I'm back. Again. Since this seems to be the only story that looks like it might on the off chance get a possible 100 reviews I'm going to continue it. In a few minutes cause right now I've gotta take my contacts out.
Okay. I'm back. Man is that hard. (I just got them yesterday.)
I know this story is mostly dialogue, but that seems to be what's coming, so I'm going to stick with it.
And on with the story…
*
"I'm going on vacation," Coral announced to her boyfriend as she stuffed a few t-shirts into her suitcase.
"Where are you going?" he asked. "What about work?"
"They gave me leave. I'm on the next flight to Hartford."
"Why are you going to Hartford?"
"I'm not. I'm going to Stars Hollow."
"Because…"
"Because Mom needs me. I mean, Dad left her. She can't be doing very well on her own."
"Don't you think you should call first?"
"Nope. A nice surprise is just what she needs to cheer her up."
"Okay. Do you want me to come?"
"I think I'll go alone, if you don't mind. Mother daughter bonding time would probably be interrupted if there was a future son-in-law in the picture."
"Ah. Right."
"I'll call you when I get in, though. And every night that I'm there." She zipped up the suitcase and pulled it off her bed. "I've gotta get going if I'm gonna make my flight. I love you." She called as the door closed behind her.
*
7 and a half hours later Coral dragged herself out of her
rental car and up to the front door of her childhood home. Lifting her finger to push the doorbell she
put a smile on in an attempt to cheer up what she was sure would be a very sad
mother. Instead she was greeted by an
unexpected and rather cheerful father.
"Tristin!" she announced rather loudly.
"What are you doing here?"
"What are you doing here?"
"I asked you first."
"Well I'm the one blocking the entrance."
"I came to cheer up Mom. Clearly that's not needed."
"Coral?" came a voice from inside.
"Hey, Mom."
"Whatcha doin' here?"
"Visiting. I got a vacation and I thought I'd visit my favorite mother."
"Tris let her in." Once Coral was inside she gave her mother a big hug.
"Anyone care to explain to me what's going on?" Coral asked, giving Tristin a rather pointed look.
"Uh, sweetie, your father, Tristin, and I. Well…"
"Oh. You're together?"
"We're engaged."
"Oh."
"Now who's got a new favorite word?"
"I'm just surprised. That's all. Don't you need to get a divorce first?"
"Umm…yeah. The divorce was final yesterday. Mark managed to push it through really quickly. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."
"No. That's okay. I'm just…surprised. That's all."
"Alright. So are you gonna stay here? There are clean sheets on your old bed. And I swear I haven't stolen your pillow."
"Sure you haven't. And yes, I'd love to stay here, but I'm gonna go get some coffee at Luke's first. I'm exhausted."
"Okay. Do you want to pick up a video, too? You could get 'Blazing Saddles.'"
"Uh…sure. I'll be back in a little while." Coral dumped her stuff into her old room and left the house, pausing to take a deep breath once she was outside. If Tristin made one wrong move…
She continued on her way to Luke's and then Stars Hollow Video, wondering if her life would ever get back to normal.
*
"Ror, you sure she's okay?" Tristin asked once Coral had left.
"Of course. She just needs some time to adjust to the idea. I am moving on pretty quickly. Coral's always been one to work things out on her own. She just needs space and somewhere quiet to go. She'll be better when she gets back."
The two, who'd been living together since Tristin's proposal, had fallen into a comfortable routine. Tristin was the only one allowed near anything in the kitchen besides the table and the coffeemaker. Rory was the only one permitted near the coffeemaker. And they were happy, they fit, almost as though it was meant to be. They were meant for each other.
Rory was right. Once Coral arrived home she was much more "chipper" and seemed like she was warming up to the idea. Loving it, even. She'd had a rather informative talk with her grandparents that had cleared up some of her issues.
*
Next chapter: what exactly was discussed during Coral's chat with her grandparents, plus, a surprise visit from Mark sends things into cacophony. (I just like the word. Say it. Say it five times fast. You'll like it too.)
Collect your thoughts at the review button…
