"
"Mom!" Rory replies running towards her mothers arms.
The two women embrace.
*5 minutes later.
"I'm so sorry babe, of course I'll go with you tomorrow...we'll all go."
"Thanks mom."
"And on our way back we can go to Quincy Market and get the candy vegetables..I'll show Luke I can eat healthy."
"That won't work......again." Luke replies sheepishly.
Rory and Lorelai giggle.
"Oh hey sweets! Come get you're "you're mother's an insensitive jerk" make up present"
"The best kind of present!" Rory replies with a grin.
"It's in the freezer."
Rory makes a mad dash for the freezer, swinging the door open carelessly. "Oh my God!"
"I figured if you couldn't have the hard stuff....."
"It's great, thanks mom!" Rory replies wrapping her arms around the box of ice cream.
"Ok, gentlemen lets go." Lorelai replies hooking arms with both Luke and Jess.
"What?" Jess asks.
"Where are we going?"
"A girl needs her privacy when she's been deprived for more than 24 hours." Lorelai replies with a grin.
Luke and Jess give Lorelai bewildered looks.
"Have fun sweets"
"Thanks mom!" Rory replies, dunking her spoon into the carton. "Oh God...mmmm this is good."
*Friday morning 10am
"Everyone ready?" Luke asks holding the front door open.
"As ready as we'll ever be" Jess says unenthusiastically.
"Watch that face." Luke says gruffly.
Jess plasters on a smile.
Rory slips her arm through his, "Ready."
"Hat." Jess says handing her coat and hat.
Rory rolls her eyes, "Overprotective."
"Hey, you were outside for like an hour with no jacket on yesterday."
"Jess is a mush," Lorelai sings, pulling on her coat.
"Yeah yeah yeah." Jess replies, "Let's get this over with."
*20 minutes later: In the car
"So what'd you tell your dad on the phone?"
"That we had the weekend free so we figured we'd drive up."
"Does he know your mom's coming?" Jess raises an eyebrow at Rory.
"Of course not, it wouldn't be half the fun if Sherri was caught unprepared." Rory smirks at Jess.
Stop that." He replies.
"It intimidates you, doesn't it?"
Jess leans in and kisses her softly.
Rory pulls back, "See, you didn't have an answer intimidated."
*Front seat
"You ok?" Luke asks looking away from the road.
"Yeah, it won't be so bad, you'll be there."
Luke smiles, "Good."
*Chris's house.
Luke pulls the car up to the driveway, where Georgia is seated on the stoop waiting for her "sister" to come.
"Rory!" She shrieks.
The 8 year old runs towards her half sister.
"Gigi." Rory says with a genuine smile, despite the fact that she hated her mother; Georgia had grown up to be a pretty cool little girl.
"Thank you for the video game!" Georgia exclaims referring to Rory's Christmas present to her.
"George!" Jess says with a smirk.
The girl loosens her grip on Rory and runs to Jess, who oddly enough has turned out to be the object of her first crush.
"Jess!" She squeals.
"Here" Jess says picking her up in his arms, handing her a small box.
"What is it?"
"Some of my old cds"
"Cool!" Georgia exclaims blushing slightly.
"Rory!" Chris exclaims from the doorway.
"Dad." Rory replies with a smile.
Chris looks around, noticing Gigi in Jess arms. "Jess."
"Sir." Jess replied, not out of respect merely to piss Chris off.
"Christopher." Lorelai says finally.
Chris's eyes go wide, "Lor."
"Chris are you just going to stand out there all day, it's freezing invite Rory---- ." Sherri calls approaching the front door. "Oh, you brought the whole gang." Sherri states uncomfortably.
"That's not a problem is it?" Rory replies coldly.
"Of course not, the more the merrier." Sherri replies oddly. "Why don't you all come in it's freezing out here."
Everyone files in behind Sherri.
"Hey George, ever heard of Metallica?" Jess asks gigi.
"No.." The little girls says.
*10 minutes later *Everyone is seated around the living room coffee table.
Sherri enters with a pot of coffee.
"Coffee anyone.....well besides Rory and Lorelai I know you two will be having a pot a piece.
Rory grimaces.
"Actually, thanks to Luke," Lorelai cuts in patting Luke's knee, "We've cut back...one cup in the morning one before bed." Lorelai grins.
"Oh, well good for you." Sherri replies. "Gigi, come on why don't you go sit by daddy leave Jess alone."
"It's fine." Jess says honestly.
"Oh alright then."
"So, Rory we saw your piece on tv the other night." Chris beams.
"Oh yea?"
"You were amazing...you made tax raises sound interesting."
"That's right, you're dad watched the whole report, Gi and I weren't allowed to speak for the duration."
"It was only a 3 minute piece." Rory replies.
"Still it was great, I'm so proud of you baby."
"Thanks."
"So Luke, still working at the diner?" Sherri asks with a smile.
"Yeah." Luke nods.
"Well, see Luke doesn't work at the diner....he owns the diner." Lorelai replies.
"And he runs it, he practically feeds the whole town." Rory interjects.
"Well good for you." Sherri remarks.
*Hour later: Lorelai is in the kitchen with Sherri, who insisted Lorelai help with lunch. Georgia has taken Jess to see her room. Luke, Rory and Chris are in the living room.
*Kitchen:
"Thanks for your help Lorelai."
"Not a problem." Lorelai replies through her teeth.
"So how are things with you, still no ring I see."
"Well you know, Luke and I are taking our time...we'll tie the know someday, when we're both ready, I mean I'd hate to just get married for the hell of it.....or because I was pregnant." Lorelai mumbles the last part.
"What was that?"
"oh nothing, to be honest I'm a little hoarse today, got a bit of a cold, must have caught it from Rory."
"Oh well then please take a step back."
"What?"
"Well you know, it's not really good for me to get sick."
"Wh-" Lorelai cuts herself off as Sherri turns to face her. Lorelai's face drops open as she notices the small bulge in Sherri's stomach. "Oh my God, oh yeah right, you know maybe I should go into the living room, germs and all you know." Lorelai replies backing out of the kitchen.
Luke looks back as Lorelai stumbles into the living room, her face stripped of all it's color.
"Lorelai?"
"I-I forgot something in the car I'll be right back." Lorelai replies rushing to the front door.
Rory gives Luke a concerned look.
"Probably forgot, her purse, I'll go help her..." Luke says heading for the door.
Chris watches him leave, "So your mom's happy?"
"Yeah, she really is. Luke is good for her." Rory replies quietly.
Chris nods, "I'm glad you came up."
"Me too."
"So, uh you and jess seem pretty...together."
"Yep, three years in February."
"Right, the 14th"
"You remembered."
"You don't forget your daughters wedding."
"Oh yeah."
*Outside:
"Lorelai what's going on?"
"He never stops." Lorelai replies on the verge of tears.
Luke groans, walking towards her, "What's he do now?"
"He, she she's pregnant."
"What?"
"You know this whole settling down thing I was sure it was a sham, but this, it wasn't a mistake this time, I know it."
Luke pulls her into his arms, "Come here."
*Living room:
Jess returns, holding Georgia's hand.
"Hey there kiddo." Chris smiles at his youngest daughter. "Lunch'll be ready soon go wash up."
Georgia looks up at Jess who gives her a nod, and then slowly makes her way to the bathroom.
"Lunch!" Sherri calls happily.
Rory and Chris stand up, Jess walks over, putting his arm around Rory's waste, "Where are the two love birds?" He asks, attempting to mess with Chris.
He succeeds.
"They went outside to look for her purse." Rory whispers.
*Lunch begins, 2 minutes later Luke Lorelai reappear.
Rory gives her mother a sideward glance, but Lorelai remains silent.
Sherri stands up, "I'd like to make a quick toast, to today, and having everyone here together."
Lorelai glares murderously at Sherri.
Lorelai takes a deep breath and stands up, "May I?"
"Please." Sherri grins falsely.
"To Chris and Sherri....and Georgia, for having us here.....Congratulations on the new arrival."
Sherri grins rubbing her stomach.
Jess and Rory's mouths fall open simultaneously.
"Y-you're pregnant?" Jess asks, flabbergasted.
"Almost 3 months." Sherri beams.
Rory's face goes white, she grips Jess arm, "I'm going to be sick." She says as she runs room the table.
"Rory!" Chris calls after her.
Jess holds his hand up to Chris to stop him from stepping forward. Jess sends Lorelai a sympathetic glance and then exits the kitchen after Rory.
"I see what you mean Lorelai, it's a good thing Rory kept her distance....she's obviously not over her "bug" yet."
This time Luke sends Sherri the death stare.
*The bathroom:
Jess knocks on the door, "It's me." He says hoarsely.
The sound of the door unlocking is heard and Rory pushes the door open slightly.
Jess slips in.
Rory looks at him, tears streaming down her face.
"That's it isn't it?"
"Ror-"
"He's given us up, this family is real now, this wasn't a mistake."
"He'll never have what any of us have, Rory feel sorry for him, not for you or your mom. He wishes he could have what you have."
"She made mom cry."
Jess nods.
"I hate when she does that, I think she does it out of spite."
"Maybe, but you can't let her get the best of you......you still have to tell your dad, once you do we can leave."
"Promise?"
"I think we'll all agree to that." Jess smirks. Placing his arm over Rory, "Come on let's get this over with."
*2 minutes later: Jess and Rory return to the kitchen.
"Sorry..." Rory trails off, sitting down next to Chris.
Chris puts his hand over Rory's, "You ok?"
"Fine." Rory smiles sheepishly.
Jess squeezes her other hand under the table.
"I'm sorry it was such a shock and everything, we've just been so busy we've hardy had time to make any calls." Sherri says with a smile.
Chris gives her an odd look; "I didn't want to tell you over the phone." He states.
"I understand." Rory replies.
"So Rory, you're going to have another little sister."
"Just what I need." Rory mumbles.
"Oh so you already know what it's going to be." Lorelai chimes in.
"Yep, we found out last week....we're thinking of naming her Savannah, get it Savannah Georgia." Sherri giggles.
Jess cringes at her shrill laugh.
"Yeah, so the due date is June 21st, we'll probably due the baby shower sometime in February....you should come. It'll be so exciting, oh and you have to come in June and stay the week.I'd love you two to be here when little vannah is born, just like you were with Gigi." Sherri continues.
"Well, I think we may actually be busy.." Lorelai starts.
"Lorelai be serious, this is the miracle of life we're talking about here, you have to be there; I mean lets be honest you've been living vicariously through me for years and I'm ok with that, I encourage you to come really."
"Sher-" Chris says.
"Christopher, I think it's a polite gesture, don't you Lorelai."
Lorelai sputters.
"Well we all know how much Lorelai's loved being involved in all of your er special moments," Luke interjects", "and I'm sure Lorelai is very moved by your offer, but I don't really think I'd say she was living vicariously through you.."
"That's right! If I'm living vicariously through anyone its Rory, at least she has the decency to include me in her life without mentioning how unfulfilling mine is...which it's not!" Lorelai screams.
Sherri's eyes go wide as Lorelai stands up.
"Mom,"
"My life is just as good as yours."
"I never said it wasn't"
"You're right you never did, you've told everybody but me that my life is crap, you say you want us to be a part of yours and and Chris but that's bologna."
"Gigi, I think you should finish your lunch in your room."
"Y-you stand here all polite and nice and then the second we're out of ear shot you cut us all down, I'm no good because I'm not married, Luke is just a guy who works in a diner, not like Chris who, oh what do you do again? Insurance? And worst of all is how you treat Rory."
"What?" Sherri shrieks, "I love Rory, as if she were my own daughter."
Jess makes a sound.
"Care to join in, Rebel with out a cause?" Lorelai turns to Jess.
"Tag me." Jess says hollowly.
Lorelai slaps Jess' hand and then takes a seat.
"You think I'm dirt, and you never let Rory forget that....if you loved her, you'd support every decision she makes, but you don't you , you nag her all the time about me you bad mouth her mother right in front of her you dismiss Luke, Luke who has been more of a father to Rory than her own father, you love Rory so much that you play games with her, Rory is the kindest most amazing person probably any of us will ever meet in our lifetimes and you treat her like crap."
"Well I....."
Tears roll down Rory's cheeks, Jess sits down again, "I'm sorry."
"Don't be this was a mistake, I should have just done it over the phone....."
"Done what?" Chris asks with concern.
"I've been waiting all afternoon for the perfect way to tell you this, but I guess there is no perfect way."
"What are you saying Rory?"
Rory shakes her head, "I'm....you're going to be a grandfather."
"What?"
"In august."
"Oh my God."
"Can we go now?" Rory asks turning to jess.
"Yeah." Jess says taking Rory's hand as they exit.
"Bye Georgia!" Rory calls.
"Bye George!" Jess adds.
Luke and Lorelai follow them out.
"Wait, Rory." Chris says.
Rory turns around.
"All I can say is I'm sorry."
Rory nods.
"Please tell me I can still be a part of this."
"I don't know..." Rory sobs.
"Rory this baby's going to need a grandfather." Chris states.
"You're right..." Rory smiles looking at Luke, "And he'll have one, in Luke."
Luke smiles at Rory.
"I know I've screwed everything up, I don't want to lose you Rory."
"You're going have to work really hard to fix this, and I know that once I walk out this door I'm going need a break from all this.....I'm tired of being put in the middle of this, if you want me to be a part of your life you're going to have to except the people who are in mine, so if you can't do that don't bother." Rory replies turning back towards the door."
"I'll try."
Rory hugs her father, "Goodbye Dad."
With out another word Rory, Jess Lorelai and Luke leave.
"Daddy?"
"Hey babe," Chris says putting an arm around his daughter.
"Rory went home?"
"yeah."
"When's she coming back?"
"I don't know, we'll call her next week.
A/n Bad ending abrupt I know but seriously I've been sitting her for two hours writing this and I'm tired-for clarification the last bit of dialogue is saying that Chris is going to make a point to work on his relationship w/ Rory---figure it will make for some interesting stuff once he tries to bond with jess. Hehe. R&R please.