Fool for Love

by

javakamp
Chapter 21: There's always room for ice cream

As Rory neared her house, she was surprised to see her grandmother's car parked out front. She smiled as she jogged to the house and entered through the door into the kitchen.

As soon as the door opened, she knew something was wrong. The first thing that caught her attention was the smell of burning coffee. She quickly ran to the coffeemaker and turned it off. She picked up the pot, which held a black mass at the bottom. She carried the pot to the sink, where she filled it with water, to soak. When she turned from the sink, she noticed papers scattered across the kitchen table, along with two partially finished cups of coffee.

With a foreboding feeling in her stomach, she approached the table. The first thing to catch her attention was the photographs. Uncertainly she picked up a stack of photos, and began to flip through them. She quickly recognized her mother and Colin together, in various locations around town, and other places. There were also photos of Colin with a blond woman, and sometimes two boys who appeared to be between eight and twelve.

Panic started to grip Rory. She tossed aside the photos and grabbed some of the typewritten pages on the table. She quickly flipped through the pages, scanning their contents. As she read she felt anger rise, and her lower lip began to tremble. After the third page, she stopped reading. Still holding the pages, she began to run towards the living room.

"M…" she started to shout for her mother, but pulled up short as she saw her grandmother at the far end of the couch looking back at her. Emily had a tissue in her hand that she used to wipe a tear from her face. Rory cast her eyes down to the couch where Lorelai lay on her side, with her head resting on Emily's leg. Her mother was quietly sobbing, while Emily would occasionally stroke her hair.

Rory forced back tears as she and Emily exchanged glances. No words were spoken, but volumes were shared. Rory glanced around the room and spotted the phone. She picked up the phone and quickly dialed a number. When someone answered on the other end, Rory spoke, "Joe, its Rory. Can we get a large supreme delivered? Twenty-five minutes, is fine. Thanks."

Rory thumbed off the phone. As she sat it down the gears continued to spin in her head. She wanted to go to her mother, but her grandmother had that under control for now. Finally, Rory looked up and said, "We need ice cream."

When Emily nodded, Rory said, "I'll be right back." Rory started for the door, but stopped and said, "I don't have any money."

Emily waved towards the kitchen, "My wallet is in my purse, take what ever you need." Rory turned for the kitchen, but Emily stopped her, "Oh, Rory." When Rory turned back around, Emily continued, "My keys are there too. Go ahead and take my car." Rory started to say something, but Emily stopped her protest, saying, "Don't argue, it will be faster."

Rory nodded, and then turned for the kitchen.